Berlin: Ghostly Vibes & Glitchy Coordinates
okay, so i just got back from berlin. and honestly? my brain’s still processing. it's a city that hums with a weird energy, a mix of history and… well, something else. like it's holding its breath.
i’m still trying to figure out what 702320 and 1804926154 actually mean. seriously. maybe it’s a code? a phone number to a secret society? i’m not even kidding. it felt… significant. was it some weird geolocation? i checked it on a map app, and it just pinpointed a somewhat industrial area near a canal. not super exciting, but definitely felt like a place of hidden stories.
the weather? i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. perpetually overcast, drizzly, but somehow... cozy. it fosters a sort of introspective mood, which is fitting for a city packed with ghosts and secrets. the air smells faintly of diesel and damp concrete. it's not unpleasant, just… undeniably berlin.
i spent most of my time wandering, letting my feet lead me. i’m a *DIY Busker kind of traveler, so I really love just soaking things in. my accommodation - a tiny Airbnb in a neighborhood called Prenzlauer Berg - was perfect. seriously. it felt like stepping back in time. but also, like exactly where i needed to be. the locals in Berlin… they’re a mixed bag. some are incredibly welcoming, others seem to actively avoid eye contact. i heard that the East Side Gallery is a good place to strike up a conversation, although someone told me to steer clear of the bars directly adjacent to it; something a local warned me about.
i even accidentally stumbled upon a street artist working on a mural near Hackesche Höfe. his work was incredible - a swirling blend of colours and textures that felt both ancient and futuristic.
Gear List (aka what i packed):
Comfortable walking shoes (essential!)
A good rain jacket (you’ll need it)
A notebook and pen (for random thoughts and overheard gossip)
A portable charger (trust me)
Layers, layers, layers.
*Pro-tip: Don't be afraid to get lost. Some of my best discoveries were made when I wandered aimlessly. and be prepared for crowds. especially around Museum Island.
i also heard that visiting Teufelsberg (Devil's Mountain) is a must. someone told me that it’s the best place to see the city from a different perspective - and it’s allegedly haunted. i’m not one for ghost stories, but the idea is pretty intriguing.
speaking of haunted... i heard a rumour that there’s an abandoned subway station under the city that’s supposedly full of restless spirits. i'm definitely adding that to my list - it's completely illogical, but that's what makes it fascinating. anyone else heard anything about that? I'm trying to find info on Berlin’s underground history.
i did some digging on TripAdvisor and it seems like most people loved the food scene, especially at Mustafa's Gemüse Kebap. though someone told me it’s unbelievably expensive. and Yelp says that the canals are lovely, but be prepared for a bit of a chill. TripAdvisor is useful, but maybe take everything with a grain of salt.
if you get bored, Prague* is just a short drive away. or maybe try venturing into the countryside…Visit Berlin has a fantastic website with information on all things Berlin.
i'm going to need more coffee after this, but it was a truly unforgettable trip. berlin isn't just a city; it's an experience. and i can’t wait to go back.
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