Welcome back to the country known purely for its beer. Open your eyes, you’re in Germany. If you enjoy sipping on dog’s urine that makes you bloat to the size of a lady going through pregnancy than you have officially reached God's country. Home of history, hipsters and a whole lot of good memories. This was the beginning of some of the greatest friendships, but as you have heard before this is where all great families start! So, I’ll introduce you to the crew.
Meet Tia (or Tee as I call her), this girl I met in Paris, she's 18 so automatically that's a common bond. She's bright and bubbly with some killer dance moves on her side. So, I’ll be sure to tell you together we teared up dance floor of every club that screamed for some much needed attention! As a team, we are unstoppable.
Which brings me to Chantelle. She is the one Kiwi of the team and loves to make the most of her time in each city. She takes on the motherly role of the group and her wise attitudes are the influence we all need at times. A little quiet and secluded but once you get her going she goes hard.
Then we picked up Kayla (I picked her up in Amsterdam), but boy can that girl talk and we love her for it. There is never an opportunity for awkward silences when she’s around. One of the most hilarious girls you could meet who is good value to the family. Not to mention she can smash a beer (or 10) down faster than any of the lads!
Next, we have Corey, now isn't he a character and a half. I met this fella just as I was about to sneak a bottle of wine into the hostel, from that moment he was popping the cork and forcing me to hit the town. Somehow, we ended up rambling on about true love and destiny. Now that's just the start of it, we ended up travelling for nearly 3 weeks together.
Last but not least meet our giraffe Glen Coco. He's the glue that sticks us all together. We picked him up in Prague and boy the family wouldn't be the same without him! Without a doubt the most kind, down to earth person who is no shortage of a good time. One extra bonus, he is our meeting point in crowds as his head sticks way above the crowds!
So now that's the crew, let me tell you about Berlin. It's long beards, shaved heads and top knots, its funky bars and groovy music. So, in other words... hipster central. It's terrible architecture but incredible history which really shapes this city I was within.
Here's some of my Berlin experiences.
-Attempting to get into the Berghain. So, this is one of the hardest clubs to get into in the world. For starters the party usually starts Friday night and doesn't slow down until Monday morning. Located in an abandoned power plant and specialising in all kinds of electronic within its numerous stories. This place will have you lining up for 2 hours minimum for a near impossible granted entry. Rumour has it you must wear slim black clothes, not talk too much in the line, don't stand out (even if your mid-way in the line and get spotted the bouncers will remember your face and deny you right away), don't smile or look directly at the bouncers, don't go in groups... the list goes on. Out of the 5 of us who went not one of us got in and we shall never know the reason why. Just make your way on the walk of shame with the other 90% of hopefuls. Long story short none of us ever made it out to any of the clubs in Berlin.
-A trip to an abandoned amusement park. Our attempt to catch the sunset, pretty much turned into the scene out of a horror movie (that statement is highly exaggerated but it was freaky none the less). For starters, we completely missed the sunset after stepping foot on 3 different trains to get there. So it's now pitch back and we are walking for 10 minutes further into the creepiest forest led by a phone flash light and Corey’s confidence in search for the main entrance to break in. Let’s just say guards, German shepherds and some of the scariest warning signs I have ever seen (featuring 'May result in loss of limbs!'). We did manage to make it out alive if you were wondering.
Places to visit
-Checkpoint Charlie- Although its completely and utterly modernised for touristic purposes it holds some incredible history from the cold war. The confrontation of the American and Soviet tanks who awaited each other to make the first attack (which never happened and resulted in one eventually backing down).
-Berlin Wall and East Side Gallery- welcome to the most incredible 1.3 Kilometres of wall you have ever seen. once you have seen the original part of the wall make your way to the street art that decorates this monument of history. Bursting with colour and originality your bound to have the camera snapping. Most famously known for the 2 politicians kissing.
-Jews Memorial Site- Please don't be one of the people standing on the columns posing. Although its unique and the story behind the design is unknown just take in the sight of stark grey columns placed around the area.
-Hitler’s Bunker- I did a free walking tour with the company Sandman’s which took me to all of these places. You wouldn't even know your standing on it until your tour guide says so.
-The Pub- That's literally what its called! Become your own bartender.Each table has a beer draft so you can pour your own beer whenever you ready!
