travel – Page 2

One benefit of Airbnb is that it can connect you to fascinating people you would have otherwise probably not have met.

During my time in Berlin, Germany, I had the privilege of staying at Il Faro Blu in Kreuzberg. My host was a lovely Italian woman, Lisa Santarelli, Fine Art Photographer and artist. We had long, intimate conversations about creativity and health, and we shared our mutual love for David Lynch. During the evenings, she sat quietly, painting beautiful watercolors.

Here are a few images of her marvelous space taken on my phone:

I couldn’t get over how much heart was etched into every inch of her home; it was like a mini-museum! There were leafy plants, Italian words written in crayon on the walls, analog photographs everywhere, art books, old furniture, and antique ornaments. I lost myself in the flood of details that reflect Lisa’s artistry and spirit.

Below are some of her stunning photographs. She instantly became one of my favorite photographers, and I purchased one of her photo books along with a print.

She also published a gorgeous photo book set that makes me swoon!

Needless to say, I can’t wait to go back!

I arrived in Berlin by train after a busy week of exploring Prague. I’ve long heard about the city’s reputation as a cultural hub, an alternative mecca of artsy dreams. “Is this Kreuzberg?” I exclaimed at my taxi driver as we passed through a graffitied, gritty area. Indeed, it was. Phew!

Kreuzberg is the European version of Brooklyn. Actually, the neighborhood reminded me of the East Village in its hay-day: punks with piercings, vegetarian restaurants, street art, little booths with junky merchandise, and bohemians rebelling against their parents at each turn. Truth be told, it made my heart swell up like a punched lip: I ached for the subculture anarchy of yesteryear. New York City has become so commercialized, its primitive spirit seems drowned out by an overarching instagram filter. Berlin is alive with genuine weirdos that make me feel at home.