Glad You Called 8: Chaos, Meaning, Berlin
Lately, while writing down in my small notebook, I have been thinking more and more about the importance of chaos in our life and the different meanings one could extract out of it. So, here we are: the particular setup for this story is Berlin, the muse for this blog piece. But don’t let my source of inspiration restrict you: your place of chaos and meaning could be a village, a small town, even a bigger metropolis. It could also very well be a region you visited while on holiday or one of the neighborhoods you resided in. The point is that it is probably a place which you hold dear in some way: the jolly great time you had there, the nostalgic memories you still keep of it and, not to forget, the people whom you got to know.
These elements are all significant when it comes to finding a meaning in a place. However, what was entirely new to me was a place’s own powerful energy. It is not really “own” thought, is it? It is associated with the feelings and meanings which you yourself attach to the place — a fascinating process which I experienced first-hand in Berlin.
A city like Berlin is difficult to either like or dislike because of its many sides. Those different faces, however, could remain hidden for those not willing to explore the city beyond a few neighbourhoods. Like many others before me, I regarded Berlin as simply the definition of an endless nightlife, streets full of lively (even crazy) people, and simply no regrets. Took me just a couple of weeks to realize that this is merely one of Berlin’s countless faces. I quickly understood that to be a Berliner is not to be one particular thing. There is no single secret recipe to experiencing Berlin — this city is diverse and chaotic, so you need to find your meaning in it.
Firstly, just like an average tourist, I came to know the historical side of the city: the more recent events connected to World War II and the Cold War era, as well as the distant past captured in the numerous museums along the Spree river. As I rode my bike across the West of the city, I also discovered a very ordered, fancier side, reminiscent of the centers of Paris, Vienna, and London. I chilled with friends in countless parks scattered around town. Of course, I became drawn to the evening energy of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, their relaxing vibe and artistic chaos. The diversity, and the contrasts, became more apparent as my exploration took me further to the melting pot of Neukölln in the south but also to the affluent atmosphere of Prenzlauer Berg in the northern parts. Even the modern downtown borough, Mitte, had its own special charm: the modernity paired with a familiar hustle and bustle of large cities.
All these sides of Berlin had their unique appeal and different people tend to find distinct parts inviting. That is the beauty of Berlin’s chaos — it has something for everyone, really. For me, the most endearing element of its appeal struck me by surprise. As I started to walk more by foot and look closer at my surroundings, I noticed an unmistakable resemblance to my home. That Eastern vibe could not be escaped on the streets of Berlin. The height and the façade of the buildings covered with washed up, pastel-like paint; the tram lines in the middle of the street; the enormous Soviet-style boulevard stretching itself across town; the unnecessarily wide sidewalks; even the massive, gray apartment blocks wrapped firmly by concrete…
All these sights, readily at display in East Berlin where I resided, gave me a familiar feeling — one that is associated with nothing other than the details of the place I used to live in. It was a sensation that did not depend on the people or the experiences, but instead a feeling stemming from my own perceptions, thoughts and memories. I attached a special meaning to Berlin because of that unique association I had developed: a feeling of home in that new, big, chaotic place.
Truth be told, I ended up in Berlin by a pure stroke of luck. I was not supposed to be there. Similarly, some of the amazing people I am still surrounded with in Berlin did not arrive there intentionally. Their plans had also taken a turn which led them to the same place. Out of chaos became something meaningful. That’s how Berlin works, if you ask me. And that’s how life works too, in mysterious ways which help us appreciate a certain location even more.
What’s your special place? Maybe you are living in that favorite town of yours right now without realizing it yet? Or perhaps now you have realized that you’d like to get to a particular location sooner rather than later?
Lastly, I know that my example story of Berlin could seem too naive to you. “How can you not come to like such a diverse city which has something to offer to anyone?”, you might ask. Honestly, you would probably be right with such critique. But look, smaller towns could also draw people in, making you want to stay there forever. Undoubtedly, many have found themselves falling for a little quiet place, without a busy downtown area, lively shopping streets or colorful crowds. It is possible, I know, but that’s a different story…
Till next time.
Yours truly,
Glad You Called
