Berlin Brain Dump: Numbers, Feels, and Fog
okay, so i'm back from berlin. a total whirlwind. i’m still processing, tbh. the numbers i keep seeing are 3080165 and 1616050904. no idea what they mean, but they feel…significant? like some kind of code. the weather report said temp:1.04, feels_like:-0.98, temp_min:-0.91, temp_max:1.04, pressure:1013, humidity:44, sea_level:1013, grnd_level:1002. it’s…crisp. i just checked and it’s genuinely chilly out there, hope you like that kind of thing. definitely pack layers. seriously.
i landed and immediately felt this weird mix of exhausted and hyper-aware. berlin just buzzes. like a low-frequency hum you can feel in your teeth. the air smells like diesel and…something vaguely floral? maybe just laundry detergent. the *streets are a chaotic ballet of bikes, Ubers, and people weaving through everything. it’s a beautiful mess.
i spent most of my time wandering. just getting lost, really. that’s my favourite way to experience a place. i found this tiny cafe in Kreuzberg that served the best coffee. seriously, the best. it was tucked away down a side street, like a secret. i’m pretty sure it was only frequented by locals and a couple of very intense-looking artists. i heard that the owner makes his own beans - definitely check out this Yelp review if you're into that sort of thing.
one thing i learned quickly: don’t be afraid to talk to people. berliners can seem intimidating at first - very direct, not a lot of small talk - but they’re actually incredibly helpful. i asked a woman for directions (i was hopelessly lost, as usual) and she walked me all the way there, even though she was clearly in a rush. that’s Berlin for you.
i also spent a ridiculous amount of time in museums. too many museums. but they’re amazing. the Museum Island is a must-see. but be prepared for crowds! someone told me that the DDR Museum is surprisingly fascinating, even if you think you already know about East Germany.
Food was another highlight. i ate currywurst until i thought i’d burst. and don't even get me started on the pretzels. i’m pretty sure i gained five pounds just from pretzels. don’t judge.
i saw some incredible street art too. berlin is a haven for artists, and you can find amazing murals all over the city. i was wandering around Friedrichshain* and stumbled upon this whole hidden alleyway covered in art. it felt like stepping into another dimension. if you're into that, check out this street art guide.
i’m also hearing that the nightlife is insane. really crazy. apparently, there are clubs that don’t even open until 4 am. i’m not sure i’m up for that kind of energy after all the walking i did, but maybe next time. and if you get bored, Prague is just a short train ride away.
Basically, berlin is a sensory overload. it’s chaotic, it’s beautiful, it’s exhausting, and it’s completely captivating. go. just go. you won't regret it.
i'm off to make some tea. and maybe dream about currywurst.
Check out this travel guide from TripAdvisor for more ideas!