#berlinlearnings

Döner was introduced to Berlin in the 70s by Turkish immigrants and now can be found everywhere in the city —you can’t seem to walk half a block without seeing this magical street food. Döner is traditionally made with lamb, but you can also get them with chicken or veal, nestled between a toasted roll and topped with lettuce (or as they say “salad”), onions, tomatoes and a spicy yogurt sauce. There’s even a thing called a “Döner Box”, which takes a deconstructed version of the sandwich, puts it in a Chinese takeaway box, and tops it with french fries... your hungover DREAM. Let’s just say we all became addicted and used this meal as our automatic default. You will be sorely missed, Döner!

The Good News: Sundays are known for their brunch buffets! Most bars or restaurants will disregard their regular menus on Sundays and only serve a really fresh, all-you-can-eat brunch buffet. If you’re from the States, forget about what you know as a buffet, these places serve fresh fruit, eggs, meats, cheeses —you name it, and it’s never cold or stale. 

I was in need of an eye doctor really bad on my trip when I got an infection. My boss told me the best thing to do was to go to an Apotheke and ask one of the pharmacists. Unlike in the States, German pharmacists have a lot of general knowledge of medical conditions, allowing them to aid you in the hunt for the right medicine AND the right physician. Sure enough, the pharmacist recommended an optician nearby for my eye infection and saved the day.

I learned that the media companies in Berlin (and possibly Germany in general) are really cracking down on illegal downloading. It’s become such an issue, that some landlords are refusing to let tenants have the internet after being left with left with fines between €300 to €1,500. This is something to be aware of, especially if you’re traveling from another country and are potentially accustomed to easily downloading movies, music or *ahem* porn. You don’t want to be the asshole who leaves your Airbnb host with a huge fine.

Drogeries are more closely related to U.S. drugstores, like Walgreens or CVS. They’re a place where you can buy shampoo, toothpaste, sodas and house cleaners.

*You should be tipping servers at least 20% for good service in the States.

All bars are a bit dank and smokey — get used to it, or enjoy some outdoor bars. I suggest packing some Fabreze.

Water is not free in restaurants. If you order water you will be expected to pay for it, just like any other beverage. If you order water, you will be asked whether you wish still or carbonated mineral water and, in some, you may request tap water — but the practice is uncommon and seen as cheap.