Berlin had a lot to live up to it’s expectations i had for her. From my brother to my buddies to just about anyone who’s ever set foot in Berlin – i’ve heard nothing but the best things about this city. So when i landed in cold Berlin weeks before Christmas, i decided to take a deep breath and just let go of all of those expectations, and experience it myself to form my own judgement.
I arrived from Frankfurt by train, and took a tram from the station to the Meininger Hostel where i’d be staying for 2 nights. It was already dark, so technically i’d get just over a day to explore such an important and large city with way too much to soak in. After checking in and dumping my bags, i wasted no time in stepping out to check out the nearest Christmas Market at Roter Ratshaus.
Resisting the urge to follow Google Maps, i decided to practice my German by asking people around for the route to the market. It worked, and i was sipping some hot mulled wine in no time. It was definitely THE most favorite thing about Christmas markets for me 😉
The atmosphere was warm, welcoming and cheery and the moment i saw a giant ferris wheel, i knew i was up for a ride! Plus, it would help me do a quick aerial recce of the area.
That idea paid off (as you can see in the video above!), and i was rewarded with some spectacular views of Berlin by night… including the beautiful Christmas market itself. Before heading back to the hostel, i tried some chocolate coated cashews and currywurst – a form of bratwurst that’s native to Berlin. i have to say, that was the only one thing i did NOT like across my travels in Germany.
Walking back to the hostel, i remembered someone telling me that it’s legal to drink beer in the streets of Berlin so i had to give that a shot! I couldn’t believe what i paid for a 300 ml bottle of really good beer… 70 cents! Perfect way to end the day early, i thought – since i’d be waking up early the next day for a really long day to soak in all that Berlin had to offer in a day.
To be continued…
Next Post: Berlin Day 2 – Discovering Berlin’s hipster neighborhoods, courtyards, coffee culture & the Berlin Wall Memorial
Related: First impressions of Germany (Frankfurt)
Namaste!
Now in its 15th year, I started Exotic Gringo after a life changing trip to South America in 2008.
I’m a slow nomad who values the people, perspectives and palates on my travels than merely the places…
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Kaushal Karkhanis
Now in: Goa 🌴
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