Finding Berlin by Nicole Nickel

Finding Berlin converted by Nicole Nickel and Lydia Busch

FindingBerlin.com is a visual magazine dedicated to Berlin and its

Finding Berlin

cultural diversity. By photography the authors of the

converted by Nicole Nickel and Lydia Busch

site try to capture all parts of the cities development and the unique features of Berlin: urban art, techno

Alle Rechte am Werk liegen bei den Autoren.

hedonism, authentic places and some intimate Berlin anecdotes will find a one of a kind plattform. They

Erstauflage, Juli 2013

hope to portray an image of Berlin that will freshen up

Herstellung: AZ Druck und Datentechnik GmbH,

the perspective of visitors and residents alike.

Berlin, Deutschland

With this unconventional and very personal coverage they try to inspire people to find their way through the cultural richness of urban spaces. This book is a summary and an overview at the same time. About their reflections, thoughts and life sharing it with us.

Index 10

Kiez Life 12 18 24 28 38 42 46 50 54 58 62 66 70

Night Life 76 80 84 90

A$AP Rocky at Festsaal Kreuzberg Creative match Kreuzberg x The Wye: Fashion Monster Tank Rave in Kreuzberg Karl Marx Straße: Neon Light by Night

Event Life 96 100 106 114

124

We Are Neukölln Schillerkiez Körnerpark Neukölln Neukölln‘s cleared and abandoned allotment gardens Kreuzberg 61 Sundowners Wochenmarkt Maybachufer „BiOriental“ Markthalle 9 Berlin Kreuzberg Recently in Görlitzer Park Der Kiez Eats Berlin Burger International Restaurant Feliu Eastside Gallery demolition delayed

Rock the Block Kreuzberg The People of Mayday Fête De La Musique 2012 Carnival of Cultures

Bibliography

Kiez Life.

There are some fantastic, wildly unusual and overwhelmingly creative spaces and places in Berlin. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a restaurant or a secret hideout for a romantic picknick, we love strolling around our little Metropolis to find fresh places with an exciting story.

Gentrification is like climate change. Its so obvious that everybody talks about it all the time but nothing happens. That leads to people getting annoyed by the topic, so they eventually start to ignore it. Gentrification is in the media, in politics, in rap-songs and on house-walls but most of the time the debates exclude those who really have to take the consequences; whose lives change because of the complex process which mostly gets reduced to a superficial discussion about “the hipster”.

We Are Neukölln by Nico · 15.04.2013 |

We Are Neuk枚lln by Nico 路 15.04.2013 |

| We Are Neuk枚lln by Nico 路 15.04.2013

We Are Neuk枚lln by Nico 路 15.04.2013 |

What I find especially interesting about the development of a city is to see the changes

place to place within Kreuzberg three times in the past

for myself. I hadn’t lived long enough in Berlin (or long

three years, rents are on the rise like they’ve never

enough in general) to relate to my older and wiser

been before. People have started to move to the next

friends about all the things that have been better or

cheap Kiez available — Neukölln. I’ve noticed that

worse in the past. People do like to tell their anec-

most of my friends have moved from either Friedrich-

dotes, so you hear about the fantastic club scene that

shain or Kreuzberg to the north of Neukölln, most still

used to exist in Berlin and about the great spirit that

staying within the inner circle of the S-Bahn Ring. But

has been worn down by tourists and whatnot. To me, it

even more surprising is that even I have been hanging

all sounds a bit foreign.

out there a fair lot lately. And I do honestly believe: if it weren’t for the Tempelhofer Park, it would not be so.

But recently even I have started noticing how things

Especially in the Schillerkiez around Boddinstraße,

have changed in comparison to when I moved to Ber-

where one of the NK entrances to the Tempelhof is,

lin. It’s been about four years now and sometimes I try

have the changes been visible. New bars and burger

to remember how everything was back then, but hon-

shops and Spätis are now where used to be nothing. I

estly, I used to live in Wedding and nothing changed

can remember the nothing, because it’s not that long

there. Moving to Kreuzberg put me right into the spot

ago. Other people remember too: apparently some

of fluctuating restaurants and people. I moved from

of these new “cool” spots have been welcomed with Schillerkiez by Sara · 27.06.2012 |

warm greetings (read: graffiti-bombings and vandal-

like right now, on the edge of being something com-

ism). Of course, gentrification is always an issue in

pletely different but not yet radically transformed.

Berlin, especially now that new people — students

Let’s return to where we are next year and see if we

and artists — have to chose the more affordable areas

can spot the differences.

to live their life in the city. However you twist an turn it, not many people will profit from the changes in the long run. But the whole subject stays interesting in many perspectives: from a visual one, for starters. When walking around our neighborhoods we often point out this or that thing that used to be here or there, but we rarely take into account how that has the power to influence the general aesthetics of a street or a corner. I find that the Schillerkiez could make a great example of how a neighborhood can change gradually. These are some shots of the status quo, this is what it looks 20

| Schillerkiez by Sara · 27.06.2012

Schillerkiez by Sara 路 27.06.2012 |

| Schillerkiez by Sara 路 27.06.2012

Schillerkiez by Sara 路 27.06.2012 |

Neukölln is not exactly famous for its broad choices in nice parks. With Tempelhof dominating the “park scene” in terms of reputation it always seems like such an effort to discover something new. Tempelhof is big enough for everyone after all. But the Körnerpark is something special indeed, perfectly laid in an up and coming scene quarter of the still dubious district. The Körnerpark is not just a beautiful place to hang out in the summer, it’s also a gardening project and hides many interesting details. The Orangerie, the Café and the water fountains render the space peaceful and quiet. We tend to spend our time in places such as Görlitzer Park for it’s immediate proximity to where we live, but truth be told: there are prettier greens in town.

Körnerpark Neukölln by Stefan · 14.06.2012 |

| Körnerpark Neukölln by Stefan · 14.06.2012

Körnerpark Neukölln by Stefan · 14.06.2012 |

A Berliner’s soul is crazy about his retreat in the countryside. Be it the house at

cleared soon. The residents had to move out. Dreams,

the Baltic sea, the cottage in Brandenburg, or, as in

that grew over decades, were smashed in a minute.

my family, the summer house somewhere in the city’s

Though they received a compensation, I am sure every

calmer areas, sometimes as small as an allotment

allotment gardener shed bitter tears that their beauti-

garden: The love for one’s own small retreat from the

ful gardens should make place for a highway.

frantic city is what every Berliner (and perhaps every city slicker) is born with. Sometimes decades of com-

Protest arose and ruled the headlines for weeks. Res-

mitment and joy shape the lovely gardens and many a

idents collected newts and frogs, thus rescuing them

Laubenpieper, as we call ourselves, make their dreams

from the excavators. But the diggers came anyway.

a reality there.

In one part of the allotment gardens areas, of which the biggest were “Treue Seele” (68 properties) and

However, back in November 2010, the city of Berlin

“Stadtbär” (67 properties), tree felling commenced

denounced demise charters for 314 Neukölln allot-

but had to stop due to an court order in February

ment gardens, covering an area of 125.000 square

2012. As of now, the demolishing is stopped for an

meters. The ground was subject to make place for one

uncertain time. While one part of the allotment garden

of the last sections of the city highway A100. In order

area is rid of any green, thus resembling a moonscape

to conduct the planning approval, the properties were

with abandoned, even burnt down cottages scattered

Neukölln’s cleared and abandoned allotment gardens by Matthias · 18.07.2012 |

around, most of the properties still look like they were left just a few weeks ago. Stefan and I were curious: What happened to the place? Which stories would it tell, which memories would it bear? We followed the old, overgrown trails that still visibly lead through the estate. Every once in a while, we’d turn left or right to see what would lie beyond the sprawling hedges. Avoiding to break anything even more, leaving everything where it was, we carefully explored the gardens and the cottages one at a time.

| Neukölln’s cleared and abandoned allotment gardens by Matthias · 18.07.2012

The cottages were devastated. The windows were bro-

ken, the doors smashed. Sometimes even the wooden

walls were torn down. Debris lay around. Demolished

furniture, splintered lavatories, soggy carpets, single

shoes, sometimes even neatly put pairs of shoes,

clothes, long overdue food, newspapers, books and

once in a while a framed picture. Scattered around

and smothered beneath a thick layer of dust lay the

resident’s torn memories.

A handwritten sign read: “Grandpa Egon’s rag-

fair – everything from A to Z”. More like a workshop,

it was tucked away behind one of the cottages in the

fashion of how those DIYers tend to add a little addi-

tion a time. The strangely and contortedly designed

room was vacant. Sunbeams lit the narrow space and

its dusty air. Shelves and nails on the wall, where once

| Neukölln’s cleared and abandoned allotment gardens by Matthias · 18.07.2012

the tools waited to be used, reminded of its long gone

But as we passed through the properties, making

purpose. If there was one emotion if any, sadness

our way through the hedges and shrubs, we were

would best describe the mood that emanated from

astonished how nature has reclaimed the aban-

Grandpa Egon’s rag-fair.

doned allotment gardens. All sorts of colourful flowers grew among the heavily sprawling grass, ivy invaded

As in most of the cottages, signs of subsequent guest

through the shattered windows. There were apple

were present here, too. The inivetable graffiti, shatte-

trees lowering their branches through unroofed cot-

red beer and liquor bottles, emptied bags of crisps,

tages, filling the floor with a big basket worth of fruits.

tealights and all sorts of colourful party equipment

Butterflies: Red Admirals, Adonis Blues, Brimstones

bore witness to subsequent visitors. We even found

and, of course, Peacocks. We saw Pale Tussocks and

condoms (don’t even try to picture the scene). In fact,

Eurasian Jays – not to mention the many singing birds

the area is quite popular today: We met curious visit-

we heard only chirping. We ate apples and pears

ors, looters, rioting teenagers and people who came

from the trees. We found strawberries, blackberries,

to harvest flowers and fruits. Even the rave community

grapes, plums – but either they were simply not ripe

discovered the place and made itself at home in one

yet or we were just stuffed from the fruits we already

of the gardens.

had.

Neukölln’s cleared and abandoned allotment gardens by Matthias · 18.07.2012 |

The mood was both strangely beautiful and sad.

mental the more I thought about this peculiar notion, I

Though we didn’t demolish anything even further,

found myself in discussion with Stefan, Sara, Marcus,

though we didn’t take anything with us, taking photos

Nico and other friends. In the end, as most remarked,

seemed just as wrong. We entered people’s houses,

we’re beneficiaries of this irrevocable situation.

curious about what we’d find or whom we’d meet.

We can respect and empathise with the residents

Apparently, homeless people slept on some of the

and – excuse these last solemn words – tell their stories

beds that were still intact. By the end of the day, I felt

with our pictures.

like an intruder who came too late to make his fortune with it. Is trespassing other’s private spaces just as wrong when they’re long gone? It doesn’t quite feel right, though. I wouldn’t judge anyone who went there for the sake of discovery, even not the looters and the party crowd. Yet I thought to myself: How would I react, if I saw my garden filled with cheerful, dancing people, which is home to some of my best memories? Growing sentiNeukölln’s cleared and abandoned allotment gardens by Matthias · 18.07.2012 |

| Neukölln’s cleared and abandoned allotment gardens by Matthias · 18.07.2012

Neukölln’s cleared and abandoned allotment gardens by Matthias · 18.07.2012 |

So I found a WG in Kreuzberg, but I was quite surprised when I first visited it for a

I like it to an extent. It’s peaceful and I’m never scared

quick check. “This is Kreuzberg? Really?” In my three

of stepping into dog shit. But it’s pretty boring too.

years of living in Berlin, I’d never once made it bey-

Everyone is grown up here, the graffitis are being

ond the Kottbusser-Tor-Kreuzberg that I love. That is,

removed from the walls, and where once you had

Kreuzberg 36, rough, dirty, charmingly different, never

the sound of sirens and the gunshot pops you’re now

welcoming. Well, and here I am in Kreuzberg 61: it’s

bathing in the noise of children’s play and crying

clean and tidy. Good looking people in expensive

babies. Not that gunshots are a better alternative. I’m

clothes dominate the sidewalks on sunny afternoons.

just saying.

Cafés, restaurants and tall, beautiful Altbauten make the scenery.

Kreuzberg 61 by Sara · 13.04.2011 |

In any case, Kreuzberg 61 seems to be a misplaced part of Prenzlauer Berg, where people dandy like it’s the 1920s again. I can already hear the killer phrases of gentrification. “You destroyed our Kiez” is what the “UrBerliners”, that is, people who’ve been living here for the last 20 years or something, will say. But in my book, all of this and especially the contrasts between two parts of a district only prove that it’s natural development. Yes, of course we should try to keep the costs low and not create a bubble that rises over our heads and explodes into a catastrophe. But: if we start complaining about what is happening (without actively doing something/by discriminating against people from all over the world who come to live and stay in Berlin), we’ll just add to the fact. We will become the same small-minded town people. And that, in my opinion, is the problem we should tackle. 40

| Kreuzberg 61 by Sara · 13.04.2011

Kreuzberg 61 by Sara 路 13.04.2011 |

A lovely summer evening does not require a lush ocean or even a clean river

Of course we are absolutely devoted to our Kiez in

to swim in. We beat the sticky heat by devouring it.

Kreuzberg, so usually we only see the sun go down

Besides, we only get to have summer for two weeks

from here. But I’m sure there must be plenty of altern-

every eight years or so, we might as well appreciate it.

atives all around the city.

What we especially like are the beautiful sundowners once the sky is cloudless. When it reveals it’s meager skyline, Berlin can be very appealing. All you need for a little bit of mediterranean flair is warm weather, the sun being visible on the horizon and a cold drink in your hand. Now just choose any of the given spots around the city: Oberbaumbrücke, Modersohnbrücke, Görlitzer Park, Tempelhof, Admiralsbrücke, Landwehrkanal, the wasteland on Cuvrystraße — no matter where you prefer to be, we’ll probably be around, too.

Sundowners by Sara · 25.05.2012 |

| Sundowners by Sara 路 25.05.2012

Sundowners by Sara 路 25.05.2012 |

The little street market on Maybachufer in Kreuzberg (Neukölln? Whatever)

Tu 11:00 — 18:30 Uhr

is somewhat of an institution around the Kiez. Every

Fr 11:00 — 18:30 Uhr

Tuesday and Friday, the little stands come to life to bring the visitors a variety of fresh produce, an assort-

Maybachufer

ment of textile and some other stuff. It’s perfect for

12047 Berlin Neukölln

buying your weekly vegetables! The market is always packed, and the Turkish vendors are always shouting prices of tomatoes or apples in your ear. You get your stuff cheaper if you buy by the kilo, promise! Nobody calls the market by its official name though. It’s the “turkish market” or “Türkenmarkt” because of the many Turkish specialities. Located right at the Landwehrkanal, the market is a good excuse to go out for a walk, even when it’s cold. A pro-tip: go late and you might get away cheaper, and never stop dealing for a better price! Wochenmarkt Maybachufer „BiOriental“ by Sara · 17.11.2011 |

Wochenmarkt Maybachufer „BiOriental“ by Sara · 17.11.2011 |

The Markthalle 9 in Kreuzberg has been empty for a couple of years

This movement, the idea and the whole project is

now. You could find a supermarket and a drug store

overwhelmingly inspiring and I am very happy that the

in it; nothing of the market spirit was left to find in the

city council has allowed this creative development. I

building. Last year, Marcus even shot a video of the

went to check out how far they’ve come last weekend

almost empty space.

and I can only recommend everyone snack around the beautiful stands and arrangements– you’ll love it.

But in 2009 a few people got together and decided they would buy back the building, restore the former market space and create a new weekly market. Beyond that, the market hall is to be completely freed from the discount supermarkets in the upcoming months, and a new location for community issues, projects and events is to be build from the foundation of the market. Check out more details on the official project website.

Markthalle 9 Berlin Kreuzberg by Sara · 12.10.2011 |

| Markthalle 9 Berlin Kreuzberg by Sara 路 12.10.2011

Markthalle 9 Berlin Kreuzberg by Sara 路 12.10.2011 |

What is it like to step inside Görlitzer Park for the first time? Say, for someone

I don’t want to strike up a controversy right here and

who’s from abroad, never been to Berlin before, much

now, but that must have been the most bizarre thing

less to Kreuzberg. Wouldn’t they think this world has

I’ve ever encountered in the park.

come to an end with all its bizarre craziness? There’s a park, right. With designated bottle deposit racks (though a new thing and probably an art installation). Then there’s an improvised, free theatre acting out Shakespeare in one corner. In the other, families with their children opposite of a massive techno rave. A couple of girls have spread out their inventory on a make shift flea market and people are buying. Some punks have gathered next to Italians playing football, BBQs and oh, over there? That’s just gypsy family wildly camping on mattresses.

Recently in Görlitzer Park by Sara · 06.09.2011 |

| Recently in G枚rlitzer Park by Sara 路 06.09.2011

Recently in G枚rlitzer Park by Sara 路 06.09.2011 |

As if the Kitchensurfing concept wasn’t exciting enough, the makers of the culinary

In a cozy but excited atmosphere we had the chance

networking website have thought about a new idea on

to meet new people and experience new tastes. It can

how to connect foodies with their local creative chefs.

feel like the whole world is in one room, what with all

The Kiez Eats is a weekly program hosted by diferent

the great culinary cultures, the chefs favorite recipes

cooks that invites interested people into a night of

and the exchange with the other guests. Beyond

superb food. With a bit of a workshop-feeling going

the evening dinners and workshops, there’ll also be

on and a good vibe to connect with other passionate

a weekly Street Food Thursday with the Markthalle

eaters, we were invited to spend an evening creating

Neun in Kreuzberg. Berlins best chefs will present their

(and certainly devouring) dumplings with diferent

favorite recipes and tips, so don’t miss out!

fillings.

Der Kiez Eats by Sara · 08.04.2013 |

| Der Kiez Eats by Sara 路 08.04.2013

Der Kiez Eats by Sara 路 08.04.2013 |

An inner craving for burger was seeded deep inside of me back when I was a

I still hold Burgermeister up above any other place

child. My parents would never let us eat fast food ex-

I’ve eaten at, BBI almost touches the throne with

cept for on special occasions. So while everyone had

their exclusively super-tasty fresh and delicious ham-,

a delish Christmas dinner, we ended up stuck with all

cheese– and hallumiburgers.

the other non-Christians at McD’s devouring plastic food like it was a five star meal. Don’t judge, I was

I feel especially obligated to thank them — I mean,

eight years old then.

thank them from the bottom of my heart — for creating the Numburger. It was the burger of the month in

But ever since I became addicted to burgers, and not

June. And it was perfect. An orgasmic explosion for

only those that were produced in half a minute. Of

your taste buds. It had STRAWBERRIES, and Pesto,

course, Berlin being the most generous of cities when

and Basil, and Mozarella, and, sorry for all the veg-

it comes to culinary experiences, I can’t get around

gies out there, but it also had PERFECT beef patties

trying any burger place that I find. My latest little

and, oh, my heart aches for it’s almost the end of June

treasure (although not quite a secret — it’s just me

and I’ll probably never taste anything like that, ever

being late to the party as always) is the Berlin Burger

again.

International on Pannierstraße in Neukölln. While

Berlin Burger International by Sara · 29.06.2012 |

In typical Berlin style, the BBI is hardly more than a street-shop. Perfect for good weather and take out. They don’t attract as many passersby as Burgermeister does so the wait is not nearly as long, but still long enough for a hungry person to go on a rampage. Or maybe that’s just me. Anyway, go check it out and definitely try ALL the burgers on the menu at ONCE.

| Berlin Burger International by Sara · 29.06.2012

I love my hood for its abundance of delicacies. Whether it’s an exotic Arabic breakfast I’m craving

kind of traditional Paela, a guest can only dive into the

or a Mediterranean gourmet experience for a low-

different taste mixtures. The staff is friendly and wel-

budget, everything is available around Kreuzberg

come and the concept of the store is one that makes

and Neukölln. Feliu, a Catalonian restaurant that has

you feel right at home.

been open for a while now, belongs to the mid-range but affordable type of cozy restaurants with a menu á

The owners of Feliu had their first Tapas bar at the

la carte that should convince everyone, from the pas-

corner of Weichselstraße and Weserstraße in Neuk-

sionate aficionado to the lazy traveler.

ölln, Gaston, another very affordable and comfortable place to be at night. But the Feliu is more than just

By night, the front of the restaurant looks already

tapas. It brings a fresh twist on Catalonian cuisine to

very warm and inviting: big glass windows decorated

Berlin, something I’ve never heard of or tasted before.

with candles, located in a very quiet and dark part of

The menu changes seasonally, and I’m very excited

Pflügerstraße, have caught my attention before. Fi-

to see what’s on for the summer. Needless to say,

nally I’ve made it to Feliu and it was better than good.

this may just be my new favorite place for a delicious

The Mediterranean “Fusion” kitchen is quite simple,

meal.

but very convincing. From Ceviche to a very special

Restaurant Feliu by Sara · 29.05.2013 |

| Restaurant Feliu by Sara 路 29.05.2013

After 300 demonstrators gathered at Eastside Gallery earlier today to disturb the demoli-

According to a police spokesperson, both police and

tion of parts of the longest remaining stretch of the

the building contractor agreed to delay construction

Berlin Wall, the building contractor and police deci-

for safety reasons at 11:30 after one piece of the Ber-

ded to delay further construction. One piece of wall

lin Wall was removed and displaced. Most construc-

was removed, protestors are afraid that demolition will

tion vehicles were withdrawn.

be continued later today or at night. The demolition of Eastside Gallery, Berlin’s second When news spread this week, that a local construc-

most frequented tourist spot and longest remaining

tion project including luxury estates, a hotel and the

stretch of the death strip, where several fugitives were

rebuilding of pre-war Brommy bridge endangered pre-

shot or otherwise found death during the city’s separ-

servation of the protected historical monument, pro-

ation, caused a chorus of outrage. The protest is led

test formed quickly over the internet and culminated in

by the local activist group “Mediaspree versenken”, a

several hundred activists gathering at the construction

number of local clubs, representatives of all political

site. Police formed a cordon to ensure safety of activ-

parties and more than 30.000 signees of a petition

ists, construction and traffic. When activists crowded

addressed to mayor Klaus Wowereit, the building con-

the street, police blocked the road from both ends.

tractor and high-ranking politicians, including chan-

Eastside Gallery demolition delayed by Matthias · 01.03.2013 |

cellor Angela Merkel and Federal President Joachim

Wall on a distance of more than one kilometer. The

Gauck.

demolition of parts of Eastside Gallery to make room for luxury building projects is widely recognized as

After demolition stopped for now, activists are afraid

a violation of the outstanding historical and cultural

that it will continue unnoticed. Police cleared the road

relevance of the memorial and a further approach by

block and left the scene at 12:15, few officers and

the city’s senate and the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg’s

most of the activists remained on the site. A fence

district administration to outsell the riverside.

was placed where the piece was removed to prevent activists from trespassing the construction site. “Now

While both the city and district cast the blame on

there’s a gap in the Wall, they’d better fill it with some

each other over responsibility in this case, it remains

barbed wire like they used to do it formerly”, an elderly

uncertain why a building license was issued. The 300

lady lamented.

activists who gathered at the site voiced their indignation about all of these participants and demanded

The incident happened as the situation about the preservation of the river Spree’s banks was still tense. Eastside Gallery is an internationally famous spot, where artists painted the remnants of the Berlin 72

| Eastside Gallery demolition delayed by Matthias · 01.03.2013

Wowereit to resignate from mayor’s office.

Eastside Gallery demolition delayed by Matthias 路 01.03.2013 |

Night Life.

What we see, what we do and who we meet: it usually happens right in our neighborhood. These little randoms make up most of our lives here in Berlin. With every little piece of the puzzle we hope to get closer to portraying an authentic picture of the city.

Going to a concert might not be the most exciting thing to share across

definitely different manner. While hanging out in front

the broad subjects that Berlin has to offer. In this

of the line to the venue (Festsaal Kreuzberg) I tried to

case, I’d like to make an exception. We’ve all been

capture some of these looks.

waiting impatiently for the A$AP Rocky gig ever since he blew up last year with his monster tracks Pe$o and

By the way, the concert was — albeit short — a blast.

Wassup. Along with all the techno in Berlin most of us

Here’s to hoping that the A$AP Mob can ride the

from FindingBerlin are true Hip Hop fans, so whenever

hype wave for another couple of years on that level of

we get the chance to experience a banger concert in

quality.

our hood we grab the motherfucker by the neck and make the room bounce! After all, it IS quite a different experience to the usual raves. But before boring you with shaky concert pictures I would rather point out the interesting street styles of the audience. In contrast to the “vintage hipster”, the rap fan in Berlin likes to dress in a likewise fancy, yet

A$AP Rocky at Festsaal Kreuzberg by Marcus · 15.06.2012 |

| A$AP Rocky at Festsaal Kreuzberg by Marcus 路 15.06.2012

A$AP Rocky at Festsaal Kreuzberg by Marcus 路 15.06.2012 |

It’s really hard not to have fun at a Halloween party. What with all the costumes and

mist hanging about the loft — all backdropped by

overdosing on a) sweets and b) booze, people who

neo-goth electronic non-dance music to undermine the

don’t have fun on Halloween are probably the same

spirit. Whether it’s fashion, art or a statement to a cer-

ones who shrug and light up a cigarette when seeing

tain “to cool to have fun” Zeitgeist: this party was, in

a pug puppy. If you’re THAT kind of person, I hate you

essence, everything you’d expect of the creepy, horror-

by principle. I just can’t believe there are people who

movie kind Halloween. Freddie Krüger galore.

can react cold to a pug puppy. Having fun on Halloween is kind of clichée, must have thought the creative heads of The Wye and The Offer, who collaborated to throw an extraordinary Halloween party last Wednesday. They reverted to the gloomy and dark version of Halloween, the Donnie Darko type Halloween if you know what I mean. Sitting on the floor, shrouded by weird symbols and decorations, art installations consisting of wedding dresse s, a somber

creative match kreuzberg x The Wye: Fashion Monster by Sara · 02.11.2012 |

| creative match kreuzberg x The Wye: Fashion Monster by Sara 路 02.11.2012

creative match kreuzberg x The Wye: Fashion Monster by Sara 路 02.11.2012 |

Remember that time when a bass blasting tank was rolling down through Kreuzberg? Eclectic and eccentric music is our thing, especially during the summer. I would say we need even more of these spontaneous raves. This one was definitely standing out of the usual events, aiming to “take over Kreuzberg in a friendly way”. I guess it can’t get more friendly than that.

Tank Rave in Kreuzberg by Sara · 01.06.2012 |

| Tank Rave in Kreuzberg by Sara 路 01.06.2012

Tank Rave in Kreuzberg by Sara 路 01.06.2012 |

| Tank Rave in Kreuzberg by Sara 路 01.06.2012

Tank Rave in Kreuzberg by Sara 路 01.06.2012 |

Neon lights shine brine by night. Where Karl Marx Straße lacks in charm and aesthet-

One of the greater things about Berlin is how you

ics by daylight, this street knows how to be flashy as

can just go out on the street, with no plans or inten-

soon as the sun goes down and the neon shop– and

tions, and suddenly you’ll be caught up for hours in

headlights go on.

excitement and happiness. No clubs, no restaurants, no cafés: basic interactions with other people and an

The patch between Rathaus Neukölln and Karl-Marx-

open mind are sometimes all that’s necessary for a

Str. U-Bahn station seems especially magnetic to

good portion of entertainment.

peculiar situations. The shops, flanking each footpath, are on their cheap & trashy A-Game.

Also: neon lights are awesome.

Fun times were had. We had an initial reason for going down to Karl-Marx-Straße: there was supposed to be a Festival of Lights type of happening called the “Late Light Shopping”. We found three or four buildings that were enlightened, but were more passionate about discovering the street in its “natural” state.

Karl Marx Straße: Neon Light by Night by Sara · 19.11.2012 |

| Karl Marx Straße: Neon Light by Night by Sara · 19.11.2012

Karl Marx Straße: Neon Light by Night by Sara · 19.11.2012 |

Event Life.

Concerts, clubs, exhibitions, festivals and sports: Every year Berlin is full of special events with a (more or less)

tradition. Considering the many cultural aspects we try to share the unique things that happen here once more.

The last two days were all in the name of one very remarkable part

Our whole crew headed down to the block to see

of Berlin: the BLOCK in Kreuzberg, comprising of

what was going on. Indeed, good times were had.

Adalbert-, Oranien– and Skalitzerstraße and the

From various exhibitions to crazy performances and

streets within their proximity. The Rock the Block exhibi-

regular known names in the graffiti world, we all had

tion/kiezfestival was brought to life by Backjumps, a

our share of fun these two days. One should wish for

Kreuzberg located urban arts initiative and magazine,

more of these opportunities — Kreuzberg taking the

in cooperation with the Kunstraum Kreuzberg/Betha-

chance and proving that it’s more than just another

nien. Backjumps, if you remember, have been hosting

to-be-commercialized part of Berlin. Adrian Nabi, co-

a couple of exhibitions so far that we’ve visited and

operator of Backjumps and “curator” of the Rock The

have now transferred their gallery space into “reality”,

Block festival, says that the Block is supposed to be

if you will. Instead of using proper artsy canvas they’ve

open for all and everyone, no matter if they’re usually

decided to go with the urban art spirit and display

interested in art and galleries or not. It’s a Kiezfest for

their artists works on walls, buildings, on the streets

everyone in full Kreuzberg spirit. We’re looking forward

and among the passersby. Dozens of artists were part

to the next edition. Some of the outstanding works we

of the block-rocking, providing art and venues for

tried to capture on photographs.

exhibitions and workshops and parties in and outside.

Rock the Block Kreuzberg by Stefan · 04.10.2012 |

| Rock the Block Kreuzberg by Stefan 路 04.10.2012

Rock the Block Kreuzberg by Stefan 路 04.10.2012 |

Every 1st May Kreuzberg unites for one big party. Last year we

Needless to say, we had an amazing time far off from

had already covered the extraordinary people who

riots or disturbances. The music was top notch as

make the MyFest happen every year. They’re mostly

always, people were drunk by 2 PM and everyone had

responsible for the good time everybody has dan-

a pretty awesome time. We’re already looking forward

cing, eating and simply enjoying the kick off for a new

to the next Mayday which is kinda like a Summer ver-

summer season. This year though, we didn’t spend a

sion of New Year’s Eve: finally, people are out on the

lot of time at the MyFest. Instead, our flat on Skalitzer

streets again. This is the Berlin we love.

Straße invited all of our friends over to hang around on our makeshift summer balcony right on Skalitzer Straße. From here we had the best view on the people who were strolling around the Kreuzberg Kiez from one Open Air rave to the next.

The People Of Mayday by Marcus · 02.05.2012 |

101

102

| The People Of Mayday by Marcus 路 02.05.2012

The People Of Mayday by Marcus 路 02.05.2012 |

103

104

| The People Of Mayday by Marcus 路 02.05.2012

The People Of Mayday by Marcus 路 02.05.2012 |

105

Midsummer. Most children growing up in Berlin will probably never

will not stop until summer returns with full force. I will

even know what that word means. They will think:

also not stop complaining about it in every post until it

“Summer, oh, that’s just another word for autumn,

happens. I’m a grumpy person and I need sunlight for

right?”, because that’s damn straight what it feels like.

my pale skin).

But once upon a time, even Berlin encountered heat waves. Even I have spent days in the city with my skin

Like the Carnival of Cultures or the First of May,

melting off my bones. I would worship every second of

the Fête de La Musique festivities are free and for

it if it happened again.

everyone to enjoy, but they are naturally of a different quality. Since it’s always on the 21st of June — in my

Of course, summer will return — someday. Probably in

experience usually work days — the extend of the par-

October. I don’t mind as long as it does. In the mean-

ties can range from two hours to two days. So we’ve

time, Fête de La Musique, the annual midsummer fest-

made it a ritual not to be too stressed out or eager to

ival that is celebrated all across the world, was taken

find the perfect place to rave. Sometimes it just hap-

here with a little ironic twist. Rain and windy weather

pens, that’s cool. Yesterday was more like an interest-

made it quite difficult to enjoy the Open Airs, but then

ing stroll through Kreuzberg, a major excuse to listen

again: we’re born to party. We’ve had worse than

to some great music by Robot Koch and Jahcoozie at

this. Let’s not dwell on it (but yes, let’s dwell on it, I

our favorite spot on Cuvry Straße by the Spree and to Fête De La Musique 2012 by Sara · 22.06.2012 |

107

go down on Kreuzbergs best chicken at Hühnerhaus. It always comes down to the same thing: we love our neighborhood and we will definitely not move away from here, not even if there’s a cute little apartment in the Schillerkiez available. Right? Right.

108

| Fête De La Musique 2012 by Sara · 22.06.2012

F锚te De La Musique 2012 by Sara 路 22.06.2012 |

109

110

| F锚te De La Musique 2012 by Sara 路 22.06.2012

F锚te De La Musique 2012 by Sara 路 22.06.2012 |

111

112

113

How in Gods name could we NOT have covered the Carnival of Cultures,

the excessive drugs plus more families and lesser

better known as Karneval der Kulturen in German, so

techno. But even more colorful, displaying all those

far on FindingBerlin? One of the greatest and most

wonderful nationalities and cultural heritages Ber-

visited events in our city, a massive spectacle for famil-

lin has to offer. From huge Brazilian communities to

ies and hedonists alike, the Carnival of Cultures offers

little Palestinian dance performances, the floats and

everything for everyone and is the second kick-off into

wagons on the parade are an incredible sight. Peace,

the summer after the First of May in Kreuzberg.

tolerance and loads of diversity are the key mottos of the festival — realizing how rare violent encounters

The “Karneval der Kulturen” is, as the name promises,

happen in Berlin, I tend to appreciate these festivities

a multicultural celebration taking place in Neukölln

even more. They teach the good life.

and Kreuzberg. And it’s a pretty old celebration as well, established in 1996, every year at whitsun and

The Carnival has become more than a parade over-

usually blessed by good weather (although not as

time. It has been extended to a four day event around

religiously as the First of May — seriously, has anyone

Kreuzberg 61 with plenty of awesome food from all

ever had a bad weather First of May?). Anyway, back

over the world (of course we ended up eating the

to KdK: think of it as an explosive Love Parade minus

habitual Köfte. I mean you can’t go wrong with Köfte.) and an additional parade for the children. Carnival of Cultures by Sara · 29.05.2012 |

115

(By the way, I changed my opinion again: our Karne-

In the last years we’ve been avid visitors of the

val der Kulturen is somewhat more impressive than the

Sunday Carnival parade, but we were either enjoying

Notting Hill Carnival, even though it’s not as large

the festivities too much to actually take pictures or we

and our taste in music still a bit vestigial. Nevermind

were simply lazy and didn’t want to carry our cameras

though, I love both options. Are we going back to Lon-

around. This year our crew, although often separated

don this year?)

within the masses and literally drowning in drama, was attached to their lenses and we are very proud to share our impressions with you. Colorful costumes, beautiful people, cheering and laughing faces, the blue sky and the bright sun, the mind blasting music and performances as well as the raves full of young people are the summary of what you can find in Berlin.

116

| Carnival of Cultures by Sara · 29.05.2012

Carnival of Cultures by Sara 路 29.05.2012 |

117

118

| Carnival of Cultures by Sara 路 29.05.2012

Carnival of Cultures by Sara 路 29.05.2012 |

119

120

| Carnival of Cultures by Sara 路 29.05.2012

Carnival of Cultures by Sara 路 29.05.2012 |

121

122

| Carnival of Cultures by Sara 路 29.05.2012

Carnival of Cultures by Sara 路 29.05.2012 |

123

Bibliography Primary sources

http://www.findingberlin.com/we-are-neukoelln/

http://www.findingberlin.com/rock-the-block-kreuzberg/

http://www.findingberlin.com/schillerkiez/

http://www.findingberlin.com/the-people-of-mayday/

http://www.findingberlin.com/koernerpark-neukoelln/

http://www.findingberlin.com/fte-de-la-musique-2012/

http://www.findingberlin.com/neukoellns-cleared-and-abandonedallotment-garden-areas/

http://www.findingberlin.com/carnival-of-cultures/

http://www.findingberlin.com/kreuzberg-61/ http://www.findingberlin.com/sundowners-berlin/ http://www.findingberlin.com/wochenmarkt-maybachufer-bioriental/ http://www.findingberlin.com/markthalle-neun-berlin-kreuzberg/ http://www.findingberlin.com/recently-in-goerlitzer-park/ http://www.findingberlin.com/der-kiez-eats/ http://www.findingberlin.com/berlin-burger-international/ http://www.findingberlin.com/restaurant-feliu/ http://www.findingberlin.com/eastside-gallery-demolition-delayed/ http://www.findingberlin.com/asap-rocky-at-festsaal-kreuzberg/ http://www.findingberlin.com/creative-match-kreuzberg-x-the-wyefashion-monster/ http://www.findingberlin.com/tank-rave-in-kreuzberg/ http://www.findingberlin.com/karl-marx-strasse-neon-light-by-night/

124

| Bibliography

„Fête De La Musique 2012“ and „Carnival of Cultures“ - Photos by Nicole Nickel, private archive.

Secondary sources

http://www.flickr.com/photos/__j/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/monoauge/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/_timl/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/norte_it/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/13111789@N00/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ole/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31589083@N05/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/patrickwilken/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/afrojupp/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rassloff/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/boeseraltermannberlin/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/seven_resist/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidoa/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/shaipix/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/demarco/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/steffireichert/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/edwin11/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/timor-kodal/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/faxrebel/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tlamp/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fhainer/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/gertrudk/

http://wildegartnerei.blogspot.de/p/verkauf.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/glitzr/

http://www.tip-berlin.de/essen-und-trinken/berlin-burger-international-produziert-machtige-burger-handarbeit

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kietzmann/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/knospe-fotopoesie/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/komoll/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/latrovadoradelossuenos/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/libertinus/

http://daysofcake.blogspot.de/2013/03/day-8-berlin-burgerinternational.html http://www.mitteschoen.com/2011/10/10/burger-himmel-auf-holzb anken/311960_261935233846818_121954141178262_79830 2_1650474687_n/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mentalitybeast/ Bibliography |

125