I came back from Berlin on Sunday and what an impression did that city make on me! It is such a cool, gorgeous, historical city. Words can’t describe how much I’ve fallen in love with it (although I’ll try anyway…).
I went with my brother, who went there earlier this year so he already saw a many things of the city. Only this time we were in a different area, so there was also a lot of new stuff for him to see. We were dead tired the first day, as our plane left at 06:50! As we arrived at the hotel we heard we could only check in after 2 PM, which was a bummer as we were both longing for a nap. So what do you do when you have a bummer and you’re in Berlin? Get over it!
We immediately went to see a bit more of the surroundings and already saw some pretty stuff, drank coffee at Balzac (where my brother fell in love with the name LOL) and returned to the hotel. Only to fall asleep for the next few hours and go to dinner in the evening.
In the next few days we saw everything Berlin is famous for (from a historical point of view): the East side gallery on the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburger Tor, the Reichstag, the Holocaust monument, the Berliner Dom, the Häkescher markt, the DDR museum and Checkpoint Charlie. It is insane what an amount of modern Western history can be found in this city. I was already a major fan of WWII history (not because it’s fun, but because I’m fascinated by the causes, reactions and the impact of the events), it was my favorite subject in high school.
Walking in this city with a story about these events on almost literally every corner of the street was an amazing feeling. I didn’t know that much about the Berliner Wall and the DDR, but that also made a huge impact on me. I saw a different side of the history I already knew and damn the German people have had a tough time, due to decisions made by a small group of people. Of course I know that’s always the case with dictatorial regimes, but this was the first time I saw the story from a perspective of the normal German people. Insanely impresive!
My biggest historical highlight was a picture I took with my smartphone (as I was smart enough to take my camera with me but forget the SD card…) featuring the Holocaust monument, the Reichstag, the Brandenburger Tor and the German and American flag ALL in one picture…simply breath taking!
Next to the historical sight seeing we also went shopping! Before I went I heard a lot of stories about Berlin not being a real shopping city. Those stories are true, up to a point that you do really have to look for the shopping area. But let me tell you we found it and enjoyed it a lot! We went to the KaDeWe, which has a lot of major fashion brands and they were all on sale! Whiiihaaa! I didn’t go all out and just bought some cool pants.
I had a reason for this as our next stop was a store where they sell vintage designer stuff. Seriously it was like I discovered a room of treasures….which it in fact was. Armani, Chanel, Gucci, Prada etc. and that all with a story and for half the price! I tried on a couple of shoes (all almost new!) but none of them fit me. It didn’t really matter as I bought my first designer bag from Gucci in the end! I so love it and am going to show you soon. They also had 2 REAL Haute Couture dresses hanging there, which were earlier featured on the covers of Elle…yes jaw dropping and I could only stare with a big grin on my face. Just looking at them made me happy.
The same street featured 5 more of such stores, so I went back the next day and bought a gorgeous dress (don’t know if it’s from a designer, but it’s gorgeous…). So the Mommsenstrasse is definitely my biggest shopping highlight in Berlin! Oh and if you like regular vintage stuff you should also check out Garage if you’re ever in Berlin, as it’s a huge vintage shop.
Next to the shopping and historical sight seeing we also went out of course. Berlin is famous for it’s nightlife and even has the best club in Europe. We definitely visited that one (which is an accomplishement by itself, as the door policy is literally random) and also Cookies and 2Be club. All very memorable nights!!!
Finally I saw so many nice German people, who were all very friendly! I loved their hospitality and they also have great food from all over the world.
In case you didn’t ever visit Berlin I would have to say it is a must see. The city stole my heart and I don’t want it back! I just hope to come back again one day.
Hope you’ve had a great day!
Love,
Ivana
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