Like-o-meter Part 2
Like-o-meter Part 2
What I like about art in Berlin
1. Never ending event calendar: There are so many openings, events, lectures, performances, and parties to choose from every day and night! Therefore, when I am not doing anything especially productive, instead of sitting in my room being frustrated, feeling sorry for myself, or waiting for friends to return text messages, I can go to something and feel like I am not wasting my time.
2. Newsletters: What is even better is that I don't have to waste time searching for things to do because there are multiple groups who put all of this information into nice weekly newsletters. Of course ours is the one you should be reading, but it’s good to know one’s competition.
2. Newsletters: What is even better is that I don't have to waste time searching for things to do because there are multiple groups who put all of this information into nice weekly newsletters. Of course ours is the one you should be reading, but it’s good to know one’s competition.
3. Access: It bothers me how in London the openings are called “private views” and often they really are private. Here most things really are open to anyone interested which makes for a more welcoming atmosphere (and free entrance). It’s amazing how the openings at museums like Hamburger Bahnhof are open and free to the public because I don’t think that happens at the Tate Modern or MoMA.
4. Veltins: I have to agree with Christian on this one. For the longest time I hated the taste of beer. But then I just couldn’t resist the beautiful, label-less green bottle one winter evening at DUVE and figured that something that looked so nice couldn’t taste so bad, and it was true. I like beer now (especially free beer), no thanks to bars or clubs, but thanks to the Berlin art scene…things haven’t been the same since.
5. Art Book Stores!: I love good artist books just as much as I love good art in the gallery so Berlin is heaven because nothing beats the all-star combination of ProQM/Archive Kabinett/25books/Motto/Walter König/Bongout/Do you read me?! so thank you Berlin!!
What I like about Berlin
1. Indulging: Indulging in Berlin is different than indulging in LA or London, in that it is less expensive and therefore possible for people like me! True, it will not be as fancy or shiny, but the chocolate is good and I can go dancing whenever I want for as long as I want. And it really brings so much joy to my heart to see so many people still dancing intensely on a Sunday afternoon in Berghain. More is more!
2. Pace: People are more relaxed here, and it is healthy. It is difficult for me to relax in general, and when I am in an environment like NYC where everyone is freaking out and busy all of the time, it makes me even more stressed. In Berlin people wait patiently at crosswalks for the signal and take their time. But, it doesn't mean I am less uptight about punctuality, it's that now I schedule tardiness.
3. Space: I love having a big room with a high ceiling and a balcony. I know it is cliché and romantic, but I think it generally improves the quality of my life here. It is so great to have my possessions scattered around, forming a pleasant blanket of textiles and papers instead of drowning in my stuff. I have always fantasized about having a balcony and now I have one and it is great. I even had the best view of the swarms of police and the SWAT team dealing with the happenings in the sketchy casino across the street a few days ago. I also like how the city is spread out so it is never claustrophobic or suffocating, but everything is accessible by walking/bike/train.
4. The Summer Weather!!: Everyone is complaining about this stormy summer, but I don't know why! If we have to suffer through humid, sticky weather, why do people not appreciate the sudden, refreshing downpour and the freaky and romantic lightning storms?!
1. Indulging: Indulging in Berlin is different than indulging in LA or London, in that it is less expensive and therefore possible for people like me! True, it will not be as fancy or shiny, but the chocolate is good and I can go dancing whenever I want for as long as I want. And it really brings so much joy to my heart to see so many people still dancing intensely on a Sunday afternoon in Berghain. More is more!
2. Pace: People are more relaxed here, and it is healthy. It is difficult for me to relax in general, and when I am in an environment like NYC where everyone is freaking out and busy all of the time, it makes me even more stressed. In Berlin people wait patiently at crosswalks for the signal and take their time. But, it doesn't mean I am less uptight about punctuality, it's that now I schedule tardiness.
3. Space: I love having a big room with a high ceiling and a balcony. I know it is cliché and romantic, but I think it generally improves the quality of my life here. It is so great to have my possessions scattered around, forming a pleasant blanket of textiles and papers instead of drowning in my stuff. I have always fantasized about having a balcony and now I have one and it is great. I even had the best view of the swarms of police and the SWAT team dealing with the happenings in the sketchy casino across the street a few days ago. I also like how the city is spread out so it is never claustrophobic or suffocating, but everything is accessible by walking/bike/train.
4. The Summer Weather!!: Everyone is complaining about this stormy summer, but I don't know why! If we have to suffer through humid, sticky weather, why do people not appreciate the sudden, refreshing downpour and the freaky and romantic lightning storms?!
5. Vocabulary Improvements: Growing up in Northern California, it is inevitable that some unfortunate words and phrases unconsciously seeped into my vocabulary. Living on the East Coast didn't cure me of the ailment, but Berlin has! So no more "hella" or even more painful, "hella tight."
