A look at the city of Berlin, its people and its culture.

1. Berlin: The Ensemble
Many people have told me in the past few days that they love Berlin and would like to live here. When I
asked them what was so attractive about Berlin they often pointed to the vibrant music scene here or to
the affordability of living here or even to the possibility of nurturing their artistic talents here. After
having conversed with them for hours over endless glasses of beer, talking about their love for Berlin, I
have started wondering what is it about this city that makes me want to live here. Is it the music – but
then I am not that into music. Is it the art scene – I do appreciate art but I cannot do anything artistic to
save my life. What I have realized is that I love this city’s spirit more than any of its individual features.
Berlin, for me, is not a single city – it is an ensemble of different cities rolled into one. When I
take the S-bahn from Wannsee to travel to Ostkreuz, it seems like I am travelling from one city to
another. This is not because of the time it takes or the distance, but the f lavor of the city changes. In
different parts of Berlin you meet distinctly different kinds of people; the bars are different; and even
the food is different sometimes. There is so much diversity and vibrance here that one has to try to get
bored. You only need to walk down the roads and you discover quaint cafes and bars tucked away in
nooks and crannies, serving delicious coffee and cakes. Berlin throws up surprises like this where you
discover something new every day – a new bar, a new café, a new shop, a new food. Not only this, the
people here are also so diverse and interesting as they come from every corner of the world and bring
their culture along to share with the rest. Just looking at the beautiful graffiti on the walls of Berlin you
see the influence of artistic styles from different parts of the globe. The passion these people have for
Berlin makes the environment charged with a unique spirit different from any other city I have been to.
I do not look at Berlin as just a city, but rather as a living organism, throbbing to the heartbeats
of its wonderful citizens, flowing with their energy, and thriving on their talent. You can experience its
moods as you travel across it and feel its spirit as you interact with the people here. Now if someone
asks me why I would like to stay and live in Berlin, I would say - because Berlin is my friend, my
companion, my love. Berlin is not just a city, it is more than that – it is a spirit.
- Tathagata Sarkar