A few Berlin impressions for your morning.
When I went to Berlin, I knew World War II had left the city in ruins. Logically, I told myself: don’t expect rows of old neighborhoods. But expectations have a mind of their own — I still pictured cobblestone streets, charming facades, and that classic “European vibe.”
Oh, but what I found was different: modern buildings, lots of glass and concrete, and streets that felt more narrow than grand. Berlin seemed to shrug and say, “This is me. Take it or leave it.” And honestly, there’s something refreshing about that kind of honesty.
I decided to look closer, and the city tour helped to piece things together: the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and other landmarks started to form a mosaic.
And then — coffee. Downstairs in the hotel café, I ordered a cappuccino with a slice of cake and ice cream. Warm cup, cold spoon, sweet bite — and suddenly the city felt warmer. Funny enough, that dessert stuck with me just as much as the Brandenburg Gate
At the hotel, another detail added to the picture: the walls were decorated with paintings and tapestries, and in the lobby stood a statue. There were no signs with names, but somehow these little touches softened the sharpness of the city.
In the end, the trip was still worth it. Berlin didn’t match my expectations, but it showed itself honestly.
Have you ever been to a city that turned out completely different from what you imagined?