"What's truly happening at Berlin's Friedrichshain RAW grounds, unbeknownst to my parents?"
In the heart of Berlin, the RAW-GelΓ€nde comes alive every Sunday, transforming into a bustling hub of second-hand goods, food, and friendship. This unique market is a melting pot of various vendors, from Slava selling coffee and meat pies to Cecilia, Carly, and Rebecca peddling discarded clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Slava, a 54-year-old man, operates a Russian-Ukrainian food truck at the RAW grounds. His business starts at 11 a.m., and the amount of goods he sells varies depending on the day, particularly on Sundays.
Cecilia, Carly, and Rebecca have just finished setting up their stall, with Cecilia expressing her belief in selling at RAW because it allows her to avoid fast fashion. They're joined by Lea, Jacky, and Sarah, who have set up a similar stall selling old clothes. The three friends sell at RAW as a Sunday activity, and they believe in maintaining a sustainable approach to fashion, with prices being higher but still lower than store prices.
Jacky is curious about what people like, mentioning trendy items and pieces they don't want to let go. Carly adds that RAW is perfect for selling discarded items, attracting tourists, Berliners, and families alike.
As the market wakes up, Slava observes vendors still cursing and a child running across the square at eight o'clock. Meanwhile, a young man named Luke, around 25 years old, stumbles into the flea market from a club. Luke expresses surprise at finding the flea market after the club environment, adjusting to the light and his voice hoarse from partying.
Luke introduces himself but doesn't want to be photographed due to his parents. He tries on sunglasses from a stall and considers finding something before sleeping. Evelyn and Tom, aged 21, are walking hand in hand, observing the market setting up and commenting on its later start compared to the previous year. They note that many vendors now buy goods at the wholesale market, and that the RAW market is less unique compared to the past.
Despite these changes, Sarah grins, stating that the flea market is about letting things go. Luke, finding a sense of camaraderie in the market, expresses his surprise at the place of second-hand ideals, an Instagram hotspot for tourists, and a business like any other. The market continues to thrive, offering a unique blend of sustainability, community, and the unexpected.
