The neighborhood looked rundown and graffiti ridden. In Los Angeles this would indicate a gang ridden dangerous area. However, after a couple of days of exploring Berlin, I found that this neighborhood is typical Berlin, with so called "street artist" crap on outside walls. I arrived to Europe with only WIFI connectivity; should have purchased internet chip for an unlocked phone. Christine was not in apt. when first arrived. Had to wait half an hour before she was in apt. No big deal, but I wish I could have been able to email her that day to update my arrival. No internet or cell phone was a problem. My fault.