Berlin, Germany

[gav]

Hi Paul,
I'll put together a bit of a list for you, but probably not in a hurry. I've switched minds at the moment.

[Samora Squid]

I assume all the information about working Berlin is current? I'll be there in a day or two, on my way to Copenhagen, from Prague. Probably just mid-week, but still wanna do shows. Is there a permit system still in place and is it enforced?

[Samora Squid]

What locals helped you, Stickman?

Yesterday, I went to Kuddamm and the local breakdancers were less than helpful, I have to say. They lounge about for half an hour, between 5 minute shows and won't let me do 20 mins. Furthermore, they told me that the good cirle pitch was where the wall used to be. It was just like Southbank, London: twats in costumes wandering around getting their photo taken with tourists for €1. To stand out from these losers, without a LIMO (Anyone that knows me will get what I mean) was hard, let me tell you.
So I finally pull an edge, when the cops come and grab my sword off me, telling me they're illegal in Germany.
I convince them to return it, providing I don't take it in public again.
So today, I did a finaleless show in Kuddamm, (the break-dancers were not in they're usual spot, although there were some corporate, non-busking b-boys not far away, so I waited until they were done) and made less than I did in my first ever street-show, 8 years ago.
Humble Pie, anyone?

Perhaps the weekend will be better...

[gav]

Try Alexander platz .

[Samora Squid]

Yeah, some guy at the pub (not a performer, but a local) said that might be a good idea. Pissing down with rain today, so no shows anywhere for this little black duck!
I've had some pretty bad luck in this city, I have to say and not just in regard to street. But, up until this week, this Euro trip has been fantastic, so I can't really complain.

Thinking I'm going to cut my losses and head to Copenhagen tomorrow, but if the weather is good, I'll have one last crack in the morning, I suppose.

Berlin has given me some stories, but for me they're tragedy. When I tell some of you blokes over a beer, you'll regard them as comedy, I shouldn't wonder!

The idea of a sceond hand tennis raquet also seems to be an alien concept here. I'll try the flea market tomorrow. Haven't done the raquet routine for a while, but it works and without my sword, right now I have no finale.

[Samora Squid]

Ok, so I didn't find a tennis reaquet, so decided to risk all and do my sword finale at a place near Alexander Platz. I picked the spot, because I watched for an hour and saw not one cop. The show built nicely and although it wasn't the biggest I've ever done, it was by no means the smallest. I made enough to keep my head above water and got a phone number!
However, 5 minutes later after the show, I was sitting behind a tree, counting my hat, when I noticed a police car had pulled up, right where I did my show and they were talking to the last dregs of my crowd. I discretely made a hasty progression elsewhere and am now sitting, back at the hostel, a fugitive from justice...