Today marks nearly the end of the second month I have been living and studying in Berlin, Germany, and somewhat unexpectedly, almost the end of my journey.
Tonight, as I was heading out for a run, black hoodie on, rocking out to ‘I’mma Shine’ by YoungBloodz, I encountered the German Polizei and Feuer Department. Turns out, they were busting someone in my apartment building for growing some extra special substances. We merely smiled at each other (a translation of the German nod) and I was on my way.
I currently live with two women who both studied law and work in the legal field, so our building’s little bust, perhaps all the funnier because we live in Prezlauer Berg, once the oasis of alternative artists and now the zipcode with the highest number of children in Europe, sparked a conversation about little legal matters–those seemingly small but important things you learn from living in another country.
No more Unionist flags in my neighborhood
So speaking of small but important things you learn from living in another country, here are my top 5, so far, for Germany. I have been remiss with blogging lately, but I have to start somewhere, and I think this list will get me into the meat (or tofu) of the matter.
1) If you would like to blend in as a German local and thus, have German spoken to you before you open your mouth, do not be born with red hair. If you are so unfortunate to have this happen to you, go to the nearest Apotheke and buy some red hair dye, as unnatural reds will help you blend in just fine.
2) If you would not like to stand out as an American, do not laugh loudly and publicly (especially on U or S-Bahn platforms), particularly when talking about the Wild Wild West. Compose yourself in public and please, no knee-slapping.
3) When at a club and handed red drink tokens as change for future drinks, do not be tricked into thinking this is a great deal. They are like monopoly money or U.S. Direct loans. Though they are there, you’re not dealing with concrete goods. By the end of the night, you will likely end up traipsing around a bar looking for other tokens, appearing as many of the street bottle collectors cruising the S-Bahn do here. So really, if you’re looking for a truly urban German experience and want to connect with your trade union roots, perhaps do rejoice at the sight of these red tokens.
4) Watch out for dog shit. Though one could operate on most street corners in Berlin, dog shit is not one substance people seem to worry about removing. And everyone knows you shouldn’t presume an Irish girl has shit on her boots. But sometimes it just happens.
5) Befriend your local baker. She will be your best friend and there is very little to mess up about, I would like a donut, especially if you are American and Roman Catholic.
That is all for now. In a few days, more on touring Berlin, German literature and the experiences of an American-Irish expat in Prenzlauer Berg.
Perhaps the best play structure yet--for adults or kids? Macht nichts.
It's a long way to Belfast City too, but public art is just as important in Berlin.
