The Bistro

While in Germany, one of my favorite places to visit was a small 24 hour bistro that was close to my hotel.  It had cold beer, great food, and cheap prices.  The men who worked there were from Syria and had come to Germany for a new life.  They barely spoke English and I barely spoke German and knew nothing of their native language.  Communication wasn't easy, but I always smiled, said "danke," and tried to clean up after myself when I visited. 
 
I went to the bistro at least once a day, whether it be for food or just for a drink with a fellow student on the trip.  The huge windows coupled with the patio furniture allowed me to sit outside and people watch, as well as see into the bistro and watch them cook.  I remember on the third night I was in Berlin, I was spending some time with a couple of fellow classmates, and my newfound favorite beer.  I can see the label like it was yesterday, but I can't remember the name of it, except that it started with a "K."  We sat outside, in the frigid air, the only warmth coming from a thin fleece blanket I had across my shoulders and the small amount of alcohol in my stomach.  We talked about anything and everything and lots of people would stop and talk with us when they heard our English.   

"Where are you from?!"

 

We would tell them America and they would then ask what part.  Most people didn't understand where or what Missouri was, which was surprising to me given that Saint Louis has been a hot topic in the media as of late.  So, I started telling them that we were near Kansas, which created a popular and charming response.

 

"Oh! The Wizard of Oz!" 

(How charming, right?)

 
As the night continued, less people passed by, but our conversation and the flow of beer continued.  After a while one of the workers came outside and said to me, "You are very nice!  I love you!"  I wasn't quite sure what to say to that, so I just smiled, mumbled an embarrassed thank you, and lifted my beer for a friendly toast.  However, in that moment I knew that I would be sad to leave Berlin.  These people knew nothing of me.  They knew nothing of my past, of my home, of my culture and I knew nothing of theirs, but as humans we had bonded.  We had found a way to communicate through food, smiles, and kindness and that is something that I look forward to doing in many more cities to come. 
 

The Bistro along with Berlin now hold a piece of my heart and I can't wait to go back. 

 
 
 
 

(This isn't taking me back unfortunately.)