Patrick Coman

For me, the best part of the job was having an excuse to get out and explore parts of the city that I would probably have never known about otherwise. From underground clubs and music venues to tucked-away pubs and bars, it was great to be able to expand my experience, leave my comfort zone, and discover some great places that were right under my nose.

I remember getting into a rather animated discussion with the bartender at Junction Bar about the merits of Bob Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks. The bartender kept insisting that the album was completely overrated as a whole and really only had one or two good tracks, whereas I was arguing that the album was among his best. Thankfully, the argument petered out before it could get too heated – though if my German had been better at the time, I’m sure he would have come around eventually – but every time I went to the bar after that, he always referred to me as Herr (Mr.) Dylan.

I can definitely relate to aspects of each character, but the one I most resemble is Jonah. I’ve had my late nights, and I couldn’t live in Berlin without hitting a few clubs, but when I’m not writing, I tend to gravitate to the laid-back bars and live music venues that Jonah would like.

I’d definitely want to hit Tacheles on a warm summer afternoon or evening, then head out to Club Der Visionaire or Cassiopeia for the night. I’d finish up with some late-night ping pong at Dr. Pong, and of course the obligatory late-night döner kabob!