Berlin

Global Village. By Shonali Muthalaly

Berlin doesn´t care about what I think of it. That is what makes it so magnetic. In this age of pushy tourism, glossy clichés and aggressive global competition, it is fascinating to discover a city that is comfortable with its identity. A city that doesn´t feel a need to constantly prove itself, or impress outsiders. And yet, Berlin´s identity is never static. That is its other great charm: the ability to be ephemeral without losing its soul, individuality or endlessly edgy vibe.

India, despite being the globally accepted land of spirituality, is in a frantic rush to reinvent itself. As a result we´re slowly changing our national character, especially among the upwardly mobile middle class: working long hours, hopelessly hooked to technology and constantly plotting acquisitions.

Perhaps it would be naïve to say the Berliners are less materialistic. But they do seem to enjoy the process of living more thoroughly. One week here, and I´m realizing how distracted my life in India is: iPod blaring, phones ringing, Blackberry buzzing. Here morning “rush hour“ is more a tranquil commute, watching Berliners read books on the train, or gazing out of the window.

The feisty individuality of the streets permeates life: an irreverence for convention and designer labels, a respect for rebellious creativity and good-humoured individuality. I meet an art historian who paints graffiti in the streets. I watch a biker with a tattooed head tenderly pushing his baby daughter in a pram . And the man I buy cheese from chattily advices me to team his Gruyére with “a glass of good red wine. Some fresh bread. And a nice man.“ Berlin proves it´s possible to be contemporary, dynamic and productive without losing the vibe, style and energy that makes a city unique.

I´ve put away my iPod, disconnected my Blackberry, and swapped my E reader for an actual book. I walk through the city admiring the architecture and urban art. I practice my German on unsuspecting people. And have even gotten lessons on using a spray gun from a street artist. As a result, my mind feels more focused. Berlin´s teaching me that sometimes it´s essential to step away from the stampede of everyday life to actually participate in it.