As a recent tradition that came about accidentally, I celebrate my birthday in an international destination every year. This year it happened to be in Berlin during ITB, one of the largest travel shows in the world.  Although I had to attend a few work events and meetings at the show, I spent my actual birthday free of responsibilities, as it conveniently fell on a Friday.

While Berlin wasn’t a new destination for me, it had been more than eight years since my first visit, and I knew I would have more takeaways this time around. I made a point to make this trip a cultural experience, and it did not disappoint.

It’s hard to believe how recently the Berlin Wall came down. I enjoyed some amazing meals, whether it was cheap doner kebabs on every corner, German Wiener schnitzel or the renowned currywurst, and the whole city gave off a unique urban vibe.

Graffiti-covered buildings everywhere remind travelers that art is embedded in the very core of this vibrant city. One thing I couldn’t relate to was the local fashion.  After a quick trip to Bikini Mall, it was obvious I would not be returning with any authentic German design, as they all resembled costumes from Star Wars in a galaxy far, far away. Until my next trip, auf wiedersehen!

— Banu Yilmaz, advertising director