In Germany there is a special iced jam filled donut called a Berliner, which also happens to be the word you use to describe a person of Berlin. So in a way, all the people of Berlin are donuts. And if I thought that was funny, the people of Hamburg must be all…
I like Hamburg. Like so many “Second Biggest City of _______”s, it has all the modernity, hipness and diversity of the more famous sister, but without so much of the brashness and violent volume.
There are oddities: For a city this size (I think I pretty much managed all the interesting bits in a day on foot), there are a ludicrous number of record stores. And the red light district is hardcore, to say the least. And there are loads of cute boys here but an unusually high proportion (a.k.a. almost all of them) are accompanied by a cute girlfriend.
Lesson Hamburg: For the best cafes-shops-bars head to Schultenerblatt/Biem Grunen Jager. Favourite store goes to “Chicks n Dicks” on Susannen Strasse, just off Schultenerblatt.
Munich: Probably the most photogenic cities in Germany. And you’ll never feel more like you’re in Germany than when you’re downing a huge beer at the “most famous pub in the world”, the Hofbräuhaus. Men playing the tuba wearing lederhosen and all.
Berlin For the best shopping-cafes-bars go to U-Bahn Station Eberswelder and head to Lychener Strasse and Schwedter/Kastaienalle Strasse. There are lots of great little spots elsewhere in the city but if you’re short on time, they’re your best bets. Although my favourite shop is called “Don’t”, which is actually on Tors Strasse between the Rosenplatz and Rosa-Lux-Platz U-Bahns.
An interesting and unexpected aspect of German culture that arose from my time here was learning about the deep and complex relationship modern Germany has with Israel, Jews and their dark past, in reference to the Holocaust. The new Jewish Memorial is a series of oppressive concrete blocks which, once entered, delivers a remarkable sense of isolation and depravity. Accompanied by a moving museum below, this is a must-visit.
I know I said I wouldn’t do hostels anymore, but the Circus Hostel here has restored my faith in them. This place is clean, quiet (no bar so it doesn’t turn into a giant American frat party like so many other hostels!), and the staff are INCREDIBLY well informed and helpful – they had a good answer for every question! It’s basically like an affordable hotel.
