Germany had always been a distant dream, a place I’d only seen in history books and movies. Yet, fate had other plans. A spontaneous decision with my roommate led us to the heart of Europe: Berlin.
From the historical perspective, Berlin is a captivating tapestry woven with threads of power, conflict, and cultural renaissance. From its humble beginnings as a medieval trading town, it rose to prominence as the capital of the powerful Kingdom of Prussia. Even though I am not much of a history buff, the architecture and rich history of Berlin stood out to me in every street. With the two World Wars and the Cold War leaving deep scars on the city, the Berlin wall became an important stop on our journey. Seeing how the wall was transformed into a big gallery featuring artists from across Germany and different locations, it became a cultural epicenter for a lot of different things.
Berlins art history and musical influence was a surprise to me for some reason. Walking through the trendy neighborhoods of Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain, discovering hidden gems like Haus Schwarzenberg, was a delightful surprise. This historic building, with its graffiti-covered façade and quirky shops, encapsulated a different side of the city.
Germanys public transport systems made our journey extremely efficient and took us to many different locations such as the Brandenburg Gate and the berlin Cathedral which was a testament to the city’s complex past. We spent hours wandering through the city’s streets, soaking in the atmosphere and admiring the stunning architecture.
One evening, my roommate indulged in some traditional German food and drink and sat on a bench as we sipped Gluhwein, a comforting warm spiced wine, and tried Currywurst listening to some street artists play music. It was almost mystical how much Germany actually felt like a foreign place, even though I went to Greece and Italy, I was honestly in awe with how much I enjoyed Berlin.
Beyond the sights and sounds, it was the people of Berlin that truly made our trip unforgettable. Their warmth, friendliness, and open-mindedness created a welcoming atmosphere. Whether we were asking for directions of chatting with people in the local bars and our hostel, we were met with kindness and hospitality. It was also heartwarming to see the sense of camaraderie among fellow travelers, particularly the Indian community. We encountered many friendly faces who were more than happy to share tips and recommendations, creating a sense of global solidarity.
Our 48-Hour whirlwind tour of Berlin was a sensory overload. The city’s vibrant culture, rich history, and friendly people left a lasting impression. As we boarded our flight home, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. Berlin had captured our hearts, and we knew that maybe one day we would return to explore its depths.
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Shreya Bhat
My name is Shreya Bhat, I am a South Indian woman who is interested in being her most authentic self and providing honest and real experience through podcasts and blogs for viewers who are interested in pursuing an education abroad.
