We started in Düsseldor to get a more "authentic" German feel before hitting Berlin. One thing that is a must-do in small German towns is to order the Alt Beer. Fun fact: they come in smaller than average glasses and are automatically refilled unless you put a coaster on top of your glass. The bartenders are like hawks so if they see that your glass is 3/4 empty, they will swoop in with a new one. Fun myth: it's an old-style of brewing, so it's said that if you have too many you will sober yourself up. We cannot confirm or deny the validity of this myth. The old town had several hundred bars on one street! So when people make jokes about Germans liking to drink, it's quite true (in our experience).
Berlin- Happy birthday, Derik! We spent his birthday in Berlin, enjoying drinks, food, dancing, and a spa! The spa was much much cheaper than anything we would have found in the U.S., plus it is half off on your birthday! Derik says this was his best birthday yet.
Derik wanted to ring in his birthday the night before at a club. We had heard that it can be hit or miss to get into Berlin clubs- that the bouncers can be picky and are not shy to deny people for any reason. We weren't initially worried about it but when we got to the door, the two guys in front of us were being questioned. "Do you know the line up for tonight?" "Uh... we're not sure." "It's a no for me then. You can go." We were told in advance that this is a common question, so we memorized a couple names of people performing that night, ahead of time. When we got to the bouncer and she said something in German and then said "Is it just the two of you?" Derik was so nervous that he proclaimed "One Tram!" in response (a DJ who was performing that night) (Hahahaha). I counteracted with "Yes, just us." "You can go in", she said. And that was that. We felt oddly proud for making the ambiguous cut.
Berlin felt quite metropolitan compared to the prior few cities, which were smaller, quieter, and more bike-friendly. Derik's description of the city: it is a mixture of Portland and Austin. The language barrier has been getting harder the further east we go, it seems. We have been doing a lot of pointing and nodding. Saying "sure" after saying "what" three times and still not understanding, and hoping for the best. It really makes us wish we knew more languages.
We met up with a guy we met on our Amsterdam tour who was taking a similar route (Cody), and another guy we had met while couchsurfing in El Paso who is from Berlin (Will). We had so much fun getting to know them better and hearing about their travel experiences. Meeting fellow travelers has been a highlight every time! Will took us (along with a couchsurfer who was staying with him) on a beer tour. Basically what we did was walk to local stores and bought different types of German beers, old and new. Fun fact: sour beers originate from Germany. Though it's new to the States, it's old to Germany, so it isn't as common. We both thought it was delicious!
We have been in Europe for over 6 weeks! It's been great (especially the food!) but here are some things we have been missing from the USA:
The ability to use our phones without wifi. Though this has been a blessing, too, to have to figure out directions and such without them.
Boxed mac & cheese- Robyn. When we are able to cook dinner in an air bnb, I just want something simple and yummy. Boxed meals are rare to find and mac & cheese (especially Annie's!) is my fave of all boxed meals.
White cheddar popcorn- Robyn. You can find popcorn but it's usually unflavored.
Texas Tacos- Derik. But really, tacos in general are nonexistent in Europe.
Texas Brisket- Derik. Of course this is a region specific cuisine
Berlin- Happy birthday, Derik! We spent his birthday in Berlin, enjoying drinks, food, dancing, and a spa! The spa was much much cheaper than anything we would have found in the U.S., plus it is half off on your birthday! Derik says this was his best birthday yet.
Derik wanted to ring in his birthday the night before at a club. We had heard that it can be hit or miss to get into Berlin clubs- that the bouncers can be picky and are not shy to deny people for any reason. We weren't initially worried about it but when we got to the door, the two guys in front of us were being questioned. "Do you know the line up for tonight?" "Uh... we're not sure." "It's a no for me then. You can go." We were told in advance that this is a common question, so we memorized a couple names of people performing that night, ahead of time. When we got to the bouncer and she said something in German and then said "Is it just the two of you?" Derik was so nervous that he proclaimed "One Tram!" in response (a DJ who was performing that night) (Hahahaha). I counteracted with "Yes, just us." "You can go in", she said. And that was that. We felt oddly proud for making the ambiguous cut.
Berlin felt quite metropolitan compared to the prior few cities, which were smaller, quieter, and more bike-friendly. Derik's description of the city: it is a mixture of Portland and Austin. The language barrier has been getting harder the further east we go, it seems. We have been doing a lot of pointing and nodding. Saying "sure" after saying "what" three times and still not understanding, and hoping for the best. It really makes us wish we knew more languages.
We met up with a guy we met on our Amsterdam tour who was taking a similar route (Cody), and another guy we had met while couchsurfing in El Paso who is from Berlin (Will). We had so much fun getting to know them better and hearing about their travel experiences. Meeting fellow travelers has been a highlight every time! Will took us (along with a couchsurfer who was staying with him) on a beer tour. Basically what we did was walk to local stores and bought different types of German beers, old and new. Fun fact: sour beers originate from Germany. Though it's new to the States, it's old to Germany, so it isn't as common. We both thought it was delicious!
We have been in Europe for over 6 weeks! It's been great (especially the food!) but here are some things we have been missing from the USA:
The ability to use our phones without wifi. Though this has been a blessing, too, to have to figure out directions and such without them.
Boxed mac & cheese- Robyn. When we are able to cook dinner in an air bnb, I just want something simple and yummy. Boxed meals are rare to find and mac & cheese (especially Annie's!) is my fave of all boxed meals.
White cheddar popcorn- Robyn. You can find popcorn but it's usually unflavored.
Texas Tacos- Derik. But really, tacos in general are nonexistent in Europe.
Texas Brisket- Derik. Of course this is a region specific cuisine
Haha! Love the bouncer story! That's the best! I noticed that I wasn't listed as missing from the states, but I guess that goes without saying. 😉 Haha!
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