Arwen in the Trailer Park
Arwen Schultz is ten years old and lives in a trailer park. This means Arwen, her mother Beater and her siblings Ben-Toni and Unna live on a piece of land with trailers and improvised wooden blockhouses in Karow in the outskirts of Berlin. "We don't have a lot of things that are normal for others. For example we only have an outhouse and no heating.", Arwen says. "It's freezing when I have to get up early in the winter and the oven is still not heated. I don't like the winters here too much. Summers are great though."
Until three years ago, Arwen lived together with her dad in an apartment in Pankow, a district of Berlin. She sometimes misses a bathtub with hot water or simply a spacious, heated room. But she would never trade her life in the trailer park for a life back in the city. "I guess I would be softer in the city, because I would not move as much. Even during winter I am outside a lot. I hurt myself often when I play, but I hardly notice that I am bleeding. I am used to it."
Material things like expensive hobbies or clothes have no relevance in Arwen's everyday life. "The people here all have their own style. Many have dreadlocks or tailor their own clothes. I like to tailor as well. I often prefer it to buying clothes." Arwen found a top in the clothing store of the trailer park. She adjusted it to her needs; it is now shorter and has a funny cleavage. She loves to wear the shirt and is proud she made something new of something old.
Sometimes Arwen is in the mood for the city and the glittery world of the shopping center in Berlin Gesundbrunnen. Then her friend Lisa or her elder sister Unna and Arwen go shopping or "just look around." Arwen's mother Beate and the family live of social welfare. They spend their money on food and things for the beautiful garden, which surrounds their trailer.