When In Berlin.

Hello friends! I hope you’re all okay and anticipating the summer vibes as they roll in. We have a heat wave over here so it’s important to stay safe and away from direct sunshine, but of course I don’t do that. I am obviously sunburned. Anyway, I thought I would flashback to last summer’s trips because I have been awful at those travel posts this year. The only one I wrote was when we went for a quick road trip to Sandomierz in Poland but I thought, why not document the others too? 

Okay so basically, I used to be a very timid person who didn’t like travelling much but I have changed. Changed so much to tell my family that we ought to go on an independent road trip to Berlin, which was only 4 hours away from the seasides. After they found it a wonderful opportunity, I sat down for a few days planning the trip and even making my own map of all the beautiful things to see in Berlin. I was a little bit anxious because I didn’t know if it would work but the good news is, it did!

Right in the morning, we took off with the car with our healthy snacks, apples, sandwiches and water and headed to cross the border from Poland to Germany. As you know, the borders in Europe are merely road signs and not more, which is something I definitely honour about Europe in general and am waiting till this unity gets established in the middle east. The GPS guided us calmly, and I spent the drive observing the woods by the side of the road as well as the tiny houses on the outskirts of the big towns. They were lovely; their little windows adorned by summery flowers, a sight I fall in love with over and over. I actually realised that the roads in Poland are much more organised and own this aesthetic, given their architecture. The road to Berlin was ordinary, while in Poland, you’d usually come across really nice bridges, painted in pastel colours which overarch over your head. It was a pleasant ride, nonetheless.

When we finally arrived, 4 hours later, we found ourselves a paid parking spot. But we had to pay into a machine and had banknotes instead of coins, which was a bummer. My mom and I asked about a dozen pedestrians whether they had change or not, and no one did. After 3o minutes or so, we finally came across a shop which thankfully provided us with our change.

As soon as we were ready, I caught my handwritten map and started directing my family where to go. The first thing our eyes caught was the Berlin Fernsehturm, which is the television tower. I loved it. My heart started beating and a smile found its way curling on my face. My parents started taking pictures and as usual, I just walked along and took snapshots of the buildings. It was really nice to be out there alone, without any travel guide rushing us from one place to another. 

Next, we found ourselves in front of the Berlin Cathedral. The architecture was spell-binding and I couldn’t help but find my fingers caressing the carvings on those majestic columns. We went inside and that was even more beautiful; the organs were playing and my heart found itself drowning in splendor. Even my sister was very much pleased with the chimes, I was glad she heard them from such a historical and culturally-rich place.

After a few moments, we went outside and took yet more pictures. My sister wore her sunglasses and pretended she was a celebrity of some sort and posed as if in a photoshoot, because who wouldn’t in Berlin? I, myself, allowed those little pretendings to creep up and savoured in the glam of the moment.

We found ourselves walking down the Pariser Platz, which had magnificent statues and a university which I found myself doing research in, someday in my dreams. Unfortunately, even though it was only 26 degrees or so, it started getting hot. That didn’t bother me, but my family found it uncomfortable to walk in the street and my sister’s imaginings couldn’t sustain her for so long. However, all at once, a crowd emerged and we wondered what it was going to be. It turned out that it was the Brandenburg gate in front of our eyes! I didn’t really mind the gate itself and how it looked like but the story behind it. I imagined the Germans crossing the east and west side years ago, and the whole continent suffering from war. I marveled at how even though the war destroyed German cities completely, they were all able to beautify them once more. I find it very respectful to find strength in unity and organisation, using systems to accomplish nation-wide strategies. We did cross the gate, this time in a united Germany, and headed towards the other side.

By that time, my dad and sister were exhausted from the heat. My sister got a bit bored and moody and I knew it was time to put my camera aside and start paying attention to her by sparking conversations and thereof. We walked in the shade in the Tiergarten (a park), under the green canopy that spread so wonderfully above us. Because my sister likes adventures, we pretended we were two adventurers collecting insects and animals in the streets. It was really nice.. and my sister soon forgot all about being bored. Yet, because I was too involved with taking care of my sister, my parents decided to take the wrong route. We were in Potsdamer Platz, gazing at the towering skyscrapers but somehow, we found ourselves aiming purposelessly in the metropolitan streets. I liked it, I didn’t mind the bends in the road, but my dad and sister didn’t really enjoy it. I took pictures of the fruit stalls (really expensive, though) and wandered.. till finally, we found ourselves near the Charlottenburg Palace. The idea of always stumbling into such beautiful places is mesmerising. We took another turn and found Reichstag building so flawless and stunning and then the Jew memorial along some random street. Do you think I would ever live in such a place?

After walking and walking, we reached our end-point, the Alexanderplatz. It’s a lovely, lively square packed with shops and people sitting around, sprawling under the shade. By that time, I had to actually carry my sister all the way. It was tiring but I loved it when she whispered “you’re my hero” to my ears. She is just a sweet little thing. (:

So, that was our experience. The only drawback was the clear sky and strong summery sun. Personally, I am more fond of little dainty towns but Berlin was a nice change. Metropolitan cities are packed with culture and history, which makes the experience rich and vivid. I learned to get out of my comfort zone and seek adventures rather than align myself with organised trips. I learned to have hope in my own country and help it rise, no matter how long that takes.

Thank you, Berlin. You were truly kind.