Berlin/Potsdam

Ok, I haven't played in Berlin eventually. But I did in Potsdam, which is a separate city to the west of Berlin, still within the reach of public transport. 

I arrived to Berlin ZOB late on saturday evening. That day, there was the champions league final in the Olympic stadion few stops away from the station (and starting in like 15 minutes), thus the city was full of policemen, but at the same time empty, as people were already in front of their TVs. I went straight to meet Sebastian who was at a pre-wedding party of his friend, by Wannsee, a big lake between Berlin and Potsdam.

After a nice evening, good night of sleep and perfect breakfast in a French style, made by the most hospitable people in the world (Sebastian and Caro), I had enough energy to play. Finally again, after a break for a day, during which I let heal my fingers from a little cut made by the strings. I first planned to go straight to Berlin, but then Sebastian made a good suggestion - why not try in Potsdam? The city has several hundred thousands of residents and a very nice and historical centre on its own. The best street to play on would surely then be Branderburger strasse. Ending at Branderburger gate of Potsdam, it is a nice promenade full of restaurants and small shops and obviously a popular spot for street artists. I was not alone, and had to search a bit for a suitable spot outside of the range of other musicians. 

Eventually I found one on a junction of the streets (picture above) and played my first 30 minutes. The rule here (as one street vendor told me) permits only that much at a single spot, probably so as to make it possible for all street artists to have a go. After that, however, you can simply move 30 meters, and continue. This way, you get a nice experience of playing all the way down the street (at least if you're here just once), perhaps ending at the Branderburger gate, as I did.

I came back to Sebastian's place, which now hosted a barbeque with the most tempting smell of a grilled meat. I can't help it, but after visiting it couple of times, Potsdam has become a synonym of a good food for me, especially all kinds of meat, kebabs or hamburgers. The nice food, atmosphere and a funny game of viking chess kept me on the barbeque a bit longer then I planned and when I left for Berlin, it was already half past 7. My plan was to play some half an hour in Berlin, just for the experience, before going back to the bus station for an overnight bus to Copenhagen (writing from there) at eleven. The advice I got from the Berlin street play site was to try it in Mauer park or at Warschau strasse. I chose the latter, but was surprised to find how long it took me to reach it from Podstdam. It was already past nine, and although there was still daylight, I decided rather not to try it. Being short of time and unable to find a good spot, I turned back and headed to ZOB. And though it could be my prejudice, I also did not feel like the locals - mostly people with a drink going for a party, or shouting hobos - would be into my music, so I left Berlin unchecked on my list of cities to street play in...

Next stop is Copenhagen. In between two overnight buses, I hope for a nice weather. You know, I love playing.