DIS Blog
Slow travel and analog memories in Berlin
Shane (he/him), Cal Poly Pomona, received Slow Travel funding to travel via bus from Copenhagen to Berlin to explore the sustainable architecture, local community, and vegan food scene of Berlin.
As an architecture student and a film photographer, Shane finds beauty in a slow, methodical exploration of his surroundings. “I’ve always valued taking a moment to observe, to sketch in my notebook, to capture the world around me through film,” he said.
Read below for Shane’s reflections on his slow travel experience and his advice for getting the most out of your own independent travel by slowing down and giving yourself time to take in your surroundings.
In today’s fast-paced world, where travel often means rushing from one destination to another, the concept of slow travel stands out as a beacon of sustainable and meaningful exploration.
Slow travel is not just a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice that promotes eco-consciousness and deep engagement with local communities. Recently, I went on a slow travel adventure from Copenhagen to Berlin, a vibrant city known for its rich history, diverse cultural scene, vegan food scene, and iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate.
On a Friday night, I boarded a night bus, a decision that not only minimized my carbon footprint, but also proved to be an incredible adventure in itself. I fell asleep as we began our journey, only to wake up at midnight and discover myself on a ferry crossing the sea to Germany.
We disembarked from our bus for the 40-minute ferry ride, which allowed me to take in the immensity of the water beneath the moonlight. This made my trip more than a bus ride; it became a special, unexpected experience. I was reminded that slow travel often includes such simple, yet profound moments. It’s about recognizing the eco-friendly nature of traveling by bus and ferry, which are sometimes even more efficient than a train, and appreciating the reduced impact on our planet. After that small, special moment, I was lucky enough to find a seat alone on the bus and continue my sleep.
I woke up as we arrived at Berlin central bus station on Saturday morning. Eager to dive into the city’s rich history and culture, I quickly checked into my hostel and set out to experience some of Berlin’s most impressive architectural sites. The National Gallery, Mies van der Rohe’s last great achievement, was one of my first destinations. Although the architecture was spectacular, I was particularly drawn in by Isa Genzken’s 75/75 show. Her sculptures, portraying Berlin residents going about their daily lives, served as a reminder to appreciate the beauty of simple, daily existence in this chaotic, dynamic metropolis.
I also visited the reconstructed New Museum, a competition-winning design by architect David Chipperfield. I was fascinated by the meticulous restoration and repair work put into the museum. The emphasis on preserving the original structure’s spatial context and materiality showcased a brilliant example of adaptive reuse in architecture. Not only did the restoration extend the building’s life by avoiding demolition, but it also protects Berlin’s heritage for future generations.
Berlin is regarded as a center for vegan advocacy, so in addition to my architectural discoveries, I set out on a bit of a vegan cuisine adventure. Berlin’s vegan movement is not just based on food preference; it is motivated by a sincere concern for environmental sustainability among the younger generation. The growing vegan community demonstrates the city’s dedication to environmental responsibility and ethical behavior. I found an excellent ramen for one meal and burgers for another. Each time I was amazed at the diversity of options and how great these vegan dishes tasted.
My journey through Berlin was filled with moments of connection – not just with the city’s history and architecture, but also with its people. I wandered into an art fair right next to the New Museum and found myself immersed in a world of color and creativity. Each artist’s work added to the funky vibe of the city. As an old-fashioned film photographer, capturing these scenes felt like an extension of my slow travel – you cannot rush it, nothing is automatic, everything is intentional, and every frame is a story.
In the end, my trip was an incredible tapestry of experiences, woven with the threads of sustainable travel, architectural admiration, and a vibrant vegan scene. A huge part of that enjoyment was due to the slow travel approach. I encourage anyone reading this to consider trying slow travel for themselves. On your journeys, remember to slow down, stay open-minded, and savor each moment. Whether it’s through the lens of a camera, the pages of a sketchbook, or however you best connect with your surroundings, stay slow and curious, let the world unfold at its own pace around you, and you’ll discover the true essence of travel.
DIS Slow Travel
Shane journeyed to Berlin through the DIS Slow Travel Initiative, which strives to make sustainable travel accessible to students of all backgrounds.
Slow travel is an approach that fights against the checklist mentality that many study abroad students feel. It rejects the pressure to tick destinations off a list and travel as far and wide as possible during their time abroad. Instead, slow travel encourages adopting a ‘slow’ mindset, opting for greener modes of transport, dedicating more time to get to know a single location, and actively engaging with local communities.
In recognition that slow travel options can sometimes be more expensive than their less sustainable alternatives, and to encourage students to adopt a slow travel approach during their semester with DIS, we offer a limited amount of funding for students who apply at the beginning of each semester.