My stint in Berlin was brief but eventful. I arrived at the apartment share I had booked through AirBnB.com and met my roommates for the duration of my stay. After settling into my spacious and beautiful room, I freshened up and decided to explore the local area, renowned for its buzzing nightlife.

I stumbled upon a late-night burger place and was delighted to find four different veggie burger options on the menu. I chose one for only 3.5€ and paired it with a beer for 1.50€—a perfect end to a long day of travel.

One of the first things I noticed about Berlin was the dim street lighting at night. The streets were shrouded in darkness, with very few lights illuminating the way. This lack of light made me feel somewhat uneasy, despite usually feeling confident about handling myself.

The next morning, I stopped at a café near my apartment for an espresso and was pleasantly surprised to hear some DnB music playing. I struck up a conversation with the barista, who pointed out a young man outside who she thought might know where to find a DnB club. It turned out, he was Sil-Yan, a well-known local DJ and member of a popular German hip-hop band. He invited me to a jam session he was hosting that evening, which I eagerly accepted.

The jam session in a Berlin penthouse was a highlight of my trip. We spent hours enjoying music, drinks, and great conversations. Afterward, Sil-Yan and I grabbed a midnight snack and hung out in his studio until the early hours of the morning.

Unfortunately, I woke up the next morning feeling terribly sick with a sore throat and body aches. Determined to explore, I followed a recommendation from Sil-Yan but soon felt worse and had to seek relief at a local pharmacy. Unfortunately, the lozenges I took worsened my condition, leading to severe sinus congestion. I ended up spending the rest of the day and night resting, battling a fever and headache.

After a day of rest, hydration, and sleep, I felt much better. Although my throat was still sore, my fever had subsided, and my sinus issues had cleared up. I spent the day exploring my neighborhood and relaxing in a local park, then met up with Sil-Yan for dinner. That evening, we went to a Biergarten where he was playing a DJ set. Despite my sore throat, I had a fantastic time enjoying the music and atmosphere, nursing a few whiskeys to ease the discomfort.

Overall, my experience in Berlin was incredibly positive. I loved the city’s vibrant, artistic vibe, characterized by expressive fashion, abundant graffiti, and a pulsating nightlife. Everything felt refreshingly affordable compared to other European cities I’ve visited. The people, especially those I met, were exceptionally friendly, enhancing my experience. I’m definitely looking forward to returning to Berlin and immersing myself more in its dynamic culture.