Germany : Malachi Clark (Local Interactions)

Local Interactions 

Alright y’all, before I say anything about this interaction, IT IS PERTINENT, that you see the trench coat that I am going to talk about. Go take a peek at the picture attached and then come back.

Welcome back, what a stunning trench coat, right?! Guess how much… FIFTEEN EUROS. FIFTEEN. AN ABSOLUTE STEAL. I truly don’t think I will ever make a purchase that worth-it ever again in my life. But the reason I got this trench at such a phenomenal price is because of one of my favorite interactions that happened at a flea market. Flea markets are nearly a spiritual experience here in Berlin. They mostly occur on Sundays and they are scattered across the city in all varying areas.

Anyways, I’m walking down the middle of vendor stalls darting my eyes back and forth, scouring for something to take home with me, and I roll up to this one stand with the trendiest looking, yet inviting, people I’ve ever seen. They’re all dancing and having a great time while trying to sell their clothes, and I know I’m most likely going to leave with something from this stand. We start chatting and at a certain point my eyes spot this trench coat hanging in the back. I point at it, the guy looks back at it, and then he looks back at me. He says “for you, £15,” and at that point I probably could’ve cried. I literally would’ve given this man £50 for this coat and through a little convo and connection, I got a deal. For anyone who has the preconceived notion that Berliners are meanies, YOU’RE WRONG, they are very to themselves but they are some of the absolute sweetest people, and one of them gave me my new favorite clothing item!

Malachi Clark

Major: Computer Science and German

Hometown: Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Program: CIEE Berlin Open Campus