Same Same but Different

On the surface I think there are big differences between Berliner and Parisian culture.  This past weekend I was able to experience these differences firsthand while visiting my friend Carolyn (www.franglaisblog.com and you can follow her on twitter @ cenglar and franglaisblog) in Paris.  Beer, electronica, and currywurst is Berlin; wine, french music (maybe an accordian is involved, I don't really know), and croissants is Paris.  At first glance these things seem different but I found that they have similar functions.  

Alcohol is prevelent in every western culture and it almost always brings people together (one of the reasons why I love it so much).  In Paris we visited Le Baron Rouge, a friendly, neighborhood wine bar.  I immediately noticed it was very similar to the scene  I have grown accustomed to here in Berlin.  People were lively and generally happy to discuss life together.   I felt right at home speaking broken French to the barkeep while trying different varieties of Pinot Noir (all were delicious).  

Croissants and Currywurst have different forms but fulfill the same purpose, a need for a quick snack.  Both aren't necessarily healthy but are quite delicious and can be consumed while on the run.  So whether you are wearing lederhosen or a beret you can still get some substanence while rushing around.  

Also both cities have huge towers (so they got that going on).  Its great being able to figure out where you are in a huge city just by looking up.  We all can get lost in this big, big world.

Berlin and Paris both have extensive metro systems, which makes it convenient to see the whole city without being bothered with traffic.  The only difference is how you pay for your fare.  In Berlin we are governed by the honor system and in Paris you either by a ticket or hop a gate to access the metro. Cars aren't necessary in either city.

Each city is filled with inordinate amount of culture. You can spend days inside (that might explain all the pale skin).  In both cities I have been able to visit churches and museums, which seems to be pretty standard in every European city.  I have been able to learn about Germany's radical, ever changing history and see exquisite neo-modern French art from the same time period.  Both reflect periods of change and unrest.

I wasn't able to experience much of the Parisian music scene during my visit but I did notice there were a decent amount of "punks" dressed in leather vests carrying huge chain wallets.  My favorite tee-shirt read, "Pull the trigger bitch" (so eloquent).  Berlin is also full of angry young teens who cover themselves with anarchy symbols and fill their face with metal.  It is was definitely apparent that teenagers in both France and Germany were dealing with some growing pains (I believe I bleached my hair to cope with that).  

Even though I was only able to spend a couple of days in Paris I didn't really feel too much of a culture shock.  I actually seemed to notice more similarities than differences.  The language may be different and the French may prefer different street snacks but I feel that if we get to the core of these issues (and this can apply to all humans) I think we would find we are more alike than different (everybody needs to eat and drink booze).  We would just need to get past superficial culture gaps.