Photo was taken at the Flohmarkt in Mauerpark in Berlin!

The language barrier in Berlin is not as drastic as some might think. Sure, there are plenty of people who don’t speak English but they do try to help in the best way that they can. I love that the people were kind enough to be patient with me or take my pointing at things on the menu as a sign not to judge me too harshly. I think that because I stayed at a hostel that shop owners in the surrounding area spoke more English.

For example, the people at the falafel shop right downstairs, across the street, spoke a little English and were friendly. The woman at the sushi spot around the corner spoke no English, she actually spoke Vietnamese and then German to me, but I couldn’t speak either German or Vietnamese. I may not understand German but I was always, always, thankful and made sure to tell people “Danke” (“Thank you”) every time I got food or went shopping. I feel that it is our number one priority (aside from being safe) as outsiders in a new place to be thankful for the people who help make our situation a little easier.

This was short and sweet but I think that it definitely had to be said. I hope that more people will take the moment to just appreciate and remember all the people who helped you when you were lost or couldn’t understand a different language.

Lots of love.