Things I Learned in Berlin

I recently traveled to Berlin for work. Having never been to the city before, I truly did not know what to expect.

In my mind, I envisioned the Germany I knew from my childhood - and those experiences were very limited. To be specific, Frankfurt.

The city I visited was not a typical european city at all. 

With no true "city centre", a population of over 3.5 million people and cafes, restaurants and shopping malls galore - it is more New York and less ancient Europe. 

Although sadly, I didn't have a ton of free time, the city is laid out in such a way that if you plan correctly, you can see a lot. 

If you skip walking and hire your own personal cabbie, you can see even more.

coffee in Munich airport // Pariser Platz {can you spot the Starbucks?} // Potsdamer Platz
the government buildings // city streets // Berlin's "walk of fame"
the infamous Branddenburg Gate // details for days // Fleischerei Restaurant
skyscrapers near Potsdamer Platz // Kurfürstendamm // Berliner "Weisse"
Brandenburg Gate up close // sunset on the city // a piece of the Berlin wall
Pariser Platz // Midtown Grill // Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

The people of Germany are historically a serious breed and I found that to be quite true in business. But outside of work? A ton of fun.

They are all so welcoming, cultured and smart. Well travelled, many of them spoke 4, 5 and 6 languages and a good lot of them had lived abroad at some point during their careers.

When asking questions, be VERY specific. Don't be vague as in, "is it walking distance?" you may be walking for a long time - But rather, ask, can I walk there within 10 minutes or would a cab be better?

I got the hang of this after walking what felt like 20 kms on day 1 trying to find the remnants of the Berlin Wall pictured above. 

Unlike me, women in Berlin wear sensible shoes. Mostly flat, they honestly thought I was insane which is mostly true. 

The bread?

INCREDIBLE. 

The butter?

BEYOND.

And the yogurt?

A little piece of heaven.

I learned that the beer IS cold.

They do say YA a lot. 

There is no clapping but rather knocking on your desk to signify applauding.

And every drink comes in a glass bottle.

As it should.

Until next time beautiful Berlin.