Hans Wall and the Berlin pride

I had an interesting evening yesterday, watching Hans Wall telling stories about his life, on the occasion of the presentation of his book. I bought the book only a couple of days ago so no enough time to finish reading. Wall is a very lively and relaxed presence and full of humour, in the front of an audience hosted in a small hall, of maximum 100 persons, keen to ask questions and wait for autographs.

His "American dream" story was presented as an example of the equal chances you have to achieve in Germany, whatever the social, religious and educational background - what an impressive difference with the approach of a Sarrazin, I will have maybe the occasion to write about one day. Maybe a bit optimistic, if thinking about the book I've read recently, regarding the basis of the current elites in Germany. He introduced his success as part of his pride to be part of the development of the city of Berlin, as part of the special identity of this place, in comparison with other German cities. A brand of the city presented as such internationally, as an example of the force of the good ideas. 

The location was the Stadbibliothek Steglitz located at the third floor of the Schloss, a big superstore in the area. As other local libraries I visited in Berlin, is offering a rich collection of books, CDs, movies and a nice kids' corner.

Lindbergh in Berlin

Peter Lindbergh opens exhibition in several Berlin hotels.
ZDF on Lindbergh's philosophy on photography.

Planning

Just realized that I have to write about so many things that in the coming weeks I will dedicate an impressive amount of time to this new writing playground. Maybe it was about time. 

Where to hide

I prefer travelling out of Berlin mostly during the summer, when the light is mild and the living is easy. Reading this article from the NYT, I felt a bit nostalgic about being too busy this summer with various trips outside Germany and missing the occasion of discovering more about the country. The last year, I extensively explored many cities and the plan for 2010 was to continue with the wanderings, but most probably, as the nasty weather already started I will have to reconsider the project for the next year. Optimistically, speaking, is a good reason to stay here for longer.

Foreigner in Berlin

Almost two years ago I moved to Berlin. In 2006, I spent here my first week in Germany ever, visiting my friends and extensively exploring the cultural life from both parts of the city. It was not exactly what you call a blast: I was simply curious, all eyes and ears. And, probably, this high potential of challenging my curiosity, not fully explored during my first visit, weighted in my decision to choose rather Berlin than other German city.  

The relocation process was smooth, too smooth to remember easily that at the beginning I had in mind only a trial period of six months. Little by little, without acknowledging too much, I've get used with the places, the people, feeling less tourist and more at easy with the idea of living in Germany for longer. Or, at least, of having here my headquarters of my wanderings in the world. 

And Berlin kept me so busy that I was not very much aware of the need to share my experiences. Too busy with my own discoveries for being keen to share my experiences to the unknown virtual audience. But while editing some photos and thinking more and more seriously about my long-term future in Berlin, and a couple of inspiring discussions about writing, my writing, and writing about me here, I followed - as usual - my stormy inspiration and set up this blog in less than 10 minutes - the books' background was chosen without thinking too much as books are intimately part of my life. Sharing the words of my experiences about me and Berlin, the people and the places.