Polaroid of the Week: Ringing in 2017 from Vibrant Berlin
Happy New Year from Berlin!
My first Polaroid of 2017 comes from Berlin, Germany’s dynamic capital. After family holidays, I arrived for work and catch-ups with friends, but wove in exciting activities—like revisiting the city’s enchanting Christmas markets after over a decade away. Though recent tragic events cast a shadow, I adopted Berliners’ resilient mindset: “We won’t let fear spoil our holiday joy,” as crowds continued flocking to the markets with spirit intact.
Besides markets, I bar-hopped through Kreuzberg, shared panoramic views from the Park Inn hotel’s observation deck with a visiting friend, scaled 285 spiral steps to the Victory Column’s top, and strolled the East Side Gallery—the longest preserved Berlin Wall stretch, alive with international murals. Pro tip: Save open-air platforms for summer; the winter gusts were relentless.
Of course, I ate my way across town. Old favorites included Azzam for Lebanese fare, Anna Blume for decadent cakes, The Barn for exceptional coffee, and Hamy Cafe for authentic Vietnamese. New gems: Alsancak Simit Sarayi’s Turkish breakfast, Vagabund Brauerei’s craft beers, and Zweistrom’s Makali—a Lebanese sandwich bursting with fried carrots, cauliflower, eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, pickles, and tahini.
Despite the biting cold and 4 p.m. sunsets, returning to one of my favorite cities worldwide—even briefly—to welcome 2017 felt incredible. Bring on the year ahead!
