Breakin' in Berlin

The Brandenburg Gate

Oh Germany. We haven't seen each other since the boys of NSYNC were still together and the Deutschmark was alive and kicking. My how things have changed. Well, actually this was my very first time in Berlin. I've been hearing so much about the city and it's grit and art that I was dying to see for myself. Thanks to my wonderful new agency Izaio, I was blessed with an opportunity. So I hopped a plane from Amsterdam and flew to a yet another place where beer flows like water through the streets.

The day the arrived was blistering cold and a tad bit rainy. After arriving at the airport and taking a train to Alexanderplatz, I made my way to the agency. My new team is so awesome. They had my all my days planned out for me with lots of go-sees and meetings with clients. But before getting down to business, I desperately needed a cup of coffee to pep-up my step. Look who's on my mug! Willy Cartier. We're only one degree of separation now that we're repped by the same agency. Practically soulmates, ha! Ok, really. Besides the running around to meet various photographers and such, I also needed to take new Polaroids and a short video for the team at Izaio. I can already tell this is going to be a good place for me.

A piece of the Berlin Wall

Friday afternoon once all my running around was done, I decided to do a little sightseeing. From Alexander Platz, I walked past the Fernsehturm (which sort of reminds me of the Space Needle in Seattle) and across the Spree River to the Berlin Cathedral. On this tiny strip called Museuminsel are five internationally-renowned museums. You can feel the history as soon as you enter this area. It's a bit eerie but also so exciting to be in a place with such a rich tradition. I stopped for a bit but I was determined to keep going on to the Brandenburg Gate. Once I got there it was breathtaking. I stood in a place that not only is a symbol of this great city, but was once divided by the Berlin Wall. When I continued to walk around I saw pieces of the Wall displayed in Potsdamer Platz has a reminder of the war times past. Let's hope the people of Berlin are never divided like that again.

Enough of the glum historical stuff. On to the fun. Over the weekend I met up with an old-but-new friend of mine Juliane Hahn. Years ago she did this wonderful drawing of me and I've been interested in her work ever since. So finally we go to hang out. We went swing dancing Saturday night, or actually we watched while everyone else danced. Too intimidated obviously. I can't Lindy Hop to save my life. It felt a little like we were in the movie the Swing Kids, although that takes place in Hamburg. Nontheless, we had a great time. The next day I desperately wanted to go shopping since I've heard how awesome the vintage stash is in Berlin. We made our way to the Flea Market at Boxhagener Platz. There were tons of weird things, but lots of really cool stuff too. I scored this vintage velour Bavarian-style Mayer fedora for just 10 Euros. Say what?! I could've gotten a whole suitcase full of awesome stuff, but I'm sure customs would have hit me with a hefty fine on my way back into the States.

I can't wait to go back. Berlin is this fantastic mix of history, artistry and strife. What unites all these people of different backgrounds is the common struggle to survive despite circumstance and tragedy. It's beautiful. This trip was exactly what I'd needed... and I love this place. For now... I'll see again soon, Germany.  In the words of JFK  "Ich bin ein Berliner."

What's Hot!

Where in the world did July disappear to? No, seriously. I blinked and it was over. Maybe that's because the month was filled with so many memorable experiences that it just flew by. July's Fab 5 is all about discoveries, so let's hop to it.

1. Exploring- My mom and I decided to take a trip to San Francisco a few weeks ago. We saw the city from the top of a tour bus like true out-of-towners. We stopped at the Golden Gate Bridge and walked halfway across. I don't think Mom was up for the entire 3 miles to and fro. I was awesome to experience San Fran like that with family.

2. Eating- So while Mom and I were in SF, I was determined to eat really good food. I had a long list of spots I wanted to dine at, but of course my belly wasn't big enough to take them all in. Part of the tourist experience in San Fran meant standing in line for 2 hours to get food at Mama's on Washington Square. Yeah, I can't believe we did it. I ordered the Swedish French Toast with seasonal berries. After waiting so long to eat, you know I was starving...so of course, I finished my plate. It was well worth the wait.

3. Growing- Earlier in the month I had the pleasure of working on a short film sponsored by Levis and AFI. The premise of the project has to do with sustainibility. We shot in various locations around LA including a rooftop garden in Skid Row, a community garden in Silver Lake, and a chicken coop in a South LA. Working on the film made me realize how much I miss getting dirty and cultivating something that helps me stay alive. We all need to get back to that...the basics.

4. Friending- Sometimes we take the people in our lives for granted. You know that they love you and they'll be there when you need them, but you've got to make the time to really nurture those relationships. My favorite things about July were the moments I got to spend with my friends and making new ones too. The people you surround yourself with may not be the famiyl you're born into, but they are the family you create. Cherish them.

5. Rediscovering- I've used so much of my spare time getting to know me again and getting to know my life as it is. At one point, things were very different and know they've changed. And I'm cool with that. Life is not stagnant. It is a journey that takes you on different roads with turns, sharp corners, and sometimes dead ends. When you feel yourself getting lost in the traffic of everyday, get out of your routine and rediscover yourself.

That's all folks! I'm looking forward to whatever the next month holds. Be good to yourselves.