Germany is the Land of Ideas. Spain is The Land of Sun and Thailand, the Land of Smile. Most countries have a brand of their own, something that can shortly define what that country is all about. Some countries talk about their business opportunities, some are proud of their welcoming and generous people, some present themselves as creative, other speak about their history and traditions. There is a special something for each one of them.

As I came to Berlin I kept on asking myself – what is that word able to express the essence of the city? Or what is the word people would mostly associate Berlin with? So I asked a few friends of mine and the answers were really interesting, that’s why I thought about sharing this with you.

A boy told me that “The Wall” will always make him think of Berlin. Why not the Pink Floyd album? I said. My best friend spontaneously associates Berlin with bicycles because in here people ride their bikes everywhere. No matter you go to school, to work, you go shopping or simply enjoy a ride with kids, the bicycle is indeed a noticeable presence in the city.

Other friends define Berlin as the city that never sleeps. There are so many events, so many parties and such an active cultural life that sleeping can definitely wait.

The Alexanderplatz tower is another key image of Berlin. To me it looks like a huge German host inviting people to Mitte.  No matter where you come from, as long as you see the tower, you know you didn’t get lost.

Someone else told me that the first word that comes to his mind is Graffiti. I found this quite interesting, because graffiti is indeed a form of local art present from Tacheles to U-bahn stations.

For the moment I feel they are all right. But I still need to explore the city more by myself. What about you? What is the word that best defines your Berlin?

P.S Hope not this one :)