old and new
I’m not exactly sure where I’m living.
Old: Kaiser’s flanked by drunken homeless folks and recycling bins, dark and dingy indoor market under construction replaced by outdoor stalls, Turkish families, cheap flammekuechen, the smaller version of Barcomi’s, the swingers’ spot, Andy’s diner, a big hole in the ground on Bergmannstrasse, BeBop Bar
New: Kaiser’s replaced by Rossmann, hole in the ground replaced by a 24hr Kaiser’s with delivery service and garage in the new Health Center, even more cafes on Bergmannstrasse, Italian buskers on Marheinekeplatz, lots of signs in windows that say “Business Space To Rent,” Foodorama, an expanded Barcomi’s, a bright and wide-aisled indoor market with tourists galore, and 1001 new young families who looked like they’ve migrated from Prenzlauerberg, Bugaboos in tow.
The BeBop Bar is a pretty unfortunate loss. I figured if I ever made it out again that would be my first, close-to-home, stop.
Mostly a thumbs-down for the neighbourhood. Thumbs-up for real estate ?
How’d all that happen in 12 months?
In other news, Escobar turns 10. When I was going to Escobar, Bohannon didn’t exist and I had to walk 20 miles in the snow barefoot and then take a tram and a bus and pay in marks and… Ok. I’m old.
Welcome back! I noticed a Bugaboo shop in Kreuzberg yesterday, so obviously the invasion is well underway.
Thanks! It’s great to be back for a bit.
But that’s terrible news… Maybe I’ll stop by and find out how business is doing.