He looked like a character fresh out from Peaky Blinders but carrying an awkward sign on his back. The combination was intriguing and amusing at the same time. I took a photo of him and it caught his attention. We started talking and decided to take a walk together.
His name was Ismail and the first thing I said was ‘Moby Dick!’, somehow impressed by my knowledge of the character in a book that I have never read. An architect from Algeria who speaks French, Algerian, German and English, searching for a place to stay. Like many newcomers and even locals in Berlin, finding an accommodation here is harder than finding love. Having tried writing to countless advertisements online but to no avail, Ismail had resorted to trying his luck by being a walking billboard. I find the method creative but old-school. Perhaps just like his fashion style, I guess Ismail enjoys expressing his life in dichotomy.
I asked about his experience so far and he told me he had given some numbers to random people the day before. People looked at us as we walked through the city but only a handful acknowledged his effort and came up to provide some suggestions. I was enjoying the attention and having so much fun being part of this mission.
We met Kara along the way and she was absolutely delightful. We started talking and also took some pictures. Kara also gave me her second-hand side table that she was carrying when I told her I needed one for my room. She gave it to me readily without any hesitation. I was ashamed of myself to be taken aback by her kindness. Her genuine act of generosity is something I have not experienced for a long time. How simple it is to touch a stranger’s heart and yet, how often do we do it?
I walked out of my apartment today without any plans. In the end the day turned out to be unexpectedly rewarding. ‘Only in Berlin,’ I thought. While three random people found each other on the streets today, I hope my friend will find a place to stay soon. ‘Viel Gluck!’ as the passer-bys would say.
