In Berlin, East meets West.

I take the S-Bahn. The train is packed. A man, in his mid-Fourties I guess, repeatedly pokes me with his elbow. He doesn’t even bother to make it appear accidental. Our eyes meet. The poking stops. It seems I speak the local dialect.

The train passes along walls covered with graffiti; an urban brick and concrete canvas.

When I switch trains I get a good look at the local landmark, that at this time of the year could very well be the tip of a giant buried christmas tree.

The sky looks bleak and the temperature is close to zero degrees Celsius. The locals dress accordingly.

I reach Berlin Alexanderplatz that still features the charm and magic of an era past …

But even here: Holidays are coming.

This would make a nice countdown.

I stroll westward, pass a mural …

… see a tiger …

… and a walking restaurant.

The Old and the New stand side by side.

In some places the Old is gone, and the New hasn’t arrived yet.

In other places the city seems to tear itself apart.

Someone seems sad.

Someone else takes a picture.

There are islands of silent beauty that stand high above the turmoil.

I see an island of learning …

… guarded by a shining sentry.

I spend some time in the food courts of the KaDeWe. When I leave, the sun has set, but it is not dark.

Lights are everywhere.

Some are for sale.

I head back. Cold fog thickens.

I reach my destination.

A friend is doing some construction of his own. There I find shelter for the night.