My Home Away from Home Away from Home

(From August 11, 2009)

I’m finally settling in. The section in Kreuzberg where my apartment lies, an area I’m getting to know through my morning runs. This is my second home. I now possess a spatial representation of many of the stores, from the döner shop across from the subway station to the artificial pond with turtles and birds swimming in it. This is my hood.

Two subway stops away lies Alexanderplatz, an open square. The area is my new home. More accurately, it is my home away from home (Kreuzberg apartments) away from home (Seattle). Any anxiety I feel from traveling to foreign places melt away when the train pulls into this station.

I can find almost anything here. Food, clothes, you name it. Things here also make me smile. Today, it was buskers who put a grin on my face—first an Italian guitarist who strummed and sang near the department store. Lots of foot traffic passed through the area. Thus, this venue was a loud location requiring a loud busker. The musician kindly let me ask him a few questions. I gave him 2,00€ as I walked off.

Later, I heard a band called Jammin’ Johnny & the Diskofuckers; think popular music singing accompanied by brass (2 alto saxophones, 1 coronet, a singer/guitarist, and a percussion-box player—literally a box he sat on and drummed). My stress and worries melted away as I listened. They even let me ask a few questions as they began packing up. Apparently, they ride the train to a location, play their set repertoire (about 30 minutes worth), pack up, and repeat. I gave 2,00€ for their time.

I spent a total of 4,00€ talking to street musicians today. Not bad for the information I gained, but I’m not sure I can afford to spend such money for every busker I talk with. Then, I thought about the money collection boxes placed in front of the musicians. I recalled lots of 1 and 2 € coins. Epiphany. I’m going to busk (part of my original plan) and use the proceeds to fund my encounters with other buskers. Alright—I’m ready for tomorrow!