Proof that Berlin is not the Germany you thought you knew

This weekend was Karneval der Kulturen in Kreuzberg.

The Boy said, you must see it. He's away, though, visiting family in Franconia. Dylan had work to do. Amie is afraid of crowds. My cousin is in Costa Rica.

So I went alone. Me and my half-ass digi-cam.

The weather was outrageous. The crowds were hyperventilation-worthy. I climbed out of the subway into a mash of hundreds of thousands and nearly dashed back underground. But no. Modern German Culture must be pursued.

Here is what I found:

Your typical Bavarian Schuhplattlers.

Just like my Oma used to dress.

How much do you love her?

And him?! Work that orange velour. 

This dude was attached to...

...this thing. Which had something to do with...

...this thing. Um. Really, I have no idea.

Hula hoops. Never out of style.

Do you see her? World's tallest, palest Mariachi dancer, twirling in the background.

The riot of color! The flurry of motion!

And again!

A little less color, a lot less motion: Your intrepid ex-pat photographer. Getting a friggin' tan while on the job (she who has not had a friggin' tan in seven years). Woo-hoo.

Comments

[Steve Hurd]

Is it a mere coincidence that both BERkeley & BERlin start with the letters "BER"? I'm not sure of the significance, other than to say that this gathering could have easily taken place in the People's Republic (of Berkeley) with no one being the wiser. Except for the 12 different varities of organic, free range, vegan wurst available (in Berkeley, not quite as many alternatives available in Berlin).

[Lilan]

I know! So Berkeley-madness! Reminded me of photos I took of a parade on MLK many years ago. And yet, there was something very European about it all... Can't put my finger on it. Maybe the Becks? And, um, everyone talked GERMAN.

[Erin]

Lilan,

Great photos. I saw the festival on the news in Bonn and thought it looked like so much fun.

Sally Jones sent me your blog. I too am an expat blogger living in Germany.

[Lilan]

Erin! Your blog is awesome! You are so much more industrious than I in writing about your Teutonic adventures. I put you on my blog roll. Thanks for checking mine out... :-)

[Karneval]

Now this is really nice. I liked it and it was interesting read.