5-10 mins walk from my hotel in Berlin the area looked quite shabby and run down. The buildings had been graffiti /tagged - there was more rubbish around and some buildings seemed abandoned. But around the base of an apartment building someone had painted murals of faces from all around the world. I noticed it one evening when I was in search of dinner, and returned the next day with my camera. As I was wandering down an alley taking mural photos I suddenly thought it may not be a good idea to be wandering around with an expensive camera in that shabby area. Especially when a guy came shambling past in worn out looking clothes and stared at me as he passed making me feel a little vulnerable. I was glad when he continued on his way. About 2 minutes later he returned and my feverish imagination told me he was back to mug me, he said something in German. I don't speak German. I said in English "oh I'm sorry I don't understand, I don't speak German" he pointed at my camera and then at the mural and then over his shoulder towards another group of buildings. I realised they were covered in murals. He'd come back not to steal my camera but to show me other photo ops. I smiled and thanked him, he said something else I didn't understand and shambled off on his journey.
@synke my Berlin trip really was very impromptu and I had no time to organise anything. I spent quite a bit of time in the UK and feel guilty I didn't contact any UK 365ers either. I am planning on returning to the UK later this year and hope to head back to Germany at some stage too - so perhaps next time I am there I can give you some advanced notice.
@lbmcshutter no worries.It would have been nice to meet you and show you around, but I know how it is when traveling. I am generally very sponataneous. Let me know when you coming this way next time. The most important thing is you had a great trip!
There are so many 365ers that I would love to see while away but I know I won't have the time... plus I'm pretty shy!