Nightlife

CLUBS: Nightlife in Berlin is like no other. Berliners stay out at clubs until the sun rises and sometimes even stay past that . I went to a club called Club Soda, which was 3 stories and included 6 rooms, all with a different music genre. The lights, the people and the atmosphere were remarkable. I felt the energy of the room as German Techno blasted through the speakers. Everyone was dancing and singing along, under flashing lights and disco balls, there was no prejudice and all the people seemed unaware of each other merely merging together with the common bond of music and fun! We stayed there until about 5 am and watched the sunrise at a nearby park, now that is an experience I will never forget.

SHOWS: The whole group went to the Friedrichstadt Palastto to watch the show “The Wyld”, which is rated TOP 10 “must see” in Berlin by the New York Times. The stage alone was captivating, the production cost was said to be 10 million euros. As I sat down, I was immediately engaged by the performance and all of my attention was on these talented performers. They were doing acrobatics stunts, dancing in unique costumes and singing, what talent and creativity I saw! I really enjoyed how in sync the dancers were and how they got the crowd involved by walking through the isles. Besides all the stunts and eccentric costumes, the show had a story and common theme, a declaration of love to Berlin. It is easy to have the affection to Berlin it is indeed a wonderful city.

Another show that we went to was a Classical Music Show in an old tram station. Walking in, I was surrounded by old pianos, chandeliers and of course, talented musicians with a passion for creating beautiful music. I felt like I stepped into a different era as I sat down with my glass of wine in hand and was “serenaded” by a violinist, Grammy award winning cellist and a pianist. At that moment it was a pinch yourself time~ From the scenic step back in time venue to the magician musicians and the fact that I was immersed in a musical situation that hadn't before caught my attention I realized life couldn’t get any better I loved this lifestyle and I had indeed been bitten by the bug of Berlin.

DINNERS: our group was invited on a Dinner River Boat Cruise along the Spree River. I was in my element as I was enjoying some fine wine, having a delicious meal, with the view of Berlin as my backdrop with all of the treasures that could be seen from this vantage point. This little evening delight was one of my favorite activities of the trip. It was relaxing, educational and the whole group bonded with this experience together.

TV Tower Dinner: This Berlin staple is 1,197 feet of pure beauty. The dining room had a revolving floor so visitors can enjoy a 360° view of the Berlin skyline while having dinner. Sitting at the table with my fellow peers who were once strangers, sharing our favorite memories of the trip, it seems so crazy to see how far we have come in just 2 short weeks. Not only have I made good friends but I also have learned so much about the city and about the art of photo journalism. I will never forget these experiences or these great people.