First stop: Berlin

Starting our journey in Berlin felt significant in several ways. Geographically, it was of course natural to make our first stop here, before we continued to the eastern part of Europe. But it was also symbolically important because it was here, in the German capital, that history took a dramatic turn 35 years ago with the fall of the Wall and then the dissolution of the Iron Curtain and the Soviet Union's power of Eastern Europe.

We could not have had a better host than Ekki. He proved to possess immense knowledge, wisdom and experience having grown up in East Germany and with a strong passion for storytelling. Ekki took us on a tour around the site of the Berlin Wall where he told both the official story and his own personal anecdotes. Contrary to what many witnessed about life behind the Iron Curtain, Ekki said he had lived a good life here with his siblings and parents who were both doctors. The only thing he could be a bit envious of were his classmates with relatives on the west side who would have Levis jeans and American cigarettes shipped to them.

When the gates to the wall finally opened in November 1989, Ekki was one of the first to cross to the other side. That same evening he called his friend and said: guess what? I have been to West Berlin. His friend didn't believe him. He might as well have said he just landed on the moon.

When the wall fell and it was once again possible for East Berliners to travel, Ekki was thrilled to discover the world. Since then, he has made numerous journeys to all corners of the world and from these he has collected thousands of objects, with which he has decorated his flat. Living in Ekki's home is like staying in a museum. Each small object tells an exciting story. And when Ekki doesn´t have the opportunity to travel himself, he brings the world to his home. To date, he has hosted over 800 couchsurfers, and his profile page on CS is filled with lyrical references from travelers who have been lucky enough to stay with him.

Thank you Ekki for your hospitality and all the stories!

This is what we did in Berlin:

Went on a historical guided tour around the site of the wall

Participated in Köpenick summer festival

Rented a pedal boat and explored the city from the lake side

Rented bikes and discovered the cathedral, the Brandenburg Gate, the river Spree

Flea market at Arkonaplatz

Dinner in cozy Kreutzberg

Visited Ekki's math lesson at the "John Lennon school"

Visited the David Hasselhoff Museum

Had a fantastic vegetarian dinner at Levantine Bistro on Weinbergsweg