5 days + Berlin = love

Graffiti found on the Museum Island, Berlin. Dec 25, 2011.

Before my trip began, I was so excited about Berlin and couldn’t wait to feel the soul of this Germany capital. This was my first visit, but strangely, I felt very at home. I lived a few unforgettable years in New York, and these two places have one thing in common: you don’t need a car to survive! On top of that, you get to enjoy tons of world class shopping within the reach of the public transportation. Whatever’s hip, fun and in style, you can find them in this two places. However the resemblance doesn’t stop here.

I stayed at a neighborhood called the Prenzlauer Berg. It’s a quiet peaceful area with restaurants, cafes and vintage boutiques. Life seems to take a slower pace here. There were lots of old residential buildings that stood at about 6 stories high, they reminded me of all the brownstones in New York. With the elevated subway track, it was exactly what Brooklyn looked like as I remembered. Staying in the slower paced bohemian P’Berg, and yet, world class museums were just a few metro stops away? This is just the kind of place I want to live in.

I get the chance to check out the Kadewe department store before it closed for Christmas. This place was easy to get to, but difficult to get through… as there were so much to see in there. Whatever you need, they seems to have it over there, perfect for last minute gift shopping, or for when you have no idea what to get. I think I spent almost an hour at the supermarket, looking at all the food they offered: All kinds of fancy desserts, delicious looking seafood, sausages that I couldn’t name and jams that are very rare back home…… of course, the chocolate selection too.

Walking around the street, you’re sure to discover something fun:

This is pure awesome madness. It must be someone's dream chair. Found at a quirky store near Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin. Dec 24, 2011.

This puts a smile on my face when I saw it running in front of me think it's Mexico's tourism advertising. Berlin. Dec 23, 2011.

A man printing card the traditional way: hand pressed! Love this old fashioned stuff (the paper quality was gorgeous), found at Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market, Berlin. Dec 24, 2011.

Of course, you can't miss this little guy. I almost bought a magnet. Berlin, Dec 24, 2011.

A bunch of sculptures sitting by the river near DDR museum. Berlin, Dec 24, 2011.

On my way to a delicious Christmas dinner, I found a street that belongs to me! Katharinestrasse, Berlin. Dec 24, 2011.

A wonderful and entertaining circus performance by Die Artistokraten at Gendarmenmakrt Christmas Market. It was a group of 3 crazy men on stage that night. Berlin. Dec 24, 2011.

I can’t wait to visit again, cause I already fell in love with Berlin. (just don’t get me started on the subway’s facilities)