What is Berlin for you?
Kreuzberg remains rude!
I find this famous phrase from the graffiti scene symbolic of my attitude toward Berlin. Because Berlin doesn't want to please you or adapt to your needs. Because Berlin stays the way it wants to be, and "Kreuzberg stays rude."
The question "What is Berlin to you?" was one I was often asked during my founding phase. Interesting, because it naturally means something different to everyone. Here are my thoughts:
A special city
Berlin is my home. A place where I feel like I can help shape the city. I love that nothing is permanent and that the city is constantly reinventing itself. It always shows a new and different side. Berlin is never finished, never perfect, and remains different from all other German cities. But for me, Berlin is also my family: Selina, Maxi, and Selcuk.
A quote
My mother often said a phrase about Berlin that has always stuck in my mind: "My new favorite café will open tomorrow, I just don't know yet." As a child, I thought it was just a saying, but over time, I developed a new appreciation for it. I think this quote describes the attitude toward this city quite aptly. We don't know what will happen, but we know we'll definitely like it.
Constantly changing
I like Berlin's direct nature, the natural use of first names, the rough tone, the graffiti, the many united cultures, the endless possibilities, the provocations, the hidden warmth, and sometimes even the anonymity. The city is constantly changing, never finished, often dirty, gentrification is taking over, clubs are closing, construction is taking place everywhere, and new places are springing up all the time. That's Berlin.
Corners and edges
I often feel like no one cares about me, and I can do whatever I want without even attracting attention. My life in Berlin is accompanied by a feeling of freedom and independence. Berlin is casual, unplanned, and authentic. My giant gallery that you never tire of. Although it often gets on my nerves, and I view many transformations and changes with a critical eye:
It remains an honest love with rough edges.