We left our quiet beach town to visit the big city of Berlin and a German family with whom we have become very good friends. In life you may be lucky to meet some of the best people the world has to offer - that's them.
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Two shady characters in Berlin. |
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This is a boating blog, so I made a point of going on a canal boat trip. |
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I didn't see any beggars or derelicts walking around town, but I did spot this rudimentary studio apartment from the boat. |
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Ana listening to the tour guide box. The boat had about 6 passengers. Now, if you estimate the cost of diesel, the captain and the stewardess I'd say they lost more money on this 1-hour trip than I lose on my boat during a week. |
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Never did figure out what exactly these roosters were protesting about, although it's pretty obvious that it was about inhumane chicken breeding/raising practices. |
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This the famous dome build over the parliament building. That's me taking a photograph with our friend on the left and his lovely daughter on the right. |
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This tower made of mirrors also functions as a heat capturing and ventilation mechanism. It's also great for combing your hair. |
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Berlin is a flat city swarming with bicycle riders. |
One evening we walked through a gate and into a maze of courtyards with funky establishments. We drifted into a dark bar where the decor and clients created an ambiance of "we're not misfits or weirdos, but we don't give a shit." And suddenly I was back at Grossman's Tavern or at the other bars I frequented in Toronto in my former life.
It was a very enjoyable trip. The only down side is that I caught a head cold on the last day while riding a sightseeing bus. It was a whopping 12º C and the bus driver peeled back the bus roof. An hour and a half later my head was frozen. Everyone else seemed fine, including Ana. Further proof that I'm allergic to cold.
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The bus tour that gave me a magnificent head cold. |
Flying back with a stuffed up head, I dozed off and, on waking up, saw people moving their lips but couldn't hear anything. I also realized the jet engines were silent. A bit scary. I snapped my fingers next to my ear and heard a faint sound. What a relief, I'll still be able to hear fog horns on the ocean.
I'm still a bit groggy and staying home. Jakatar will survive without me for a couple more days.
My next trip will definitely be on Jakatar down south this summer.
Kinda nice being in a "civilized" city after being cooped up in the "rags". I'm assuming this as I've been cooped up for over 15 years. That's when I visited Berlin which was totally frozen over. The only tour I got was in a nicely heated Mercedes taxi!
ReplyDeleteJudging the pics, you both look well rejuvenated.
Pete,
DeleteCivilized and friendly people, I might add.
You've been cooped up for 15 years...maybe that's what those people in rooster costumes were protesting about - being cooped up.
Another thing I noticed - after having lived for so many years in this semi-isolated beach - is that the younger generation is being remote-controlled by smartphones.