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I had a memorable experience in Berlin. There were many things that were unusual but quite fascinating to be part of the moment. For example, after leaving the dance club around 4:30 AM Sunday morning, I was at a metro station waiting for the next train. A man approaches me and asks me something in German. I respond saying I don’t speak German. He then asks me where I am from. Then his two friends, a man and woman, join in on the conversation and we introduce one another. I forgot their names two seconds after they told me. He asked me if I had pepper spray to defend myself from an attacker. I explained to him that the truth is I don’t carry that type of self-defense weaponry because it would take too long of a time to reach into my purse and put them to use. I told them that my only logical weapons are my arms and legs. If the time came, my adrenaline would kick it and defeat my attacker, male or female, by harming his or her weak spots. The two men reacted by reaching for their manhood and making and “ooh” sound. We separated when we entered the metro train. I thought this was for the best since I was so tired. I think I arrived at the hostel around 5:15 AM. This would probably be the last time I would be in Berlin for a while, so I had to embrace as much as possible.  I woke up at 8:30 in the morning, leaving me to venture the last part of Berlin with only under 3 hours of sleep. I did not let my lack of sleep stop me from going on my exploration adventure. This would probably be the last time I would be in Berlin for a while, so I had to embrace as much as possible. My first destination was the East Side Gallery of the Berlin Wall. The first thing I realize was that this was exactly where the dance club was located. I exit the station and come across a photo booth. Although I was disappointed in myself for not capturing the moments of the night before, I decided to capture the sleep deprived and slightly hungover version of myself. After playing the waiting game with the photo booth (about 10 minutes for the photo strip to be developed despite the five minute claim on the machine), I headed towards the wall. I would consider it to have been a bit early for the people who decided to go out the night before. I believe it was about 11 AM when I arrived at the wall. This time didn’t stop people from drinking a beer. I saw perhaps 5 different groups of people drinking a bottle of beer. Truthfully, I did not know much about the gallery. I knew that there was the infamous kissing scene, which was surrounded by a crowd of people hoping to get a photo in front of. Something I was not expecting to find was the “fuck Donald Trump” graffiti on an appropriately fitting mural of diverse people building a wall. The few Americans I did come across, all captured this and even posed for a photo.
 Minutes after this, I realized my camera battery was nearly dead and I had stupidly forgotten my extra battery back at the hostel. I try to take as many photos and videos as I could without completely draining the battery then head to the nearest metro station to go back to my hostel. I return to the hostel and charge everything. Once I am ready to go, I head off to what is known as the Anne Frank Zentrum. This place was filled with really cool pieces of art on the walls. I have never been to a place like this before but was very happy to have seen it. Surrounded by the different forms of expressional art, I felt like also expressing myself on these walls. Unfortunately the thought of marking a wall did not come to me until that moment. For the next time I am in Berlin, I will have to make it a priority to not get caught while expressing myself on a wall or many walls in Berlin.
Berlin was an amazing experience. Not only did I get the opportunity to explore the city in a unique way, but I also had the chance to meet some very interesting people. I was sad and slightly regretful I did not take pictures of them or with them. I was even sadder that I did not write their names down so I could track them down on Facebook. Although I did not get the information I should have gotten, I learned that from now on I will be better at capturing not only moments or experiences but also the people along the way. The people were very sweet and friendly and although I may never see them again, they reminded me how precious time is with people when travelling around.
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NOTE: “Bering Berlin” was chosen because Bering is the name of a Danish navigator and explorer of the North Pacific Ocean who worked for the Russians. His name may sound familiar because you may have heard of the Bering Strait, which is what he ‘discovered.’ I chose this title because I, similar to the Danish navigating-explorer, ventured through an unfamiliar area resulting in occasionally getting lost. Realizing I was chewing gum in that moment, a lightbulb turned on in my head. You can only imagine what came next. During my time in Berlin, I had the chance to experience and witness things that will stay with me for a long time. It is hard to narrow it down to just a few because there was honestly so much. Within the first five minutes of stepping outside of my hostel Saturday morning, I notice a woman with a fox scarf leaving a pet food shop with dog food in her hands. This was odd for many obvious reasons, but I thought it was mostly uncomfortable seeing the legs and tail of the dead fox. Trying not to let this boggle my brain, I continue walking in the direction of Banhof Potsdamer Platz. There was a fair amount of people in this area taking photographs. I notice a stand-alone wall with images and explanations. When I looked closer, I realized there was gum all over this wall. Realizing I was chewing gum in that moment, a lightbulb turned on in my head. You can only imagine what came next. I’m sure you would do the same thing if you were in my shoes. After my silly moment, I continued walking in the direction I thought was the memorial for the murdered Jews. I was actually going the wrong way and had to map my way back in the correct direction. I was walking for a long time and paying much attention to the things around me and not much on the map on my phone. I lost track of where I was going but I felt like I was going the correct way. I turned a corner and saw the stone blocks of the memorial. I walked closer and felt overwhelmed. Seeing this memorial reminded me the travesty. I took a deep breath and just stared at the memorial for a few minutes. I stayed at the memorial for about 15 minutes. 
 After some time here, I walk towards Museum Island. This was a very beautiful area. The columns and statues reminded me of Rome and its similar style. I walk on a bridge next to the museum and notice an accordion being played by an elderly woman. Near her was a man selling products with fur that would probably be typical for the people here about 80 or so years ago. There was a crowd of people eyeing the items but walked away. Once the people walked away I noticed the accordion player had stopped. Another group of people came near and she began to play again. Seeing how it was a very cold day, she was only playing when there was a chance she could be tipped. Later that evening, I go out to a dance club. I was supposed to meet a group of people here that I had found off of Couchsurfing. However, my phone was unable to make phone calls. I asked the staff to use their phones to make a call and immediately shut me down and said no. Apparently they have a phone on site but would not allow me to use that either. Frustrated, I step into the bathroom evaluating my situation. I can either cry about it and go back to the hostel, try to find the people, or make the best of the night. I went with option 3. As a result of making this decision, I had met 6 very drunk Irish women. I knew they would be fun even before we had the chance to be officially introduced. Earlier when I was in line to enter the dance club, they were behind me. They were singing random songs in line then flirted with the bouncers. I was sitting down looking at my phone when one of them approached me. She was very friendly and nice. She became my best friend for the evening. I helped her keep her balance and she kept me company. She made me promise her to not let her smoke cigarettes that evening as she was finishing one off. For the life of me, I cannot remember her name. There is a high chance she doesn’t even remember my face. Even though it was a crazy night with her and her friends, it was the best way I could have celebrated my birthday. Also, things didn’t turn out the way I had expected or planned, however, I still found a way to enjoy myself without losing any memories. If you read this far, kudos to you. This is practically an essay or short story. Because of this, I am splitting this weekend story. I will be posting the other half tomorrow. So keep an eye out! Thanks again for reading this and stopping by, I hope it made you think or laugh or a little bit of both.
I had planned to wear certain things for certain occasions. However, life happens.  When preparing for my trip to Berlin, I had a general idea of what I was going to do. I had planned to wear certain things for certain occasions. However, life happens. Sometimes the feet are just too damn tired to wear heels. Sometimes the weather is too damn cold to wear certain stockings. And sometimes you have a scarf that looks much better than the ones you had brought. Here are a list of things that I had brought with me that were a complete waste of space: Shoes o White platform boots § I thought I was going to wear this when I went out Saturday night. Once I realized how much I had walked earlier that day and had planned the rest of the evening, I decided to ditch theses boots and go with the ones I had been wearing the entire trip. o Maroon Vans § I was planning to take these with me when I went and used my skateboard. I left them behind the morning I left to explore because they would take up space in my pack. Scarves (Yes more than one) o Maroon circle scarf § This is generally a good scarf as it keeps my neck warm, but it didn’t go with any of the outfits I ended up wearing. So I went with a scarf that did. o Black Scarf § I thought this would be the scarf I would use the most because it can go with anything. Turns out, it was just another scarf I decided not to use. Sweaters o Sorority § This black sweater did have a purpose for when I was on the plane for its thickness. However, once I went about exploring Berlin, I didn’t use it. It did have a bit of purpose, but I also could have survived without it o Canada § This sweater I thought would be good to have in case I need a pillow. Turns out I didn’t need one at any point during my trip, wasting more of my space. Blanket o I had brought this thinking I would get cold at my hostel. The last hostel I stayed at was a bit cold, so I decided to become prepared. The hostel I stayed at, however was very nice. Also, since the room was shared with seven other people, their bodies kept the room extra warm. Computer o This I thought most definitely was going to be used during my downtime period so I can write and upload photos. However, I did not have any downtime. The time I had to “relax” was spent changing and getting ready. I only opened it at the airport when I was waiting for my flight, but this was only to upload photos. This honestly could have waited until I arrived back in Latina. SO, I could have been okay without this. Perfume o So I like to smell nice before I go out, anywhere. I use deodorant on occasion, but haven’t found it necessary in the winter season. I sprayed myself Saturday morning with perfume, only for the scent to disappear about 10 minutes after stepping out into the cold. § NOTE for fellow travelers: If it’s going to be cold, you probably won’t need perfume.  ALWAYS PACK SANDALS Yes, I did bring many unnecessary things. Despite being extra prepared, there were some things that were left behind despite my little checklist that wasn’t checked. Here is a list of things that were forgotten and made my life slightly miserable: Sandals o The funny thing about traveling in January is you would never think to bring this type of footwear for this season. However, my hostel was filled with surprises. As soon as I arrive and drop my things off, I rush to the bathroom across the hall. Turns out this was under construction. Confused, I return to the staircase and luckily find a girl. She directs me to the bathroom upstairs. I quickly take a step in-only to have my foot completely soaked in water. To top it off, the room I stepped in was for showers and not for using the toilet. I certainly learned my lesson when it came to using bathrooms in a communal living space. o ALWAYS PACK SANDALS Mini Towel o This was on my list, but through all my madness of packing, I had left it behind in my closet. When I needed to dry my just-washed face, I only had my used t-shirt to dry off with. Luckily I had at least the t shirt and not, let’s say, underwear! I am joking, but this experience made me realize some of the simple things we have in life that are taken for granted. o NEVER FORGET TOWEL Lotion – Hands, body, etc o Before travelling, I prepared myself for the winter weather with clothes and accessories. Isn’t it amazing how one minor product can make such a significant difference in a person’s life? I forget any type of lotion except the one for my face. Saturday morning, my hands were very dry. I generally don’t have dry skin so I didn’t take this too seriously. When I returned to the hostel, I applied my face lotion to my hands. They became irritated, turned red, and began to burn. By Monday morning, my hands were still cracked, red, and irritated. I suppose it is for this reason, I won’t ever forget my hand lotion again. o STAY MOISTURIZED Better Gloves o I had packed a pair of gloves. They were small and cheap. I had got them at Target in their $1 section. I picked them up mainly because I can use the touchscreen on my phone while wearing these. When I put them on in Berlin, I had noticed holes forming at the tips due to my long nails. By lunchtime on Sunday, the holes were large enough to fit the entire tip of my finger. I guess I didn’t need that touchscreen feature after all. To top it off, these gloves did not keep my hands warm. In fact, I had to regularly place these gloves in my bra to absorb the heat in my chest, and then put them on. Yes I do know this sounds strange. I knew how strange it was based on the looks people would give me on the metro. Since I wouldn’t see them again, I didn’t care too much of what they thought.  Despite the lack of or abundance of, there were some items I was very happy I had brought along. There are things that should have been left behind while on the other hand, there are things that should have been brought along. Despite the lack of or abundance of, there were some items I was very happy I had brought along. Here is a list of things that fulfilled their purpose to the maximum: Extra charger or battery o For my camera I have two batteries. One is in use and the other is for the just in case one battery dies. Sunday morning, my camera battery had died. Unfortunately for me, I had left it behind at the hostel that morning. Luckily I was able to return to the hostel and pick it up and leave the other one to charge while I was away. o For Christmas, my host family had gifted me with a compact mirror that also acts as a charger for phones or tablets or other electronic devices. I didn’t realize how strong this compact was until I put it to the test the evening I arrived in Berlin. My phone was on 30% when I got off the plane. I needed it to be charged while I ensured the correct path towards the hostel. By the time I arrived at the hostel, my phone had reached 95%. To top it off, the compact was still 80% charged. Black hiking boots o These are among my heaviest pair of shoes. I considered them to be very good for travel because of their durability and ability to tread through mud and rain. These were actually the only pair of shoes I used in my entire trip. They are very comfortable and posed the ideal pair of shoes to walk long distances in. They will most likely be used in my future traveling trips. Extra socks o I may have gone a little overboard with scarves, I was right to go overboard with socks. I packed maybe a total of 9 socks. I had used every single pair with the magic of layering. Even with layered socks, there were occasionally some points when my feet would still be cold. So cold, to the point of even feeling a bit numb. So the extra socks may have been much, but they saved my toes. Thank you everyone for taking the time to read this! I will be making my third post on Monday, so stay tuned for that.
ALSO I will be uploading my new video collage of Berlin. Hope you enjoy it! I was planning to spend the most €50 on food, but had actually ended up only spending €15.50 on foods. When doing my research prior to traveling to Berlin, I came across various different sites and blogs that listed things to do or eat when on a budget. Although helpful in many ways, I actually ended up not utilizing the information as I had thought I would. One page I came across, had a list of restaurants to eat at under €10. This page gave me a ballpark estimate of how much I would most likely spend while in the city. I was planning to spend the most €50 on food, but had actually ended up only spending €15.50 on foods. The significant difference in amount was not only shocking but made me realize that although one can put much time and effort into research, it is completely different to go to the actual place and experience it for yourself. ...although one can put much time and effort into research, it is completely different to go to the actual place and experience it for yourself. How was I able to spend such a small amount on food? Well, for starters I had planned to eat at the restaurants I researched, but was too tired and too far away from them to eat at. So, I ended up paying €1.50 for a hot dog that was being grilled off of a man’s body. I also spent €3 for a sandwich at the metro station and €2.50 for a giant kebab. These may not seem like a sufficient amount of food to even be considered a meal, however, I generally have a small appetite so I don’t usually eat very much when travelling around. Moreover, even if I was hungrier, I could have easily purchased a second helping and it still would have been cheaper than the restaurants I was planning to dine at. So, when I first arrived at Aleksander Plätz I noticed many different men with grills attached to their bodies. I found it fascinating but wasn’t sure about ordering something from them. I felt strange if I were to eat a hot dog that was grilled off a man. Just the thought makes me laugh. However, the smell of the grilling meat peaked my interest and curiosity. Also the “€1.50” sign attached to their grills made me realize that this could be the best option for a meal or snack. I walked up to the man, unsure if he spoke English. I showed him my single index finger, to indicate I wanted one. He then asked “ketchup, mustard?” I asked for ketchup and he handed it to me. The entire interaction took about one minute. This was probably the fastest food experience I have ever had. I tasted the meat of the hot dog. It reminded me of the breakfast sausages I would eat at restaurants from back home (California). Although cheap, it was very delicious. The bread of the hot dog was also very unique in that it had a similar consistency and flavor to pretzels. It felt like I was eating a pretzel hot dog without the salt and butter. Regardless, this was the perfect lunch for me.
Later in the evening I walked down Karl-Marx-Alle. I decided to get dinner here but was unsure exactly where and what I should eat. I came across a small restaurant with images of foods and their prices. Unfortunately for me, all the names and ingredients were in German. I saw something that I could not pronounce but looked good, not just in price but also in the image. It was a typical kebab with pork meat, costing only €2.50. The man I ordered from asked if I wanted salad and a particular sauce. I went with everything and a spicy sauce. When my food was ready, I was shocked at the size. Wrapped in foil, it reminded me of the burritos that are served at taquerias in California. It was giant. In fact, it was so big I could only eat about ¾ of the entire kebab before feeling so full my stomach would explode.
The next day as I was preparing to return to my hostel in the evening, I decided to pick up something from the metro station. I came across a small shop that sells sandwiches, breads, drinks, etc. It somewhat reminded me of a 7/11. I ordered a sandwich that had French bread, mozzarella, tomatoes, pepper, and lettuce. It was simple but very filling. I didn’t like that the sandwich was cold, but it wasn’t a problem to eat.  These are just some examples of my food experiences. Saturday morning, I had purchased breakfast from the hostel I was staying at and later I got a coffee to wake me up. The Sunday of my trip I had purchased a hot dog then later a pretzel. I honestly did not eat very much during this trip, however it wasn’t because I was starving myself, but it was because I felt I didn’t have much time to sit down and enjoy a meal. Also, I wanted to use my money on other things and not food. The places I researched to eat at did look good, but I decided to take my food decisions into my own hands and figure it out for myself. I suppose I just want to remind you that although you can make all these plans for things to be done and seen, you may or may not be able to do all that you had been planning for. Keep in mind that I am not saying researching different websites for advice or help is a bad thing, because I knew exactly where I wanted to go during my trip thanks to this research. However, one can never really calculate the time it takes to go between different areas or the amount of time spent at each area. I suppose I just want to remind you that although you can make all these plans for things to be done and seen, you may or may not be able to do all that you had been planning for. I ended up eating at none of the restaurants I had planned for, but it worked out for the best. I hope you find this information helpful for your traveling plans. Thank you for reading !
I will be turning 23 years old this Saturday, January 28, 2017. This year, instead of celebrating my birthday with friends or random people to drink until memories of the evening fade; I decided to travel. I will be travelling to Berlin, Germany. This place has always been at the top of my list of places to visit. There is historical and cultural aspects of this city that are unlike any other place in the world. At least, that’s just from the images and clips I have seen. Although my time in Berlin will be brief, it will be a travel experience to be remembered for a long period of time.
Here is the list of things I would like to do and places I hope to see: · Explore Spree Park
Check back on my site this Thursday to get a look into what I will be packing. I will also be posting a new video. Stay tuned and, as always, thank you for reading this! |
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