Visiting Berlin

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.

Two shady characters in Berlin.

This is a boating blog, so I made a point of going on a canal boat trip.

I didn't see any beggars or derelicts walking around town, but I did spot this rudimentary studio apartment from the boat. 

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.

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.

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.

This tower made of mirrors also functions as a heat capturing and ventilation mechanism. It's also great for combing your hair.

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.

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.