BERLIN

Berlin is so cold and unromantic, at least this time of year, but so incredibly fascinating. This photo collage isn't nearly as dense as the days spent there — first as part of a study trip, then dashing around the city with Björke and Kudres, or even ice-skating (try staying upright on that slippery surface!).

I once got hooked on the German historical series Ku’damm 56, 59, and 63. I really loved its style, period accuracy, and unexpected twists. I decided that the next time I found myself in Berlin, I would stay on Kurfürstendamm in Charlottenburg. As luck would have it, that’s exactly what happened.

I wasn’t too disappointed when I discovered, while Googling at the hotel breakfast table, that the trilogy was actually filmed elsewhere because the avenue had become too overgrown with greenery and flooded with brand-name stores. New times, new customs.

Bronze bust statues of a man and a woman in a courtyard with brick columns, outdoor chair, and a house with lit interior lights in the background.
Multiple reflections of women taking photos in a mirror at an art gallery, with paintings hanging on the wall.
A promotional poster for the musical 'Kudamm 59' featuring a stylized illustration of three women dressed in vintage fashion, with bold yellow, red, black, and white colors, and text in German indicating the world premiere date of May 5, 2024.
White sculptures of a muscular man with his arm raised and a woman with flowing hair, set against a geometric gold and red background.
A woman and a young girl standing on a staircase in a public building, smiling and posing for the photo. A large black and white portrait of a woman holding a camera is on the wall behind them, along with two quotes about women and photography.
Colorful abstract sculpture with orange, pink, and purple blobs on black metal arches inside a building with large grid windows.
Preserved fish displayed in glass jars filled with yellow oil at a store or market.
Exterior view of an ancient building with large, fluted columns supporting a balcony. The building has stone busts mounted on the wall between the columns and is partially covered with scaffolding.
A collection of holographic butterfly stickers with green, orange, and purple accents on a white background.
A large black and white photo of a woman with dark hair and glasses holding a vintage camera up to her face. In the background, there are several people, mostly women, standing and looking at the camera. The wall behind the photo has the text 'MARY ELLEN MARK ENCOUNTERS' in large white letters on a red background.