I was eager to visit Berlin and Lollapalooza was the perfect excuse to make my dream come true and discover the many faces of the city, its history, and its cultural diversity. It was a great plan: a mix of tourism and music that I would definitely relive.
I must admit that at the very beginning the capital of Germany didn’t dazzle me, quite the opposite, on my way from the airport to the hotel, it seemed like a gloomy city to me, and the rainy afternoon didn’t help to change my feeling. But the next day, when I could go through it a little bit more and I finally understood what it was all about, it charmed me.
Berlin is a pacesetting city. It is full of history and culture, and it is so cosmopolitan that it really is worth a visit. The blend of architectural styles, with modern squares like Alexander Platz and ancient landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, make it a unique place and this gave Lollapalooza a different nature.
For the first time ever, Lolla took place in Europe and it was an unforgettable experience, carried out in and emblematic place, with a lineup that was long-awaited by the audience, and an organization “made in Germany”.
The venue chosen for the occasion was the famous abandoned airport: Tempelhof, which on October 31st, 2008, closed its doors because, since it is in the middle of the city, the landing strip could not be extended. The building is intact, as if airplanes were still landing there, and that created a surrealist confusion between reality and fantasy.
One of the DJs that I was willing to see was Kygo. When he appeared on stage, people began to run to see him. Although his acting is really quiet and he plays music as if he were talking on Skype with a friend, Kyrre could cheer us up with his show.
At the cuisine sector, a place decorated in such a way that you can feel a circensial atmosphere, I tried many Nordic delicacies, and typical German food, but what I liked the most was the Nutella crepes, one of my weaknesses.
The festival had a different character, because there were people from all over the world and many of them were dressed up with funny costumes, creating a playful environment where, at times, we all felt as if we were children.
I believe that this peculiar atmosphere was also a consequence of the mystique of a city that is full of contrasts. If you go there, going across it by bike is a great option, it is also advisable to go shopping at Mitte, the most hipster neighborhood of Europe, visit the Museum Island, and visit what was left of the Wall, where you can see the East Side Gallery and its famous murals, such as “The Kiss”, one of Berlin’s symbols after the fall of the Wall. Another mandatory visit is Checkpoint Charlie, the city’s bohemian neighborhood, and the former border between East and West Berlin. And in order to learn about Jews history, the Holocaust Memorial is an essential visit.
I invite you to enjoy one of the most modern cities in Europe and Lollapalooza, which made this trip a unique experience.
Enjoy it!
