A badass Berlin guide

Poke u bowl in Berlin
A place I passed. I wish I had tried the food there, but I was on a burger-mission that day.

This stay was actually a bit scattered, as I was in Germany to attend a conference in Storkow about hate-speech (hate-speech sucks!). And so, I got to spend time in Berlin before and after the conference, something I'm really happy about. Even though the conference was very important and I got to meet so many great people who care about a lot of the stuff I care about, it was quite intense. And Berlin let me unwind, especially after the conference was over.

I wrote earlier in my solo travelling-post about meeting Mickey in Berlin, the man who offered me a ride even though I didn't know him, and it was a rad moment indeed, but there were also other fantastic moments during my scattered stay in Berlin. Here are some of them. Five to be exact. Damn, do I love lists.

1. MUSEUM OF SILENCE 

During the conference we actually had an outing to Berlin, I think we got about 8 hours there. We could choose between three different tour experiences, or we could go solo and do whatever we wanted. I realised, that after spending time with people 24/7, I needed alone time. I needed my own adventure. I needed peace.

And boy, am I lucky, 'cause as I was strolling down the street, just looking at all of the buildings surrounding me, I noticed a little sign that said "Museum Der Stille".

I went inside, was greeted by a calm woman and then I was left alone. There were no other guests, and I almost immediately found the peace I was looking for. I was surprised over how quiet it was there, which is kind of stupid considering the name of the museum. But the weirdest thing is that I didn't get nervous by the stillness, like I usually do. I felt in contact with the spiritual aspect of myself - which is also the goal of this kind of art I guess. Now I understand why I always feel so in peace and in touch with myself when I'm in a church or in other religious spaces - there's a certain stillness there.

"It took over a year to prepare the rooms and in 1994 the opening of the Museum of Stillness took place. At that time Berlin was going through radical changes, the city was one big construction site and the Museum served as an alternative to all this chaos".
- Nikolai Makarov, founder of Museum of Stillness 
Museum of Stillness in Berlin, Germany.

2. PICKNWEIGHT

When it comes to vintage shopping, I think it's a great way to contribute to sustainability as well as it's fun to find something special for a good price. I don't think that old clothes should be expensive, but since vintage is so trendy, I mean, just the word "vintage" sounds so exclusive, often they do tend to be on the pricier side of the scale.

There were some pretty cool items at PICKNWEIGHT where they sell clothes by the kilo. I dig that idea, but I still think the adidas jacket I bought could have been cheaper. Then again, it did make me look bad ass, and it is one of my favorite pieces of clothing soooo... I guess I shouldn't be complaining.

Namra Saleem

3. FES BBQ

I've always had great food experiences in Berlin. My mouth is getting all watery just by the thought. My new fav spot is Fes BBQ, where I definitely will be going back. It's a Turkish grill restaurant in Kreuzberg that combines the concept of Asian tableside grill to Turkish dishes.

The idea is innovative, the decor modern and fresh and the waiters friendly and hipster looking. And the food? Like a party in your mouth. And not a trashy one. But a classy, sexy and comforting one.

I've never been to a turkish restaurant like this and was blown away by this experience. Go for a mezze and then go for a mixed platter of grill.

4. THE STREETS

There is so much street art around you in Berlin. I spent a lot of time just walking and letting my eyes wander too. When it comes to areas, do go to Kreuzberg and especially Neukölln.

Street art in Berlin, Germany.

5. STADTBAD NEUKÖLLN

I love swimming, and before going to the conference I met up with my friend Martin who happened to be in Berlin at the same time as me. He has lived in Berlin as well and suggested we go to Stadtbad Neukölln for a swim, and to the spa department where there would be a sauna etc.

After swimming and splashing around, we chilled out like sloths in the sauna. It was truly relaxing. However - after visiting a sauna in Berlin and another one outside of Amsterdam I've learned a few things. In some countries, people like to be naked in saunas, it's completely natural - it doesn't even matter what sex you are.

I like the idea of this, that people can be so free, but I don't feel comfortable being naked myself. None of us were, and at some point we got in trouble for it. One man starting yelling at us for not being naked.

The reception lady didn't inform us of this rule, there weren't any signs either, but I guess this is the norm. We had been there for hours, and were just about to leave when the man started to complain about our swimming suits, so it didn't effect our sauna experience that much. It just fest like one of thos culture crash situations. You learn, and then you move on.

So now you know, if you're in a German (our Dutch) sauna, you should probably be naked.

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Comments

  1. I'm glad your experience with Mickey was great! I like the vibes of the Museum of Silence. It is a great place to learn about something different. Vintage clothes are great! Glad you enjoyed your time out in Berlin. Though, I know I wouldn't like being naked in the public as is.

    Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me

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    1. Thank you, it was a nice trip. And I feel the same, not my thing being naked with loads of strangers :/

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  2. Very insightful and also very eye-opening. This post will definitely help in future. :) Thank you!

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  3. I don't think I would be comfortable being naked in a public sauna! Just saying! LOL

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  4. The museum of stillness sounds right up my alley. I'd love to go there!

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  5. This is really taking me there, to Germany. The culture and arts reflected in your images is worth a story to tell. It's great that you were able to capture this aside from your main goal to attend the conference. Keep spreading the joy of your travel experience.

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    1. Aawww, thank you so much for this comment. You made my day!

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  6. Girl! I don't think I could naked in a public sauna.

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  7. I miss Berlin. I was there for 1 year and I grew fond of that place. I was glad to read about it. Museum of silence has always been my favourite.

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    1. You're lucky you got to do that, I would love to live in Berlin for a year or so!

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  8. I would like to go into the Museum of Silence. I think I'm gonna love it!

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  9. I would love to go in that Museum to see those beautiful arts that has been restore there but definitely don't have the guts to be naked in public.

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    1. Yeah, the museum is worth a visit. I wasn't naked and got away with it :P

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  10. Great post :) I'm from Germany but only been to Berlin once since I'm from the other side of the country but I can't wait to go back there!!! I love the vintage jacket, would immediately steal that one from you ;). Thanks for the great tips what to do there, I'll definitely check out the picknweight!!

    And yep, I don't know what it is but we Germans love to get naked haha. I myself don't like being naked in public either but that's just me...(and a couple of you guys here ;) ).

    Love,
    Sanny

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    1. Haha, thank you, I'm not comfortable being naked in public either, but I still find this "phenomenon" very fascinating! Where in Germany are you from?

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  11. This is such an informative post indeed. Anyone who is planning to visit Berlin will definitely find your guide 'badass'. You suggested some great places to visit.

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  12. The Museum of Silence sounds fascinating. I'm hoping to visit Berlin within the year!

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  13. Berli is sa great place to visit and these are a great guide. Love to go here one day.

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  14. I really enjoyed reading your post and look forward to reading more from you. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Awww, thank Trina, that's nice to hear (read). <3

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  15. I love museums, and I will most likely visit the Museum of Silence given the chance to travel to Berlin.

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    1. I'm sure you will, and there are loads of other museums to check out too!

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  16. This looks like a great place to visit. (With the exception of the naked sauna) The museum of silence sounds really cool

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    1. Haha, nobody has to go to the naked sauna, the swimming pool was only for people with bathing suits - so at least that's a possibility.

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  17. I would love to visit the Museum of Silence. As a history teacher, there is so much I want to see in Berlin!

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    1. Yes, I can imagine! I've been to Berlin more than once, and there is still so much more to see!

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  18. We knew a German family when we lived in Florida, and boy, they did like to get naked XD But I've always been intrigued in Germany. I want to go!

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    1. Haha. And yes, there is so much more to Germany than nudity 😜

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  19. Wow! I didn't know a lot of those stuff. Very informative and entertaining post! Thanks for sharing.

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  20. This is a cool place. I must go there next time if I go to Berlin. Thank you sharing

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