Monday, July 12, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
What The Tourist Dont Know
Berlin is an amazing city with many sights to see. The city is full of tourist from around that world that come specifically to see the tourist attractions that they offer. Throughout the city you have the option to visit Museum Island, bike tours, concentration camps, parliament, and the list goes on! But after a few days, the same tourist areas become too familiar and it starts to feel like I’m blending into to the tourist mold. I needed to see the city but in through the eyes of 
locals. I wanted to find the areas where it wasn’t saturated with tourist restaurants, shops, and prices. I wanted the real Berlin- and I found it!
One area in Berlin that I found-that was not tourist friendly- was this beautiful lake that was located on the outskirts of the city in Wannsee. As soon as I stepped off the train, I knew that this area was going to be one of my favorite places in Berlin. The area was located on top of a hill and it was surrounded by a forest. At the top of the hill was a small café that served German food and also had a full bar. Through the forest there were many pathways that led to different botanical gardens. At the bottom of the hill there was a beach area with sand that leads out to the lake. I also noticed that all of the ads in the area were German brands and were all written in German. Advertisers do this because they know that the area is not known for tourist and that they can attract the local audience.
Another location in Berlin that I found was called YAM. It is located outside of Ostbonof subway station and next to a piece of the Berlin wall. What made this place unique is that it was being run by immigrants from Jamaicans. It was filled with Jamaican flags and had the colors red, green, and yellow all around the area. Jamaican food was cooked and served in shakes right on the location. There was also a skate ramp, a beach area with volleyball nets, full bars, and a room with a big screen TV. Although I am not part of the Jamaican culture, I find it
comforting to be in a country and have the opportunity to experience another’s culture. We also found a Jamaican-American restaurant called Jamerica. The restaurant was decorated with Jamaican themed ornaments and flags. They served Jamaican food such as curry goat, jerk chicken, and oxtails.
In conclusion, I believe that in order to really experience a new country one needs to visit the areas that are not for tourists. Of course it is great to see the tourist’s sites and enjoy the attractions but visiting different areas in the country will enhance the experience. As I mentioned above, I had the opportunity to visit a lake and botanical garden where only the locals know about. I also had a chance to dive into the Jamaican culture by visiting two locations that were owned by Jamaicans. Overall, Berlin is a city full of culture and diversity and I would recommend anyone to immerse themselves in someone else’s culture.
locals. I wanted to find the areas where it wasn’t saturated with tourist restaurants, shops, and prices. I wanted the real Berlin- and I found it!One area in Berlin that I found-that was not tourist friendly- was this beautiful lake that was located on the outskirts of the city in Wannsee. As soon as I stepped off the train, I knew that this area was going to be one of my favorite places in Berlin. The area was located on top of a hill and it was surrounded by a forest. At the top of the hill was a small café that served German food and also had a full bar. Through the forest there were many pathways that led to different botanical gardens. At the bottom of the hill there was a beach area with sand that leads out to the lake. I also noticed that all of the ads in the area were German brands and were all written in German. Advertisers do this because they know that the area is not known for tourist and that they can attract the local audience.
Another location in Berlin that I found was called YAM. It is located outside of Ostbonof subway station and next to a piece of the Berlin wall. What made this place unique is that it was being run by immigrants from Jamaicans. It was filled with Jamaican flags and had the colors red, green, and yellow all around the area. Jamaican food was cooked and served in shakes right on the location. There was also a skate ramp, a beach area with volleyball nets, full bars, and a room with a big screen TV. Although I am not part of the Jamaican culture, I find it
comforting to be in a country and have the opportunity to experience another’s culture. We also found a Jamaican-American restaurant called Jamerica. The restaurant was decorated with Jamaican themed ornaments and flags. They served Jamaican food such as curry goat, jerk chicken, and oxtails.In conclusion, I believe that in order to really experience a new country one needs to visit the areas that are not for tourists. Of course it is great to see the tourist’s sites and enjoy the attractions but visiting different areas in the country will enhance the experience. As I mentioned above, I had the opportunity to visit a lake and botanical garden where only the locals know about. I also had a chance to dive into the Jamaican culture by visiting two locations that were owned by Jamaicans. Overall, Berlin is a city full of culture and diversity and I would recommend anyone to immerse themselves in someone else’s culture.
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