Naked in Berlin

It must be one of the only capital in Europe where you can lay down naked in the grass of a park without disturbing anyone. Though the fall of the wall 20 years ago, Berlin stays a city aside. Its past of freedom and of an “island” has left heritage. Coming here is like going into town and in the countryside. I would recommend you to rent a bike. Unlike Paris where each move on your bicycle leads you almost to death, Berlin is made (most everywhere) for the people (like me, at any season) who rides one. The cycle paths are most of the time large, separated from the roads, crossing parks and because Berlin has only few highs, It’s not that difficult to ride. Just to give you an idea if you know Paris (It’s my city after all), Berlin is 9 times bigger and 30% of its space belongs to lakes and forests. Staying in Paris allows you to be in a big city without missing air to breathe. There is only few traffic noises, and the cars seem lost on the big streets (not always). No useless stress, the rhythm in Berlin is slowlier. Having a walk in Tiergarten is enjoying a forest in the centre of the city. When the weather allows it (not that often I must say), you can do picnics with family and friends, you can get a full body tan or play ball(s) (whichever you like …). Of course during winter time, which lasts longer than you think, you can go swimming in any of the pools of the city and this, with the same card. When summer’s here, take the train and after 30 minutes, you have reached one the lake which surrounds the city in the middle of the green. When you come back, have a drink in those popular beach bar, where your friends can join until early next morning, eating food from the barbecue, drinking and dancing at the music of a famous DJ. Or stay outside, watching people, on a terrace. I’m sure if you plan to come to Germany (and that is already a big step because It’s not very famous, I know), the tourist is afraid for its stomach. I know, the German food is even less famous than the land but trust me, as a French, I assure you, you can find good food … or you cook at home. You can eat outside, healthy and cheap, bio as well and you start to see soup, vegetables salad and chocolate cake. Like in San Francisco (which I looooove), you will get the memory of having lunch, your head against the window enjoying the first rays of the sun. Though It’s not easy to have a place at the sun next to Paris, Milan or New York, Berlin is very active with fashion. This week, for example is the fashion week and if you’re a bit interested, you can have a look at the new creations. A lot of designers move to the city those last years and a shop only sell the creations of the city.