Indian Food, Turkish Food, and Poland

As appealing as sausage and more sausage is- the best food Berlin has to offer is usually of the "ethnic" variety. Indian and Turkish food in particular are delicious. My neighborhood (my "Kietz") has fine establishments of both varieties. As per my usual, I am making friends with the owners of these restaurants and reaping the benefits!


My friend at the Turkish place brings me tea when I arrive and knows what I order, although I occasionally mix it up and change my order. I do not know his name, that would ruin the mystery. I think in another month or two we may be able to "Dutzen" and greet each other informally. I am not sure, however, who should initiate the informality. He is older, but I am the customer. It is unclear, I will let nature decide. My friend at the Indian restaurant admires my penchant for spicy food. He makes my food as spicy as possible and smiles admiringly when I finish it all without water after every bite (I usually opt for a mango lassi or glass of wine). An interesting custom in Indian restaurants here, after your meal, when they bring the bill, they give you a shot of homemade mango alcohol, you are expected to drink it. My friend busts out the special stuff for me, to applaud my love of spice.

Much of my relationships with these restaurant owners is based on my regular patronage. It is not, however, that alone. We commiserate over the sudden cold and the relative difficulty in finding spicy food in Germany. It is a solid bond.

For all of you fashion mavens out there- here comes Poland! I am on the hunt for a winter jacket, but have been unsuccessful in finding one I like well enough to buy here. I was asking my roommate for suggestions, and she suggested Poland. It seems Germany has no fashion and if one wishes to be stylishly attired- get thee hence to Poland!