Yep! We're here!
It was German Unity Day on October 3rd, the 20th anniversary of when West Germany and East Germany made up and got back together, so there were events near the gate, including a free concert and beer tents, and people celebrating everywhere.
Since we're here for a month, we purchased a month pass for the Berlin transit system, which includes the S-Bahn and U-Bahn, two extensive metro train networks that operate both above and below ground. They run frequently, even at night, and although Berlin is sprawling, you can get anywhere within a reasonable amount of time. The pass also includes the street-level tram system - which operates as more of a light rail system -, a bus network, and a few ferries in the city as well. Berlin has a lot of people, and it moves them about efficiently.
Every weekend there are several flea markets around the city. Some are huge, like the one near the Tiergarten, and some are relatively smaller. Pretty much anything from vases, to jewelry, to fur coats, to used records can be found here. Most of the stuff isn't priced, as the sellers rely mostly on negotiation for pricing.
We tried our hand at some bargaining, but to no avail.
In the next post, as we get caught up with our blogging duties, Berlin's museums, memorials, and monuments.
I often feel like I'd get more satisfaction out of bargaining rather than just having prices laid out for me. Not so much because I feel like I'd be particularly good at it (to be honest, I'd lean more toward "terrible" in estimating my bargaining skills), but because I think there's a more satisfying sense of accomplishment with every purchase.
ReplyDelete"I just paid $3.50 when she wanted $4? Well done, me," you know?