Berlin: The city of Linden Trees

Berlin: The city of Linden Trees


Over Easter, I was lucky enough to explore Berlin's tree-lined streets where the Tilias were just springing into their full lime green leaves. The cobbled paving underfoot and the car-free roads provided the perfect peaceful Sunday stroll in search of an artisan coffee. Shutters and graffiti embellish the unassuming frontages as sleepy Berlin rested in its party slumber. A wisp of cigarette smoke still clung to the otherwise fresh spring air. It is truly a city of oxymorons, steeped in history yet marching gallantly into the future. Iron railings like train tracks mark the once East/West divide but are merely a step-over today. 

The paper train ticket hole punched in my hand, along with my wad of tourist cash, Berliners haven't yet boarded the contactless train, to explore the contemporary art galleries mark my necessary possessions, but it would be quite possible to step ticket free onto the raised New York-Esque subway above the streets; armed with just a camera you could quite happily wander Berlin an entire day before you eventually settle in a smoky candlelit bar for a refreshing cold beer. Pedestrians wait law-abidingly at crossings even without traffic and tourists misalign the pavement for a bike lane, differentiated only by a subtle paving change. I realised then, that I would eagerly grasp the opportunity to live in this vibrant city if it weren't for the strictly black dress code that is not enforced but can be seen at every club and bar alike. It is a stark contrast that its citizens love the colour black so much when their city sits prettily below the lime green canopy of the Linden trees. 









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