EPTBerlin & Clauf: Settling in the new
It’s been awhile since I wrote one of these (nearly 3 months). When I first mentioned about my arrival to Berlin, it was about 10 days to 2 weeks of everything being new. Though I’ve been here for a bit longer, the feeling is still renewed as we transition into the winter season. Overall, I am finding myself more and more satisfied with the state of attitude and atmosphere as a whole here in Berlin. In some ways, it reminds me of Montreal, in others; it has far surpassed expectations of urban life that I never knew could be experienced. As per all foreigners, I do have some minor complaints, albeit comedic in their nature and they hardly affect me on a daily basis.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/mydMlaZ.jpg)
This is a standard shot of Berlin [or rather, another different part of its many faces]. Berlin features many facets of life; some like a European metropolis with its skyscrapers and bustling roads. Others are a lot more quaint and quiet.
To summarize Berlin is nearly impossible, one because I have only been within the inner-circle of the city and rarely beyond it (except to see a specific landmark or historical building) and two because the facets of its architecture, life and people are nearly mosaic in nature and fluid in their culture. I thought Montreal was diverse and, considering it is in North America, it is rather diverse; but at times it feels segregated; especially in residences, specific areas and the people. I may be wrong about how it differs with Berlin, but it is even more mixed than I thought. I mean, even our office, features Germans, Polish, Koreans, Americans, Canadians and we just picked up someone from the middle-east. Berlin’s buildings feature the same diversity as it mixes new structure with the historical renovation of the past. What hasn’t been bombed from the past wars, has either been completely remade, renovated or untouched and built around with enormous structures of beauty and uniqueness. Whether you’re walking through the tourist center of Alexanderplatz or checking out Postdamer Platz; you’re going to find wide-spaces mixed with some of the tallest buildings I’ve ever seen (slightly exaggerating, but it is still gorgeous). I was told that everyone in Berlin is not from Berlin and thus far, it has been relatively true (obviously in general). To summarize Berlin is nearly impossible, but the pursuit to really understand this great city is part of the fun and an authentic step into my life to adventure beyond the front door.
Let’s see if I can nail down some key parts about the city:
FOOD
The food in Germany is split: Currywurst or Italian. Ha, just kidding; but seriously, the amount of Italian restaurants is a bit ridiculous. I think I’ve had pizza at least 20 these past few months and everytime they do not give you a proper knife to cut the dough. Additionally, they do not put pepperoni on their pizza; they put this thin slice of bright-red salami that is strong in taste and spice (to me at least).
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Traditional fast-food here in Germany. The curry sauce is ketchup with curry powder I THINK, it sure as hell tastes like that
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As for restaurants, they are mostly all local; which is refreshing when coming from Montreal as it slowly sells itself to most corporations. All places feel homely, comfortable and accommodating. Prices are also relatively cheap even in most touristic areas which is by far surprising. I’ve enjoyed a variety of places such as Bavarian (no thanks), Italian (fresh Italian food), Chinese and Indian. I’ve yet to try Sushi, but I hear it is so-so; there are also no sushi all-you-can-eat places which is a bit saddening given its popularity in Montreal. Also, no free water. Don’t know why, but no one give free water, gotta pay for it everytime and I’ve never paid for a bottle of water in my life (ever). I can’t get sink water without paying for it, so now I just consume fizzy drinks (I’ve also haven’t had juice in awhile, all I find are carbonated versions that taste like shit)
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About 15 euros for this stunning piece of lamb, light mint sauce at this exquisite Italian place, by far my favorite place and I hope to bring the company here next month!
Grocery stores, as I noted in the last blog, is crazy cheap. Milk being only .59 cents has reduced my intake of soda (a pretty bad addiction I had) by practically 50%! All I drink is Milk now and the cheapest is the 3.75% version; REAL MILK VERSION! A lot of premade things that I liked, is unfortunately not there. Meaning no more microwavable foods (there are some, but they aren’t that good), or quick meals in-between which is unfortunate for an incredibly thin guy like me (though more healthy). Steaks are a bit overpriced for my taste however, at 10 euros (about 15 dollars) I can have a quality, thin steak that is only enough for one person. However, things like spaghetti, bread, milk, cheese and cold cuts are still relatively cheap. Everything I’ve bought is around 1 to 2 euros which is incredible! Overall, I feel Germany is incredibly cheap to eat and live comfortably.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/83b3dCU.jpg)
Apparently these are Canadian pancakes and Syrup. Pancakes were quite strange, but the syrup was a delight; I need to find some here. I do miss waffles though ):
Still not used to everything being closed on Sundays. There are some smaller shops open, but that’s really it. Speaking of smaller shops; I’m hooked on currywurst. I’m convinced the curry sauce is just a heavier ketchup, but I don’t have any proof. I have had Doner which reminds me of Shish Taouks in Montreal, but I don’t particularly enjoy them as I find the mixed meat a bit bland in taste or too salty. I also don’t like pork which makes settling here a bit discomforting as I think every German and their ancestors were breast-fed pig-sourced nutrients at birth given how much they thoroughly enjoy it.
Leisure & People
It’s difficult to really write this up because in many ways; Europeans are incredibly friendly. Germans, however, are very strict. They joke, but it is short and concise. Talking to information people is a hassle at how straight-forward they are. They answer your question pure and simple and if I have a question about something relating to the subject, but not to their job – they will send me to another information desk purely for that question [even though he may have the information readily available on his computer]. This has happened a few times, especially with people in transportation/S-Bahn/U-Bahn and it’s a bit unnerving for this other reason.
When Germans talk to you, they always sound irritable. It may be just me, but they keep the same face, they don’t laugh at any pleasantries and they don’t like overly-long explanations. My landlord is very helpful and caring for my stay at the apartment, but even in his polite way; he has no trouble telling me my explanations are too long or thanks me for that very long e-mail. When making a reservation for a restaurant; same thing. Straight-forward, no pleasantries, just time, number of people and number/name, then they leave. They are just efficient people and the common courtesy seems to just move along and let people do what they do best.
For leisure, I find Europeans are a lot more casual and comfortable than Montreal. It’s difficult to compare since I am also hanging out with fairly older people (rather than new university graduates). But I notice that there is a lot more self-control with the alcohol. Even when full-on drunk after an average of 5 hours of drinking; it never gets violent or physical. Just louder. On my way back from Dresden, there was a gang of guys massively drinking on the train, they were loud, obnoxious and completely fun to watch. They would do ridiculous charades from one end of our carriage to the other and slide along the halls. They didn’t disrupt any children, annoy any passengers and were flat-out wasted. It was incredible and this isn’t the only time I notice these hilarious rituals.
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This is the cinema here in Berlin that features English movies. We saw Ender's Angst [Game], it sucked. But the movie theater offered beer and shit. It was nuts seeing people drink beer leisurely, thank God.
The idea of beer in Germany is a lot less emphasized and a bit more complementary with other social activities. They serve beer at the movies for starters, you can drink in the street and local bars also end up being breakfast areas for the early-commuters. No one is in a rush either. If it’s above 10 Celsius, businessmen, construction workers, families before school, etc. will sit and eat breakfast around the city for 30 minutes. Obviously, some people are in a rush and just get coffee; but from what I’ve seen, everyone is really relaxed.
I went to Meltdown Berlin once, it was small, compact and pretty cool. I played Street Fighter mostly, which no one plays sadly ): (I think a few do actually, but I haven’t seen any personally)
Transportation
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Berlin Main Train Station [not bus]. This place is levels upon levels of transportation: buses, trains, taxis, S-Bahn/U-Bahn, everything. It's insane!
The Metro and Train (U-Bahn/S-Bahn) is scarily efficient. It opens at 4AM and ends at around 1:30 AM and if that wasn’t enough: they have trams and buses. Unfortunately their ticket system is beyond awful, it’s slow, outdated and relies on random checks for some odd reason. I don’t know if they really trust their people or don’t realize how much money they are potentially losing. I’ve gotten checked about 3 times here and I’m near or around the center of the city (Mitte). I also learned that Mitte is perhaps one of the most expensive places to live in Berlin; which is crazy because I could not be more satisfied with pricing. What I really love about the country is how easy it is to live here as an independent new guy. Health insurance was good in Montreal, but it is all covered in Germany, literally everything. Pension, Optician visits, Dentist appointments are all covered. The downside is that it take about half of my wages if you include it in income tax: so about 40% of my wage is cut for this system, which is definitely a punch in the face for a capitalist such as myself. It doesn’t help that they force everyone to pay for radio and television and make you pay for the stamp with the forms to fill out this payment system! BLASPHEMY! But in all seriousness, without having to worry about insurances and how accommodating my place is (I pay a flat-rate includes 10 euros for internet [60 down/3 up.] that includes lighting, heat, water and everything in-between). I could not feel more at ease with being on my own and comfortable. 40% and decent rent (between 500 to 750 for a decent place) to never have to worry about money is very, very nice. I hear going to university is pretty solid as well with people taking a few years to finish few costs or something.
For transportation, I’ve never seen any of it arrive late. I went to Dublin for a weekend a few weeks ago and it was hell. I think they painted crosswalks just add some flair to the road because there was not a single motherfucker caring when or where they crossed. My poor taxi driver from Nairobi was cursing whichever god he believed in trying to avoid random fuckers. I tipped him extra for the responsive brakes. In Germany, nobody jaywalks. No one fucking moves if the green walking man doesn’t light up; even if it is dead in the night. I jay-walked once and I could feel the darts and finger-pointing behind me. They scowl at you for breaking these rules and I thought I was going to be exiled from the city.
Bikers are decent, most signal; most avoid pedestrians but no fucks are given for drivers. I think the roads here are buried with fucking crazy bikes, because if they’re on the road, they rule it and it is nuts. I also find the mini-bicycles for the kids so cute. No pedals, just them walking with a bike between their legs! Adorable to the max!
Clauf GmbH
![[image loading]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BYdLw1eIEAAKzov.jpg)
What I love most is that a lot of my writing and editing is taken very seriously here and often used for presentations, company portfolios or biographies for the public and on our upcoming websites! It is such an honor and something I can't wrap my head around (and if you don't like it, tha's al'right too)
Working at Clauf GmbH has given me a real-world experience of actual responsibility and ethic. Though I don’t work nearly as hard as the Koreans and even people in my division; the atmosphere is light and yet, intense in its diligence to complete whatever task we have. It’s not unusual to peek into the office at midnight and see my CEO, our HR assistant and our graphic designer all still at work; painting the office and aiming to finish whatever objectives we set out for the day (and they all show up on time the day after). We all work a minimum of 9 hours, but don’t leave until 10 hours have passed usually because of our dedication and juts enjoyment what we’re doing here. I suppose it’s a bit like the “little train that could” where everyone just loves to see the wheels turn, but no one seems unhappy – even during the most stressful and time-crunching time. There is still no real management in our division of business operations except for the motivation and inspiration of our co-workers as well as hurry to finish everything that lacks perfection. We just work seamlessly well in terms of knowing what to do, pushing forward, and following-through with checks and double-checks and feedback from those from other divisions.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/oBdLpNy.jpg)
Even during stressful times, our Head of Production and CEO can relax and play this puzzled game I brought over: Rush Hour. Dan seems also rather pleasant with the game's style!
I find the mix of corporate culture with Korean brotherly hierarchy curious. As a foreigner, I often get poked (nicely) about some of my more audacious words to the older Koreans (COO, CMO, CEO, etc.) or how I try to situate disagreements or when we stray from the topic, yet they do a lot of brotherly things. They’re just nice haha. Germans tease when you tease them back and the Americans are usually the loudest in terms of presence and teamwork. It is fascinating to see several cultures clash in meetings in terms of approach towards certain tasks or projects. We’re Polish, German, American [East and West], Canadian/Swiss, Korean, Iran, Spanish, Greek and Koreans who speak or resided in China for a long time. New production assistants just came in and I think we have someone who is British and New Zealand; which is just nuts!
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/fAICSIV.jpg)
Our Head of Prodoguction (thanks Moritz for the joke!)
Overall the company is still a delight, there is this seamless environment of communication, cooperation and understanding with one another where our duty as X division leaves and where we should work with others for their area. At the start, I used to try and get involved everywhere with my capabilities. I now realize that people come to me if they need help and vice-versa and what I do best is often what others do better overall when we all just work together. It sounds like grade-school shit, but it’s so much different on this front of three languages, three levels of experience and the division of knowledge whether it is Marketing, Public Relations, Business Operations or Media/Production.
As we near our launch, the company events have slowed; but we still do activities outside of work. We still have cakes for people birthdays, hit up bars on Fridays and attend movies and Soccer (Football matches). Every noon, after lunch; we play a game of ARAM in League of Legends. Though I still prefer Dota 2; I enjoy how short and fun ARAM can be (I love Orianna!). Maybe you’ll see us in the After-Hours Gaming League!
But everything I said in my previous blog:
The best part about this job is the mix of languages (Korean, German, English [French - just me]) and the people I'm working with. The company takes the corporate culture and applies many new-age ideas such as monthly company activities (we're going bowling on Friday! I have the CEO on my team lol!). There is a hierarchy of work, but our tasks and duties are based on self-motivation and push to improve the company. We're not monitored or bossed around, but often, meetings will happen to align what we did for the week while also reorienting our short-term and long-term plans. It's these little touches and binding of the divisions with our team that make the workplace environment conducive towards productivity. We're directed in what needs to get down and they rely on us to prioritize the urgency of each duty.
At 24, I [previously was amongst] youngest at the company [not anymore, thankfully if we include media team members] and probably subconsciously treated so, but also all of our divisional leaders are people with experience equal to half of my age [some with 10+ nearly]. Their knowledge, memories and stories are incredible because I wasn't a part of that time nor in their unique region of South Korea. To know that the people leading this company had a hand in starting OGN's eSports channel, managed eStro, owned PlayXP and so on (so much more on their resume) makes it an honor to work alongside them and actually feel excited to be learning again. When I was volunteering, I felt I plateaued in terms of improvement where I wasn't earning any more personal experience, but just adding more titles to my resume. Being here flips the board, makes all of that volunteer experience as a mere introduction into an international scene beyond the computer monitor and my home.
I really have no complaints here so I'm sorry if this seems rather one-sided. It feels good to know people rely on my own small amount of expertise to do things. I've been here for about two weeks and thus far; things are going smoothly, I just got my own business card, paycheck and live so close to downtown.
At 24, I [previously was amongst] youngest at the company [not anymore, thankfully if we include media team members] and probably subconsciously treated so, but also all of our divisional leaders are people with experience equal to half of my age [some with 10+ nearly]. Their knowledge, memories and stories are incredible because I wasn't a part of that time nor in their unique region of South Korea. To know that the people leading this company had a hand in starting OGN's eSports channel, managed eStro, owned PlayXP and so on (so much more on their resume) makes it an honor to work alongside them and actually feel excited to be learning again. When I was volunteering, I felt I plateaued in terms of improvement where I wasn't earning any more personal experience, but just adding more titles to my resume. Being here flips the board, makes all of that volunteer experience as a mere introduction into an international scene beyond the computer monitor and my home.
I really have no complaints here so I'm sorry if this seems rather one-sided. It feels good to know people rely on my own small amount of expertise to do things. I've been here for about two weeks and thus far; things are going smoothly, I just got my own business card, paycheck and live so close to downtown.
Still rings entirely true, with no diminishment of said quality. Still glad to be here, hoping to travel to some key places either on my own or to represent the company, love Europe so far and I’ve barely scratched the service. I think my only complaint is within myself; where I wish I could do more and be more in the company; rather than what my title stands for and what people know I can do now. I think what I’ve learned, no matter where I am in life or my situation; I need to stop being focused on opportunities of the now as if there are no other exits off the highway into another world of learning. On the one hand, I want to do everything I know I can do, on the other; I am not keen on the very challenges of getting there, as if I think they are not part of the job description I hope to have. That is wrong of me to assume and it’s difficult to realize that, but it is a part of growing up, maturing and taking small steps to get to the floors hard work expects. In truth, time is an infinite conundrum and battle of focus. Focus on the past and you miss the future, focus on the future and you deny the realization of where you are and where you have come from. If you focus on the present, you exclude the positive unknown of the future.
For now, I like the road I am going down and, emotionally, I feel an aspect of my life has been pieced to a place where I am depended on and, in turn, rely on them for their expertise, life experiences and most of all; to help prove to myself all I can be.
PICTURE DUMP OF DRESDEN AND OTHER PLACES
+ Show Spoiler +
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I went to Dresden and people have told me it was one of the most beautiful cities in Germany and it surely was. I didn't capture everything on this shit phone, but yeah
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I went to a concentration camp as well. It was pretty desolate and eerie and I admit I got a bit depressed. I stopped taking photos barely halfway through
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(although I disagree with that it's still extremely nice)
