MauerPark

On Sunday, we decided to go to Mauerpark to check out the flea market there.



We'd been to other flea markets in Berlin before but had heard this was a true Berlin flea market, not some trumped up tourist attraction. This market drew the people, man. Cool, we love the people, right? We're down.

Ha. If the people shop at Mauerpark, then I'd prefer to take my business elsewhere and solidly align myself with "those who are part of the problem." Finding the solution has never been further from my mind.


Mauerpark (or Wall Park in english) is a 300 meter long section of the former Berlin Wall that has been remade into a park in Prenzlauerberg. Because there is a stadium nearby, the wall was particularly high and massive here to prevent visitors to the soccer games from jumping the wall.



You can take a stroll along the inner wall that has been open to graffiti artists, make a picnic near the stadium that it partially surrounds, or visit the flea market nearby. All of the guide books tell you that your walk here will be interesting but interesting doesn't even begin to describe the scene.



Berlin has a funny way of reminding you why so many different types of people are drawn to this city. The best word I can think of to describe it is: schizophrenic. On any given day in any given area, you are bound to be challenged by what kind of city you think Berlin is. In one sense, it is obvious why Prenzlauerberg has the highest birthrate in any city in Europe. They've got cobblestone streets, trendy cafes, trendier kid and maternity stores, and beautiful tree lined streets. Huge playgrounds and newly restored buildings can be found in all over. And then, just when you think you've gotten a sense of it, you stumble into Mauerpark and your perception of the neighborhood is turned on its head.



Mauerpark is weird, man. In the funniest, beatnikish, "We are way too tuned into the establishment," sort of way. Observant people-and those not prone to sensory overload like me--took notice of the "Hey, did you see that guy's face tatoos running up his leg?;" or "Anyone in the market for a box of half used suntan lotion, watered down Listerine, and a burnt out light bulb? All of it can be yours for an Euro" ; or"Dude, I am so glad we made it in time for the "Sorry, Guillermo" concert. I was afraid we'd miss it." I was just overwhelmed by the piles of junk of sale and the sheer number of people buying them.



Can't say we'll be returning to Mauerpark for their bargain basement prices or their assortment of discarded treasures but it is definitely the type of place that would have been a shame to miss.