Want to hug a bear?

Ever wanted to hug a bear?

You need to visit Berlin - the city of bears.

They appear on street, corners, stand staring at you in train stations, hold your hat outside shops and even the American Embassy in Berlin has one!

Hug for Buddy Bear showing the u-bahn stops
(c) fifiheavey

In 2001, artists painted approximately 350 bears (Buddy Bears) to appear in the public domain, as decorative elements in the streets of Berlin. Four different bear designs (one standing on all four paws, one standing on two legs, one standing on its head and one in a sitting position) took part in this activity in the city centre of Berlin.

This one won a medal
(c) fifiheavey

Afterwards, many of the bears were sold at auctions in aid of child relief organisations. Nowadays, these Berlin Buddy Bears are exclusively presented on private premises, in front of hotels and embassies as well as in the foyers of various office buildings.

Hot dogs, icecream and a friendly bear
(c) fifiheavey

Hey it is either a bear or a beer on the streets of Berlin!

Beer and efficiency

Boozing in Berlin
(c) fifiheavey

Ireland does not not have a drinking culture.

That is a bold statement, but one I most definitely stand over after my return visit to Berlin last week.

In general, us Irish reserve our drinking to the weekend or occasions of celebration or commiseration. We don't drink every day, because despite generations of stigma it is not our culture.

"God invented whiskey so the Irish wouldn't rule the world!"

We are fond of and take to The Drink on a regular basis, but it has never become part of daily life.

Germans are known as pretty crazy party people. Their dance and rock music influences helps hammer in that perception. But from what I witnessed last week, they do not reserve their drinking habits for parties only.

Let there be Rock - Bretter Bube Bar
(c)fifiheavey

Take the U-bahn and you meet locals swigging beer, watch out for the cyclist balancing steering their bike with taking a sip of local brew and don't be surprised to see alcohol ... everywhere.

Currywurst
(c) fifiheavey

Small glass bottles of vodka, gin, jagermeister are sold just above the sweet stands at the counters of supermarkets. "Where is the nearest bar?” is a silly question, every eatery including cafes and some take-aways give you access to an alcoholic beverage.

“Just apple juice?” a waitress questioned confused as we ordered brunch, around us everyone had a a 'real' drink in front of them.

And does all this mass drinking result in chaos? Puke on the streets? Loud singing? Rudeness?

A lack of productivity? 

Nope.

Apelmann - East German pedestrian traffic light
are symbols of German efficiency
(c) fifiheavey

How can a land of beer on every corner result in one of the most efficient systems?

Trains run on time, people queue in an orderly manner, food is fast and yummy, the streets are clean and the people are respectful.

Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin
(c) fifiheavey

And the biggest benefit to drinking German beer?

No Hangover!

Back to Berlin

A section of the Berlin Wall
(C) fifiheavey

Big pressure this week.            

I return to Berlin.

Four years ago I flew into Berlin not expecting anything great and with my own preconceptions about the city and the country. But it astounded me, the history was amazing, the culture intriguing, the people fun and helpful and the entertainment – out of this world.

Me and a Berlin bear
(c) fifiheavey

Berlin surpassed Paris as my favourite place in Europe and I have been singing its praises ever since.

This week I return to the once divided city.

But this time I am not alone, I will travelling with a friend (cousin to be exact).

I have told him Berlin is amazing, the craziest place on earth, the most interesting location in the world ... etc etc

(C) fifiheavey

And now I have to make it live up to that huge reputation. There is a whole lot of pressure on me and on this unique city. If we return and he is not bowled over by Berlin and all the wonders it holds – my reputation could be ruined.

Its gonna be easy though right? 

There are so many things to see and do, so many historic sites, buildings, streets, museums. 

The Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Unter Den Linden, The Reichstag, Museum Island, Checkpoint Charlie, Topography of Terror ....

Brandenberg Gate, Berlin
(c) fifiheavey

“I don't really do the tourist thing” he told me.

Uh Oh.

So he will be expecting the strange and wonderful, the quirky, the unknown.

Still Berlin should be able to deliver. I just stumbled across craziness on a daily basis in Berlin four years ago. I didn't have to go looking – they were right there on tap.

But em... if you had to go looking, say for strange unique things to see and do – where would one look? 

I am open to all ideas!

My back up plan: Get him drunk on authentic German Beer and turn him into a history craving tourist!

Craziness on tap - looking forward to hangover free German beer!
(C) fifiheavey

Holiday Vs Trip

“Going anywhere nice this year,” the hairdresser queries as she starts her process of small talk.

“Nothing planned yet, but Im going for four days to Berlin in April” I inform her.

“That will be a lovely holiday, never been there myself,” she states.

The Berlin Wall
(c) fifiheavey

But it isn't a holiday. I specifically said four days. Everyone knows that is a trip, right?

Like really it is just a long weekend Thursday – Sunday. How could she possibly have mis-interpreted that?

A holiday is seven days or more, probably over ten days really to suffice the 'holiday' title.

Over the last few years a “holiday” to me also needs to include a long haul flight or at least a different continent and usually has to have some sort of “adventure days” and “relaxing days.”

That is a holiday to me.

Not a city break, or a get away weekend or a brief rendezvous.

Fiji
(c) fifiheavey

What does a holiday mean to you?

Go it alone!

So you have decided to travel solo this year, whether it is a weekend away, a holiday, a GAP year or career move the most essential thing you need to bring with you is confidence.

Going along can be daunting, but it will be an experience well worth it. A trawl through the Internet will give you lots of handy tips and advice for travelling solo, here I will part with some of my own gems which I have gained through my unique adventures for one.

Also if you are undecided about where to go, below is a list of my favourite solitude treasure locations.

• First of all be confident and sure about your decision to go travelling solo and the destinations you have chosen, if you are just doing it to strike it off some mental list then step away and look a little deeper.
• Organisation is key, make sure you have your trip itinerary well worked out in advance, make sure some family or friends know where you will be and keep them updated on any changes.
• 

  Making Friends in Dresden (c) fifiheavey

  Finance – travelling is never cheap. Always try to budget more than you expect to spend, you don't want to be caught out short. My tip would be to always carry a little of the local currency in cash. Split cash and bank cards and credit cards between different bags, pockets – so you are never left without if the unfortunate happens.
• Flash jewelery and accessories are not an essential part of travelling, try not to draw attention to yourself.
• Blend in – this is always easier said than done. But head in a guide book gives the game away, so too does snapping away at everything with your camera, but you will need to do both to find your way and to document your stay. Try to research your area and get direction in private and the smaller the camera the better, try not to keep it on show also. Also for most destinations a suitcase is better than a backpack.
• Dress appropriate – I have seen this tip exclusive for women on other sites but it applies to males too, take a glimpse at locals and everyone else around you and find something in between.

• 

  Try not flash your cash, but always a carry a little local currency (c) fifiheavey
  

  Many people find it difficult to eat alone, but you will get used to it, bring reading material along, a local newspaper will help you blend in, sit outside or at the bar – confidence is important here!

• Keep a journal – for no other reason but to document your journey. I kept a load of info in mine and it used to refresh my memory when needed – like what was the name of that nice man in the shop etc.
• For the ladies: if you feel a little uncomfortable in a strange country wear a ring on your wedding finger.
• Start inventing stories, about your boyfriend, friend, family etc you need to have excuses ready.
• Learn the basics of the local language.
• Make friends
• Upload photos from your camera regularly so if you lose or break it your whole trip is not wiped.
• Leave your ignorance and innocence at home, come prepared mentally to see and be involved in things you wouldn't usually be, don't' try and inflict your culture on others.
• Relax and enjoy!

If you are looking for a great solo travel destination, I would urge you to check out some of these:

Rome, Italy – you will never feel alone here, among the throngs of tourists discover this ancient city and all it's treasures.

Solo feels so good! Rome, Italy (c) fifiheavey

Paris, France – Known as the most romantic destination in the world, it is also a haven for solo travellers, cut through the mush and experience the city of lights.

Berlin, Germany – This city surprised and intrigued me every day of my visit, day exploration and a night life to beat no other.

New York, USA – It is impossible to be spotted as a solo traveller in this fast paced city, see everything and do it all on your time!

Melbourne, Australia – Unforgettable. Culture vultures will love this place which has drama and art on every corner.

Queenstown, New Zealand – Looking for adventure and want to make friends? This is your destination!

Go Your Own Way: Women Travel the World Solo