Berlin’s Bitcoin Revolution
By Paul Pendergrass
What the world knows of El Salvador is what’s been pushed by decades of mass media
Much of El Salvador hasn’t been seen in the flesh by the global, modern eye. What the world knows of this country is what’s been pushed by decades of mass media, and only recently, a flurry of content on social networks. We’re going to be driving through the Salvadoran countryside and into the mountains, you say? Just a few years ago, this was a journey undertaken by only the bravest of souls. On this Sunday in Fall 2024, I am riding backseat with a cast of characters from all over the world, on our way to the Bitcoin Farmers Market in Berlin, Usulután, El Salvador.
How did an area in El Salvador originally called “Agua Caliente” wind up being named after Germany’s capitol?
Casually, a German man survived a shipwreck off the coast in the late 1800’s, ventured up through the mountains, down into a valley, and established the municipality of Berlin. For the next 100+ years, it became known as a coffee hub, with many plantations operating since the “Hot Water” days. Like much of the east side of the country, Berlin and the surrounding areas became battlegrounds during the Salvadoran Civil War. People were driven out of town as guerillas took over and left destruction along their path.
Our first stop along the way is a gas station about halfway between San Salvador and Berlin. A property with a house and some animals is behind the gas station, reminding me of rural Texas.
Humans are mostly the same; our ways of life don’t differ much from each other
We like animals on our properties, whether it be a cat in the city, a goat and cow on a small plot of land, or a Noah’s ark situation on 100 manzanas (170 acres for the gringos). The full service attendants load us up with a full tank that’ll get us to Berlin and back to the coast. Onward!
The orange pilling that has been done on the ground by the Bitcoin community in Berlin is one of the least talked about financial revolutions in the world. The circular economy is thriving and ever growing in this town. Over 100 businesses here take bitcoin, an incredible feat that should be celebrated by and for everyone involved. We pull up to the Berlin Bitcoin Center, where hot coffee and pastries are served, educational resources are available, and vibes are high!
After some mingling and caffeine, we walk down the road to a pupusa joint that takes sats. I usually don’t indulge in El Salvador’s famed cuisine, but today is one of those days. Piping hot on a sheet of plastic; my favorite! I immediately transfer the few that I ordered to some napkins, open them up to let them breathe, and prepare my mental for Flavortown. Let’s ride!! 8/10, on the Salvadoran pupusa scale. I haven’t had many below a 7 :)
Enjoying life in El Salvador’s lush green mountains
Walking around the town is surreal to me, knowing that not too long ago, gangs ran the streets and the thought of “safety” was as foreign as I am. Little by little, buildings are being renovated, shops are opening up, and most importantly, the people are enjoying life in these lush green mountains.
We venture to the town square, where Bitcoin Berlin is set up amongst other vendors selling all sorts of products, beverages, and trinkets. On this overcast Sunday, a super tranquil energy is in the air. Kids are running around, families are chatting, humans are just doing things. It’s heartwarming to see how the Salvadoran people have acclimated to their newfound peace.
