HELLO BERLIN

Statistics show that the biggest slice of the population pie lives in cities. Has the urban landscape become mainstream? Once again we are back in Berlin. Its Mitte district was once the place for creatives, today it is the domain of the young and urban professionals. They are not always warmly welcomed in the capitol.

Graffiti an underground phenomenon? It has  surfaces, but still has some ragged edges. Rock and Roll. Fresh fruits for hungry tourists. When Rap goes stretches limo, we might have to reclaim it.

A sunny sunday at the Mauer Park, strolling through the local flea market. A unique place to dig some gold, buy used vinyl. Fresh fruit for tourists. A crowded place that has been institutionalized unfortunately. Kauf dich gluecklich. Coffee shops and eateries at every corner. Any food for the mind?

A couple of years ago Berlin by bike was the standard. Today I see more and more SUVs taking over the streets. Berlin, still "Wahnsinn" and colorful, exotic and full of hidden corners. Hamburg is said to be the new Berlin. It might be our next stop. Maybe by bike.

-Matt.

Comments

[Geplaatst door: Rik]

I sense a 'Tokyo feel' in the way your taking note of the world around you. Interesting where you and your mates end up all the time (these are not tghe places one discovers when travellng with the family...)

Very curious what YOU are gonna see in Hamburg. Spent a week there last year (on a design related course), overall atmosphere was excellent, evenings were spent in (sailor)bars chewing over the things we learned that day.

[Geplaatst door: Michiel]

Great pics matt, great words as well. On the way back from Berlin earlier this month I felt the same. The "we all stink when we shit" feel changed with "fuck you I'm rich". Tacheles died, palace der republik killed, prices went up, gardens fenced, and even wors little shops driven by passion left.

On the other hand. Its an extremely vibrant place. Lots of startups, lots of youngsters, artists, musicians. The city becomes like the European New York..

Not sure what to think ... yet.