Berlin: Riddles & Rain, Then Again...

okay, deep breath. so, i’m still processing. just got back from berlin, and honestly, i feel like i’ve unlocked a secret code. i’m trying to decipher it all. i'm wrestling with a crazy mix of existential dread and the absolute best currywurst i’ve ever tasted. it’s a paradox, really.

first things first: the weather. i just checked and it's…there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. it’s this persistent drizzle, the kind that makes everything look a little grey and melancholic. i felt like i could practically hear the city sighing. which, fair warning, is probably accurate. i heard that someone told me that berlin is the city of ghosts, and while it didn’t feel haunted exactly, it definitely had a certain…weight to it.



weirdly, things felt intensely…connected. like everyone knew something i didn’t. it’s a vibe. i’m not sure if it’s the history, the constant buzz of activity, or just the fact that i spent most of my time huddled in cafes, nursing lukewarm coffee and observing. but there's this feeling of shared experience, of being part of something bigger than yourself.

i'll admit, my plan was pretty loose. i wasn't really aiming to see anything in a traditional sense. more like feel something. i wandered through neighborhoods i didn’t recognize, got happily lost in side streets, and stumbled upon street art that was less 'polished masterpiece' and more 'bold statement in spray paint.' found it amazing.

okay, let’s talk about food. seriously. i'm still dreaming about the currywurst. it’s a national obsession, and it’s completely justified. i also sampled some delicious street food - lentils and vegetables, some amazing rye bread. i’m convinced the best meals are the ones you don't plan.

*Pro-tip: avoid the tourist traps in Mitte. go a few blocks off the main drag; you’ll find some real hidden gems. and Don’t be afraid to just wander. Seriously. get lost. it’s the best way to discover unexpected treasures.

One rumor i overheard: someone told me that the Brandenburg Gate is actually a giant puzzle, designed by a secret group of… well, i don’t know what. it involved a lot of ancient magic and strategically placed pigeons. i’m not entirely sure if i believe it, but it’s a story worth keeping.

Another piece of local wisdom* - something a local warned me about - is that trust your gut. Berlin is a city of shadows and hidden alleys, and sometimes the best experiences are the ones you don’t anticipate.

i’m not sure what i’m taking away from this trip, exactly. maybe it’s just a renewed appreciation for the unexpected. maybe it’s a reminder that sometimes the most profound experiences are the ones you don’t plan. or maybe it’s just that i’m completely bewildered by a city that feels both ancient and incredibly modern. i'm definitely going back.