WEEK 2: Transportation
This week was the first time that we took the UBahn to the studio by ourselves (not in a big mob of twenty-six people). It was really intimidating to face the german population on their morning commute. The stops are announced over the loudspeakers impossibly quickly, and everything seemed really confusing. But we all made it to class on time. By the end of the program we will be pros. The train system is really cool because it is so fundamentally focused on its actual design. Each station stop has its own font, color scheme, and architectural layout and the design of the train cars is extremely intentional. It includes different funky patterns on the seats and floors that reflect Berlin’s feel.
There is definitely a certain etiquette for riding public transportation in Germany. I quickly learned that Berliners stay relatively quiet on the UBahn and don’t really talk loudly on the phone while in transit. When we are traveling in our large group, we always break that quiet rule and cause a huge ruckus. We have definitely caused more than a few glares from people trying to go about their day while a huge group of americans laughs about something that happened the other day. Another time I was riding the bus while on the phone with a friend from back home, and the looks of disapproval were very uncomfortable to be on the receiving end of.
On the weekends at night, Berliners are much more rowdy and open to voicing their opinions about what is going on. They will tell you to move or stop doing something that is bothering them. The weekend also brings trains that are exceptionally packed with people on their way to restaurants, bars, and clubs. It is unbelievable how many people can get packed into the UBahn cars and seem to burst out of the doors at different stops. It is very much a free for all.
On the more lighthearted and fun side of German public transportation etiquette, Berlin is a dog-friendly city and their presence is actually encouraged on public transportation. It has become normal to expect to share a bench with a huge dog for my morning commute to the studio and I love it. Puppies and friendly dogs always get huge smiles from almost everyone on the train and lighten the solemn, isolated feelings of the UBahn.
The UBahn always holds a new adventure each time you walk onto a train car.
