Germany trip report from 02-10 October 2026.
Berlin is a dreary city. What it lacks in industry it makes up for in its counter-cultural scene and deep history of the 1900s. I can feel the punk-ish-ness and artsiness radiating off of the young population. They’re dressed well, not in a suit-tie manner, but a this-will-get-me-into-Berghain manner, complete with colorful hair and unique haircuts and visible piercings and clothing to match the vibe. I see them at a much higher rate than any other place I’ve ever been. All Berliners have their priorities in order: enjoy life, then work; work to live. (The city’s housing rent cap makes this much easier for those with jobs that don’t pay high wages.)
Munich feels different. The people here walk with a purpose; they have somewhere to be and something to do. It’s cleaner, giving a different character than graffiti- and litter-covered Berlin. The parks are wonderful. The grass and trees are green and lush and no music is being played out loud and the birds are obviously well-fed given one of them shit on me. The suburbs are calm and small. Nobody appears to be anxious about anything.
We invented a new application of an old concept: social barbells. We spoke nonstop the entire time we were together, while I was almost completely quiet when alone. Is this the way? Does the need for socialization build up inside you over time to the point that it’s that much better when it comes time to hang? Maybe!
Why am I still so awkward about not speaking the language? Pretty much everyone in these cities speaks English or has some semblance of it. I think it's fear of being perceived as a "I don't give a shit about speaking the native language and you have to accommodate to me" tourist. And while I definitely don't care about the language enough to learn it—did someone say revealed preferences?—I definitely don't want to be the accommodation type of guy.
This is so limiting in my travels. I didn't go to any clubs. I didn't go to some restaurants I wanted to.
The Alps are gorgeous. We went to Tegernsee and hiked around in the foothills. The sun was shining, the weather was a tad hot, and there were gorgeous views at the top of the surrounding area.