Over four years after living in Germany, it is pretty wild to look back on how different things are today. This weekend, I had to privilege of seeing two great friends from Karlsruhe who were in Munich for various things. These friends just know me in a different way (relaxed & carefree) than my friends in Munich (overachiever & on-the-go) and it was nostalgic reminiscing over all the great times we had together. In Karlsruhe, I had a lot of free time and spent at least three days per month in another city or country. Oh how times have changed: Three weeks ago I had to cancel my trip to Warsaw because too many conflicts arose here in Munich. Anyway, before I get too carried away on now and then (this would require a novel), I will get to the point.

I have not been to Berlin since moving to Germany. Munich and I always clicked better than Berlin. I spent three days there on a trip pre-move, but now that I know so much more about Germany, I am eager to get back to the Hauptstadt for one of those epic Berlin breaks to see what all the fuss is about.

Eat a Döner Kebab at Mustafa's

Döner and Berlin go hand-in-hand and from everything I hear, there's no better place to enjoy these delicious pitas. There's something perfect about these cheap eats that always seem to have a perfect bread-meat-sauce-veggie ratio and I can't help adding all sorts of chili to mine. There is also a variant that comes in a wrap, which I often refer to as the "Turkish Burrito"; if you know my love for burrito's this is nothing short of a pet name.

Let's just say this would not be my only must-eat food stop on the trip as I would look way too forward to all the deliciousness Berlin has to offer.

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Club der Visionäre

When I was last in Berlin, I was there staying in a 10 person hostel room with some other friends from university. Wherever we tried to go out, our group was immediately turned down. We later learned that bouncers often don't let large groups in, so we eventually started going in places in twos or threes. Club der Visionäre was near our hostel and we stumbled upon it exploring Görlitzer Park.  Since it was summer, it was the perfect place to hangout and we were envious seeing everyone spend time there from the pedestrian bridge that overlooked the backside. Nevertheless, the doormen were not having it with us, but next time Visionäre, I'm coming for ya.

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Badeschiff

Also near Club der Visionäre is the Badeschiff. Somehow, none of us had swimsuits, so this experience was knocked off the list, but it was this pool and party located in the Spree is just too cool. Badeschiff also hosts lots of events to create a lively poolside atmosphere (i.e., party). I don't want to hear about it from the Berlin snobs. I much rather spend a day there and see for myself.

Karaoke in Mauerpark

This open air Karaoke next in Mauerpark that takes place on fair weather Sundays was by far my favorite experience in Berlin. People from all over the world performed and watched the various performances. There ranged from extraordinary to really, really, drunk and all were extremely fun to watch while munching on snacks from the flea market next door. I will make sure my next trip goes through a Sunday just for another Bear Pit Karaoke experience.

Drink coffee

Berlin has a massive Third Wave Coffee movement and although I will drink actually any coffee you give me, I still love going to a well-designed cafe with friendly people who serve up a cup of coffee that my Nespresso and Aeroccino just can't match. I would even spend a day going on a coffee tour and exploring all of the different neighborhoods in the city.

 

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See a concert at Mercedes-Benz Arena (formerly o2 World)

In Germany, I've missed attending the big arena concert I was lucky to always attend growing up in Houston. The Mercedes-Benz Arena is also right next to the East Side Gallery, which is always worth another visit. Adele concert in May anyone?

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Ok Berlin fans, what else should I add to my list?

Cat, a fellow expat at Sunshines & Siestas, tagged me in the Capture the Color competition. While I am certain I won't win, I am certain that I thoroughly enjoyed going through album after album of my years in Germany. Initially, I wanted to do photos from all over, but it was too hard to choose, so I stuck with the (new) homeland. I selected not only photos that captured the colors, but also the essence of Germany.

Gelb // Yellow

Freiburg. How could I not choose a Krug of fresh pilsner for my Germany yellow? Ganter is a local Freiburg beer founded in 1865.

Rot // Red

Cologne. The Hohenzollern Bridge over the Rhine River in Cologne withstands a whole lot of foot and train traffic and is yet another cliche love lock bridge in Europe. Although the focus is on the locks, the DB signature red train in the background is a symbol of Germany's modern society moving right along.

Grün // Green

Munich. Green is the biggest association my mind has with Germany. The winter is bleak, but the other three seasons certainly make up for it. Greenery is everywhere and prevents boredom any train or road trip. I will always be in awe at the green rolling hills of the south, the vineyards nearby, and thick trees in the Black Forest. However, it does not end there. Parks galore dot the cities, offering spots nearby for city slickers, too. This photo was taken on a summer day in 2010 at the Chinese Tower beer garden in the English Garden.

Weiß // White

Berlin. The Brandenburg Gate is an old city gate from the late 1700s that now serves as a symbol of unity and peace in the capital city. It was, and still is, an important historical site and many important events still take place here.

Blau // Blue

Munich. Although it is so obvious and boring of me to use the sky as my blue, this untouched photograph captures the bluest of blue skies over an important square, Marienplatz, in my favorite city in the world.

On Eurotrip 2011, our awesome Texas native tour guide with Mike's Bike Tours in Munich raved about the city of Berlin. We asked what his must-do was and he got super excited and asked if we would be in Berlin on a Sunday. We regretfully said we were leaving on Sunday to go to Prague. He said no, stay another night, take a late train, something! because we had to go watch karaoke in Mauerpark.

There was a group of about seven of us heading to Prague Sunday, so these plans were not easy to make. The last train left Berlin at around 6 pm, but we decided that would be Ok. On a very rainy Sunday in Berlin, we headed across town to Mauerpark. We weren't sure what time karaoke would begin but there was a massive flea market going on, too, so we weren't too concerned about killing time. Half the group decided they'd had enough of the weather, but me and two loyal travel mates stayed along to experience what we were assured was the highlight of Berlin.

It did not disappoint for a second. We laughed. We cried (no, really, we did). We contemplated coming back someday to sing karaoke ourselves. There were entertainers across the board, singing classics and original songs. People from all over the world stepped up to get their moment. It was almost like watching "American Idol" auditions because you'd see an appearance and have no idea what you were going to get.

This is what the steps looked like when we arrived at Mauerpark. The second we saw them, we were sure this is where the karaoke would take place, but we had no idea how many people would be there to watch.

All decked out in our matching rain jackets (a travel essential) anxious to see what all the fuss is about.

The huge flea market in the park kept us busy until the karaoke guy rode up on his bike, equipment and all.

Nomming on some stir fry noodles we bough at the flea market awaiting the karaoke to start. We almost gave up. I guess he was just waiting for the rain to go away, too.

While he set up the equipment, people began to sign up on the list. People brought their background music on a USB stick.

The guy that brought the karaoke equipment kicked off the show.

There were some characters. Her outlandish style definitely screams 'Berlin' to me.

This seemingly intoxicated fellow provided some good laughs for everyone while his friends hooted-and-hollered loudly.

These two visually impaired young Swedish girls brought swells of tears to our eyes when they say "My Heart Will Go On".

Katie and I looking on from the other end. We were so sad we had to leave early to catch our train to Prague. We debated staying another night in Berlin just so we could finish watching (I'm not a Prague fan anyhow).

It drew quite a crowd, especially once the rain stopped.

Photo Credit: Christin Dietze

 Karaoke in Mauerpark

Who? Joe Hatchiban, his company Bearpit Karaoke and you!

What? Bearpit Karaoke rolls up to the amphitheater Mauerpark on a bike with battery powered speakers, a laptop, and a microphone.

When? Every Sunday (weather permitting) in Berlin, around 3 p.m. He posts updates on the FB page!

Where? Mauerpark Amphitheater, Gleimstraße 55, 10347 Berlin, Germany - UBahn Eberswalder Str. (line U2) or Voltastr. (U8)

Why? Why the hells not? It's definitely a Berlin-y experience.

How? So you want to sing? Bring your song on a USB. Know the lyrics (there's no TV screen). Get there early and sign up upon Bearpit Karaoke's arrival. Booze (If you so wish. I would so wish). Wait for your name to be called.Ok, so I don't know the exact routine, but from what I saw, it's something like that.