Benjamin and I had another lovely weekend.
We began by having brunch at Butter with our new friends, Julie and Brendan. It was a really good time hanging out with them. Both of them are incredibly smart and funny. We talked about music, Chicago, the ridiculousness of art grad school, apartment and studio wishes, neighborhoods, restaurants, etc. I’ve said it before in earlier posts, but it’s worth repeating. It is very comforting to meet another couple who are also going through this relocation process. Very nice. I am looking forward to further outings and getting to know them better.
After brunch, Benjamin and I walked to find the mall on Schonhauser Allee (approximately 4 blocks from our place) that Julie recommended. We needed simple things like a drug store (turns out it isn’t only apothecaries here–ha ha), a post office, and yes, another market to compare food prices. The mall was, as most malls are, a great place for people-watching. Of course, there were the gaggles of teenagers, but the most surprising thing to see were the families with their dogs. Yes, dogs are allowed inside the mall. This was the first time I have seen them on leashes, but there they were riding the escalators and strolling along. Quite the sight.
We did find all the things we were looking for, and as “U.S.” as this may sound, it was kind of nice to see something as mundane and sort of familiar as a mall. Down the street we decided to try the fish joint we had read about. At the risk of writing about another great food experience, I have to say that Der Fischladen was great! We ordered the fish and chips, and not only was the cod delicious, the servings were huge! The Floridian in me was doing cartwheels having found the protein source that my body understands. And you can buy filets and shellfish there too. The salmon and the scallops looked fresh and from what I could tell reasonably priced. I will be back!
Unbelievably stuffed, B and I walked home to nap. We had to. After we woke up, we chatted a bit more about apartments, and then god bless his techno smarts, B found a way for us to watch movies and some of our favorite TV shows on my laptop. We popped popcorn and watched “Silver Linings Playbook,” and as B said, “it was pretty good for a chick flick.” I really do owe him a Star Trek experience or something for all the movies he lets me choose. Good man. We were also able to find silly favorites like Big Bang and Psyche, and best find of all, the fourth season of Justified. Ah, my friends Rachel and Ben back in the States would totally understand our relief at this one being available.
On Sunday, we did more exploring both North, East, and South of us. North of us we found another Kaiser, a postal station, and to my specific delight, a craft store. The neighborhood definitely becomes much more residential, (less shops) quiet, and expansive to the North. This is nice for the quiet aspect, but I want to live closer to things to do.
To the East, the best find was Shakespeare and Sons on Raumerstrasse just past Hemholzplatz park. I had read about this all-in-English bookstore and cafe, and I was so happy to find it! It is perfect. Another perfect place to write, and so sweet to find myself surrounded by books I could actually understand. Again, very “U.S.” of me to say, but I am being honest.
To the South of us, closer to where Julie and Brendan are staying, there are many, many, many cool things! We saw a cultural center called Kulturbrauerei. Once a brewery, it is now a place for all kinds of performance–dance, music, and movies.
Looks like a place to explore further for certain. We found whisky and wine shops, more antique/vintage shops, and of course cafes and restaurants. We were craving Thai food and found a great place called Bangkok Treffpunkt, just over the tram tracks on Prenzlauer Alle. The streets in this section of Prenzlauer Berg are wider, but not at all sparse. So much to do and see wherever you look!
Two of the most unique finds were the book exchange and the bar Julie and Brendan took us to called Scotch and Sofa.
The book exchange is literally a cluster of tree trunks with rectangular nooks carved into them. Plastic flaps protect the books that are tucked inside. Basically, I am guessing that the concept is give a book, take a book. It had this awesome fairy tale feel to the whole thing. I loved it!
To cap a fine weekend, we joined Julie and Brendan again for whisky cocktails at Scotch and Sofa. What a place! We all wondered whether the decor was truly East Europe or made to look that way. My friend Nick would flip over this place. Modern and antique furniture, great music, speakeasy/lounge feel, and cocktails done right. I think even he would approve, though to make sure I will order one of his signature drinks next time. I know nothing compares to when a friend mixes a drink for you, but when, not if, he visits, I want to show off a proper place. I also need to see which Polish vodkas are good in this town. I see a lot of Russian, to which my friend Irina would approve, but I need my potato juice. The bartender was singing along to Buena Vista Social Club (ah Spanish, my love, keep following me please), and J&B said that on a different night they were playing Johnny Cash. Ok, Berlin, you have some style. Obviously, we will be back.
So there you have it. Weekend 2 and all is still groovy.
