After comparing my German entry stamp (in my passport) with those I got from Krakow, I realised all EU countries had almost identical immigration stamps (they were only differentiated by the country's initials). I enthusiastically made my way down town from Berlin Schonefeld Airport (€2.20 per trip on S-Bahn via a free shuttle bus) to find a bed for my tired body (tired from carrying all that beer). Met a couple of friendly volunteers who guided me to the correct platform. They were paid €1 per hour: is this the price for being unemployed?

After being rejected by 2 guesthouses (i.e. they were full because Berlin Marathon was to be held that particular weekend), I finally got a bed in an 8-men dormitory in Pegasus Hostel (€13+€2.50/night+bedsheets), East Berlin. During the "guesthouse" hunt, I had the opportunity to walk along the streets of East (Friedrichshain) and West (Kreuzberg) Berlin. Although reunification happened 15 years ago, differences can generally be observed (in terms of infrastructure, surroundings). My guesthouse offers a conducive environment for a good rest; the surroundings were so quiet that you can literally hear a pin drop.

I rushed into the bathroom immediately after settling down; it was the first time in 4 days that I brushed my teeth because toothpaste was SIMPLY too expensive in Krakow (i.e. I left my toothpaste in London because of silly aviation rules which prohibits fluids from being carried in hand-held baggage). Let me express my deepest appreciation to my unknown dormitory mate for "giving" me a little squeeze on his/her tube of… toothpaste.