Keepers of the Rigaer – Controversial Rigaer Str. 94, Friedrichshain, Berlin

From the Series: Europe is Hot, Berlin is on Fire!!!

Friedrichshain, Berlin is in the midst of rapid gentrification and some people, like those living at Rigaer Str. 94, Keepers of the Rigaer, are not happy. Rundown, derelict properties are undergoing non-stop renovations in a bid to beautify neighbourhoods, hoping to offer relaxed living in the heart of the city, at a huge expense to owners who wish to live there themselves, or rent out for international city rates. Squatters against the world – contentious, belligerent, moot.

The Controversial Rigaer Str., Friedrichshain, Berlin

The Rigaer Straβe 94 squatters oppose development advances and have made their opposition clear. Although all of the areas surrounding this building block have been successfully restored, house number 94 has remained an island of controversy. They have taken to fighting for their cause by means of media, demonstrations and lawyers, at times escalating to violence.

From the series: Europe is Hot, Berlin is on Fire!!

I found the Isle of Youth! Located in the beautiful Treptower Park, the summer island beer garden, Insel der Jugend translates to Isle of Youth. Food, drinks and outdoor seating on the Spree lends to a beach atmosphere, completed by the colourful pedal boats, canoes and SUP rentals lazily circling the island. Can this island magically restore one’s youth, or is it just wishful thinking?

Insel der Jugend, view from Treptower Park, Berlin

While out strolling in Treptower Park along the Spree River in Berlin, I spotted a

From the Series: Europe is Hot, Berlin is on Fire!!!

Görlitzer Park, in East Kreuzberg, Berlin has fast become a tourist attraction as well as a local favourite. The abundant green area (14 hectares, 34.5 acres) features cafes, a restaurant, night clubs, sports fields, sunbathing, picnic areas, childrens play grounds, a petting farm, an indoor swimming pool, ponds, fountains, traditional art as well as graffiti art, walking and cycling paths!

Graffiti Coated Train Station, Repurposed. Görlitzer Park, Kreuzberg, Berlin

Locally nicknamed Görli (Girly rhymes with early), Görlitzer Park never closes. People can be seen

From the series: Europe is Hot, Berlin is on Fire

Tucked inconspicuously behind old walls on a huge 12 acre (52000 Sq. Meters) city block, address Revaler Street 99, Friedrichshain, Berlin, sits the very popular RAW. The indoor / outdoor space boasts trendy Restaurants, Bars and Night Clubs as well as sports halls. Young people flock here, looking to see and be seen, middle aged people looking to stay in touch with the fashion trends and older people gawking, taking pictures and enjoying the view of youth (or not) ? .

RAW stands for Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk, a big German word which loosely translates to

Treptower Park and Soviet War Memorial – Photo Album

Treptower Park, Berlin has so much to see and do. Below you will find my photos of some of the sites in the park. From the series: Europe is Hot, Berlin is on Fire! Enjoy!