(May 30, 2012)
Many huge cities has free walking tours. It’s a crap-shoot when getting anything for free, but I figured it was worth a shot. Ron and I decided to check out this Alternative Berlin free walking tour. It was advertised as “see the ‘other’ side of Berlin in 3 hours.” Honestly, it was more like 5 hours. Instead of the traditional (and expensive) tours like the Berlin Wall or Checkpoint Charlie, we got to see the alternative side of Mitte, Friedrichshain, and Kreuzberg.
(left) The tall skinny guy, Bart, was our guide. He introduced himself as an alternative guy (from Holland) with an alternative girlfriend, alternative step-daughter, with an alternative cat living a squatter-type life.
Our tour guide, Bart, has been doing Berlin’s alternative tours for about a year. he was filled with tons of information and seemed like an old pro. he was really nice and funny. He kinda walked a little fast, but everybody in Europe does. I’ve learned to just snap the picture as fast as I can and just run!
Berlin is filled with street art (aka graffiti), so much so that it looks legal. Graffiti is illegal in Berlin, but by the looks of it, it doesn’t look the cops really care. This tour mostly showed street art. This artist likes to go around town putting up “people” in random places. These “people” are just clothing placed to look like living people. It was quite surreal to see it so high up on a side of a bridge. It made me do a double take.
The street art in Berlin ranged in sizes. A lot of the really cool pieces were huge, like 8 stories tall. For something that is illegal to do, surely seems like nobody gets caught for it. Bart had said that artist will rent out scaffolds and draw in the middle of the night. This zombie picture was cool because from a far it just looks like an ugly pink blob, but when looked closely, you can see the blob is made up of people. That is why I call it the zombie. I’m amazed he/she got to finish this piece without being caught. I wouldn’t be surprised if he/she took a couple of nights to finish this up OR it was a street team. Either way, it’s magnificent.
I bought this poster and will be proudly displaying it.
The first real stop of the tour was at an art shop. Onkel Zozo Shop & Gallery is filled with posters of monsters. Each poster has a funny situation, like a huge hairy monster eating a book of knowledge. For whatever reason, I gravitated to this sock poster. I don’t normally wear sock, because of that, I’m always losing them.
Another interesting form of street art that is being picked up all over the world (but I have yet to see in Hawai’i) is yarn bombing. Basically, it’s knitted (or maybe crochet) pieces found on random places. Here I found a smiley face yarn bomb on a tree. A girl from Australia in my tour said that she once saw a bike rack covered with yarn. I find yarn bombing to be very fascinating. Just the thought of a young guy or girl knitting away so they can yarn bomb something is quite…well…a sight to see.
The famous treehouse of Berlin. This was the only piece of real history I got during the tour. During the days where Germany was divided by a great big wall, there was a small piece of unclaimed patch of land. It was quite small and no quite knew if it was on the East or West side of Germany. I believe it was later determined to be East Germany. Mr. Osman Kalin saw this unused land and decided to build a nice treehouse and started squatting on the land. I don’t know if Kalin started the squatting sensation, but he was the most famous. During those times, officials from East Germany checked out what Kalin was doing. Since it was right up next to the wall, they thought he was a spy or something. During those days, East Germany had a low tolerance to anyone who is against them. I don’t know how Kalin did it, but he managed to talk his way out of jail and continued to stay in the treehouse without any harassment. Now in his 80′s, he doesn’t live there anymore, but visits and maintains the treehouse. He is quite proud of his treehouse, which is a symbol of freedom to some. I was lucky enough to wave at Kalin. He was there, just sitting and looking at our tour walking by.
Mr. Osman Kalin–The Treehouse
Lunch was an interesting experience. Who knew Port-Au-Prince was in Berlin? I bet you didn’t know that, uh? Amongst all the concreate and street art, my tour guide took us into an enclosed park with high walls. Inside I was shocked to find a sandy beach (minus the water) with volleyball, basketball, and half pipe. There was a Dj station blasting Notorious B.I.G…I felt like I was no longer in Berlin.
A nice outdoor Jamaican restaurant was serving some stews. Everything was in German, so I can’t really say for sure what I ate, but it tasted like a stew. One word of caution, don’t use the red sauce. It’s hot and deadly…brings the term pepper spray to a whole new level. My travel companion, Ron, laughs at heat, but this one almost brought him to his knees.
Bottom right hand corner is the insanely hot chilli sauce. Not for the faint of hearts.
I’ve mention a couple of times of this “squatter” way of living. Well, squatting is a huge thing in Berlin, not everyone does it, but some do. Squatting is when someone lives in a building or land without permission. I’ve had this thought that squatters are homeless people, but in Berlin it’s sometimes homeless, political reasons, and art. I know it sounds crazy, but that’s part of the Berlin culture. Squatting is a part of the culture, it may not be acceptable, but it’s there. Police don’t take kindly to squatters. Usually the riot police comes out in full effect and start beating and arresting the squatters.
The Kunsthaus Tacheles is an art squatter place. It’s something I’ve never seen before. The Kunsthaus Tacheles used to a Jewish department store, but closed down after a couple of months. I have a slight feeling it had something to do with World War II, but we don’t get into that. After the Berlin Wall was demolished, squatters took over the building. The inside is covered with street art and urine, but on each level (I think there were four or five) are nice mini galleries (urine-free). I was shocked to see all different kinds of people in there. Some artist were young and others were old. They all different styles of artwork, but the same goal of squatting. It was quite fascinated. Although, it’s acceptable to look around, but it’s preferred if you bought something.
The free tour stopped at the Kunsthaus Tacheles. It was a great end to a great tour…I couldn’t ask for more. At the end of the tour, Bart had casually mention an alternative pub crawl, which peaked my interest. I met two lovely girls from the UK and decided to meet up with for this pub crawl. I didn’t forget my two traveling companions, Ron and Mike. For about 15Euros, we got to visit 5 alternative clubs and receive 6 free shots. We didn’t need to pay a cover or forced to buy any drinks. I found out that pub crawls were the best way to make friends and find lovers.
I can’t do a proper write up on the pub crawl. I don’t really remember much about it. Let’s just say, I had a lot of fun. No, I didn’t hook up with anyone…well, ya, I’m pretty sure I didn’t. The best bar/club was the bombed out train station night club that played reggae in one room and another hip hop. The club used to be a train station, then it got bombed out…that’s how it got it’s name. Here are some pictures I took during the night…it’s not much.
First rounds of free shots
More shots
Berlin has some great humor.
This was our official stamp to be part of the pub crawl.
First Absinthe shot
And another one…
Berlin has been a whirl-wind. I really don’t know what I got myself into, but I’m glad that I did. I will never forget the people I’ve met in Berlin. It was truly an amazing time.
Awesome!!!. That is some really nice artwork. Your poster is cute. I am glad you met folks and went out. Let me admit that before you stipulated – I totally thought you had a one night stand in a foreign country! I would have cheered you on if you had cause you gotta do what makes you happy and if that is some random guy while on vay-k then go get it girl! So if the opportunity arises know that we won’t think any less of you just the opposite we’ll be cheering you on
Glad that you posted like serious was gonna text you at 9PM Hawaii time to check if you folks were okay since I hadn’t heard anything for like a week. I know your busy…I just worry. Love and miss you all. Keep safe and have a fan-fucking-tastic time!
HAHA. Well, one of us got lucky, but it wasn’t me. LOL It wasn’t like I was against it or anything, but the opportunity never presented itself. Although, I did almost have a close encounter. LOL
Man, I need to play catch up. I am so BEHIND!!!! UGH…..
All I can say is “WOW”. That’s so much to take in. Definitely a different way to see Berlin than I would’ve expected. My brain is still sort of absorbing it. I think part of it is in shock. It’s fascinating. I love art and personally, I’ve been digging through all kinds of undiscovered artists the past 36 hours or so and working on my own art. This tour is insanely cool. You’re so lucky and beyond brave to be hitting that alternative pub crawl! How awesome that you found someone who knew about these things. And I’m totally jealous of the whole “Kalin” encounter. Not jealous in a bad way but in a good way. Did you get to talk to him at all? I find people like that fascinating. I would’ve loved to pick his brain.
I didn’t get to talk to him, but I got him to wave at me. You could tell that he was a sweet man. I tried to go back, but I couldn’t find it on my own. I’m happy that I got to wave at him at least. It’s like I actually got to touch, see, and live their history. I know that sounds weird, but that’s how I felt at the time.
Berlin has proved to be my favorite city. I wasn’t expecting to love it, but it was great. The people are nice and interesting.
Looks like an utter blast!!!
Berlin has been my favorite place and I wasn’t expecting it to be. I thought Amsterdam would be…but nah, Berlin and Italy are the greatest vacation spot ever!
Greetings from Heidelberg
Thanks for keeping up with the blog, Jen. I got worried when I hadn’t seen anything since May 30. I’m following your guys’ exploits very closely since I hope to retrace (many) of your steps in October. — dan nakaso
DAN! Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to read my blog. Sorry about not keeping up…it’s quite hard to do that, because taking care of Mike is like a full-time job. LOL I’m just kidding. I blame really good beers and bad WiFi connection.
Not to worry, Dan. I got a nice blog post that you will find very interesting and helpful…stay tuned for that.
Wished you were here….
Greetings from Heidelberg
All the art is really cool! That clothing sculpture freaked me out too.
I’m glad you’re having fun Jen.
Btw, the trick to the sock thing is buy multiple pairs of the same basic (so always available season after season) socks (Thoro rolltop for tennis). I’ve literally been wearing the same exact style of sock to workout for ten years now so I don’t ever have random singles, they are all the same.
Isn’t the clothing one freaky? I can’t stop staring at it too…I guess that’s the whole point.
Great tip about the socks. I think I should do that. I really like these black puma ones from Ross, but each sock as a color puma on it. Some days, I’m rocking the correct socks, others I’m wearing one green puma and a purple puma. UGH, so terrible. LOL
It was awesome to learn about the street art and squattIng culture of Berlin. Prolly wouldn’t get that on the expensive tours. Love your sock poster!!!
There is a graffiti workshop for like 15 Euros. I’m going to take it when I get back to Berlin. I think it’s a cool thing to do while on vacation…don’t ya think? I can proudly say, “I know how to do graffiti”. LOL Wouldn’t my parents be so proud.
Isn’t that sock poster so cute? I can’t wait to put it up.
Greetings from Heidelberg
I think a Graffiti class would be awesome! It really is an art.
It was really cheap too. It was like 15 Euros and that included the materials, lessons, and a tour. I agree with you with graffiti being a form of art. I don’t like it when someone writes their name. Lame. That’s trash to me, but the ones who actually take time to write or draw something thought provoking is art to me.
Looks like your having a great time Jen
love those pics and that graffiti art.
Berlin is cray! I wasn’t expecting on loving it, but I gotta say…I love it. I could see myself living there, until I realize that I don’t speak or read the language. LOL
yeah that would be a bit of a bummer for sure
So irked at myself for not keeping up with this as you went! But, at least it was here for me to catch up on.
This was a fabulous series of posts, Jen. Seriously. This is what this stuff is all about right here. What an awesome trip, what cool things you got to see, and now, not only did you get to share it with everyone, but you have an awesome electronic journal of it kept for you to remember it by.
Very nice, Jen, bravo. I enjoyed these posts very much!
I wished I kept up with it, but now I’m playing catch up. I have so much more to write about. I don’t know how travel bloggers do it, but I need more practice.
Anyway, I had a blast, but I’m glad that I am home. I was getting sick and tired of walking down a hallway in my Pjs (in the middle of the night) to use the bathroom. And don’t get me started about being drunk and walking down the hall….that’s how kidnapping movies start. LOL
Looks like you’re having an amazing time! Aren’t you so glad you went?! That graffiti is intense. Imagine renting a scaffold overnight to paint your heart on a wall like that. CRAZY!
I am SO glad that I went. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I could go, because I had a slight payroll problem. Not until a day before I left did I realize that my company came through with my one and half months of back pay.
If I was young (and still dumb), I would totally do it. Luckily, that’s not the case. Plus, I can’t even draw. LOL
Me either! Definitely a word artist, not an actual artist. Nice to look at, though.
Oh ya, a word artist. Ya, that would be so cool. We could leave up thought provoking quotes and stuff. Yep, we would be the coolest artist ever! LOL
People love quotes! Why not?!
haha, love the pub stamp!! so jealous of your travels! i’m getting island fever…need to get off the rock for a bit!
[oomph.]
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Man, the pub stamp was so HUGE. LOL At least I wasn’t the only one wearing it. I hate island fever or rock fever, as I like to call it. It is summer, so it’s the perfect time to grab mini-me and mini-son for a quick vacay. Just promise me you will take a lot of photos on your instagram.
i LOVE these pics… the history in europe is so amazing and some of it very quirky. i’ve never been to berlin but would love to go there someday!
Thanks! Berlin has been great. I wasn’t expecting to love Berlin, but I do. It’s so rich in history and life. On the outside, Berlin seems like a dirty city, because of all the graffiti, but I found it to be liberating. Before you visit Berlin, you must stop by Hawai’i first. Just sayin’. LOL
Wow Jen, thanks for keeping us updated on all your adventures. The tour sounded really interesting and I learned a lot just from reading your post.
I feel the exact same way about your NYC posts. I can’t believe you are in NYC right now. I am so jealous. I’ve never been there before, not even a layover. Keep up your travels, unlike me…having to write it when I’m back home. It’s not the same.
Haven’t been here either, what have I been doing in Europe for the last 10 years?!?!!? Sounds like it is a very creative city. Everyone I know who has gone has said it has been an amazing experience. Thanks for sharing…
Oh yes, please go! I love Berlin. I didn’t think I would like Germany, but I LOVE it. I could see myself living in Berlin, but I would have to learn German. LOL
Wow I was googling for some pictures of Berlin and then I got onto this page!
Some friends and I just got back from Berlin, we stayed at the Pangea People hostel as well.
And we doubted to do the free tour, because it was so early (to us).
we partied in the underground partyscene of berlin ’till morning (two of the three days we where there). I found it a pity that we did not do the tour and was wondering what it was like. Now I know, I’m relieved
Wow! That’s awesome. How did you guys like Pangea People? I actually really liked it, except for the co-ed showers and bathrooms. I don’t know how many times I’ve walked into that bathroom and see a guy washing his face on the “girls” side of the room. LOL
I wanted to party more, but I really wanted to see all the sights like Brandenburg and Berlin Wall. The free tour was cool. I don’t like walking, but I loved the tour. I’m glad you found my post helpful. Ya, the tour is not for everybody.
I can’t wait to go back!!! In a couple of weeks, I’m going to write about Berlin’s public football (Soccer) viewing. So…come back, if you want. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment on my blog.