It was a hard transition for me to arrive in Berlin after spending nearly six days in the Alps. The soft landscapes, sky-scraping mountains, crystal-cool lakes had been replaced with never-ending pavement, cigarette butts lining every curb, and an unnaturally dirty river. I longed for the fresh air, dark, quiet nights, and brilliant colors that had accompanied me in Switzerland.
Shortly after arriving in Berlin and navigating the metros to our supposed destination I met up with the rest of my group. It was nice seeing everyone who I had bounded with the previous 4 weeks again to exchange hugs, photos and stories.
After a group dinner we all headed to our hostel. My room doesn't have the entire city view that I had in Barcelona, nor does it have a cobble stone street leading towards the mountain, but it overlooks a tiny, dirty courtyard, and it has a cozy bed, a tiny closet, and I have three roommates.
 |
| Tiergarten |
It took me a few days to warm up to the city. I realized today that my problem was it lacked excitement. Barcelona had the original excitement of arriving in a new place, new country, new continent even... the colorful atmosphere that lined the streets, the music, the people... Switzerland obviously had the thrill of being in the Alps. It had a beautiful, whispering excitement that clung to everything I saw and touched. As for Berlin... the excitement is there, hidden away... I just need to discover it for myself. It's peeked out of hiding every once in awhile, like when I ran through the Tiergarten Saturday morning (a giant park in the smack center of the city), when I went out briefly, despite the windy cold, to do some night photography, when I stumbled upon some May Day festivities and some old woman told me to "Party... it's the weekend! Tomorrow is for working", and when I found a small park about half a mile from my residence while on a run this morning. I just need a sharper shovel here than in Barcelona and Interlaken, but once I dig away at the city I'm bound to uncover the excitement I'm currently craving.
 |
| Night Train |
So glad to read your updates. It must be the natural landscape you're digging for - nourishing, rejuvenating places. You'll get used to being there as the days progress. I like the photo of the park. Love, MOM
ReplyDelete