Some stuff about life, and Amsterdam

The last couple of weeks were a bit of blur, as I spent most of my time counting down the minutes to seeing my family in Amsterdam and seeing Sia and Sarah in Prague (and Munich, as it turned out). There's been some good times though - Jean and I went to an awesome kniepe (pub) in Friedrichshain called The Big Lebowski and, as usual, stayed out longer than we planned because we just couldn't stop chatting. I met Lionel on Tuesday in a new Italian restaurant in Kreuzberg for foccacia which was very tasty, and we talked for ages about politics (well, I tried, at least.) I didn't meet either of them last week, but I did meet up with Sophie and Hilary (who are new in Berlin, and friends with Joe). We went to Kreuzburger, which was actually very decent, attempted to go to a poetry slam with their friends from the uni and ended up in a park admiring a penis drawn in whipped cream.

As for work, it's been fluctuating between not a lot of work and loads of work. When there is nothing for me to do, my boss sends me on little errands, and one of these was a total embarrassment. I went to the Post Office to buy some stamps, but instead of saying 'sechzig' (60), it came out as 'sexy'. The woman behind the desk thought this was highly amusing and laughed herself silly before I could run away with my sexy stamps and a red face.

There's also been some amusing translation errors that I've come across, my favourites being 'visitor centre for victims of euthanasia', the exile of the citizens of Berlin instead of the King and Queen, a man apparently being alive during the French Revolution despite the fact he was, in fact, dead at the time and 'water boiler' instead of 'kettle' - completely logical, but no.

Mueggelsee

My phone does not do this justice. 

Last Friday, I met up with Joe, which wasn't without its drama - miscommunication meant we met almost an hour later than planned, no surprises there really.  We went to Friedrichshagen, where his great uncle lived (cool, right?), for a butchers. It was a lovely town and after a walk around and a look at the Müggelsee, we headed back to Kreuzberg (obviously) for dinner and then stood with a beer (Bavarian Augustiner is nice, but I think I'll stay loyal to the Berliner Pilsner) on the Oberbaumbrücke watching the sunset, me feeling smug and Joe feeling jealous. Then we went to the Comet Club to see Drenge, a brother duo from Sheffield. It was good fun, especially watching the lairy moshers and the drummer in the support band, who looked like he was on something incredible. After Joe had accidentally entered into a lengthy discussion with a beggar, we met up with Sophie (who I went to Kreuzburger with the following Wednesday, so this is all a bit backwards but oh well).  We sat at a Mexican bar for a cocktail and then wandered down Oranienstraße. I remember showing them the pink furry place, before we settled for some shitey disco bar, then I think we sat in the same bar Joe and I went to last time, then another one with shisha and a tequila shot with cinnamon? After that it went a bit downhill and I crawled into bed at like, 4am.


Kat drove me to the airport the next morning, which was lovely of her, and after throwing up outside I got through the airport so easily and quickly before throwing up multiple times on the plane and at Amsterdam airport before my mum, her partner and my sister arrived in the car.  Not really my finest hour(s). The hotel was lovely, but we barely touched down before we went  to meet my brother and his babies for dinner.

Tulips outside the airport

Dinner, yes I had a boring pizza but my stomach was frail, don't judge me

Then it was Easter! My sister and I spent the morning drinking tea, eating our Easter gifts and having a huge catch up before we drove to my brother's. We had lunch in the city and spent the day wandering around. Although we've been to Amsterdam a few times since my brother moved there, it was the first time we'd walked around Rembrandt Square, and it was the first time I'd been to a proper Dutch flower market.

Not sure what those biscuits were, but one wasn't enough

Rembrandt

  

                     


We met up with my brother at Denham, where he works on Prinsengracht, then walked back to his house. My nieces have grown up so much since I last saw them and are now walking and almost talking! What's more amazing is that they understand both English and Dutch, though I've decided I want to pick up Dutch again for their sake. After the girls went to bed, we headed out to see my brother's new place just outside the city. The plan was to go out for dinner, but it ended up being Macdonalds for tea as we were all knackered and time was getting on. Monday was sad, as obviously I had to say goodbye, but we all had lunch at the airport which was cute. It was so lovely to see them, and I think that seeing them at just about the 3 month mark was a good idea.

Siblings- I will never be as cool as my brother.

Squinty Mummy

The flight home was obviously 100 times better than on the way out and I came home to a chocolate bunny on my bed and Osterbrot in the kitchen - thanks Kat! She is away again until Wednesday so I've had the run of the place once more. It was nice her being home because of the company but I certainly got used to being on my own. I think they are here until I leave now, so no more home alone for me!

Post to follow on Prague and Munich!

xxx

Dresden

Yesterday, I visited the beautiful city of Dresden, capital of Saxony. My train was at 08.57, but I got up late, panicked and got a taxi to Hauptbahnhof. It was 17 euros, which wasn't TOO painful, and at least it was stress free and I had time at the station to pick up a Starbucks.

However, I then became very irritated when the train stopped at Sudkreuz- S-Bahn station close to me. Sigh. I know for next time.

We got into Dresden at about 11, I picked up a map and set off on my way. It was bloody hot, and I'd dressed for chilly weather in a jumper, trousers, Docs, coat and scarf. After a long, sweaty and sweary walk, I made it to Altstadt and suddenly, everything was fine. It took my breath away. There was so much to see that I ended up going back on myself a lot. I was like a kid trying to see everything at once.

the castle

Zwinger Palace

Close up of Semper Opera House

The Procession of Princes

I sat on those steps later on and got a sunburnt face

After all my mad running around and getting excited, I realised I hadn't actually eaten anything that day, so wandered down a little street for some bratwurst.

Why I love Germany, Exhibit A

While I was busy stuffing my face, practically the whole street was interrupted by a group of American females that decided they were going to take 3 million selfies jumping in the air and yelling loudly. Then, the ring leader spotted the bratwurst stall and said "oh my gaad that is so freakin' cute'. Just...what? What is cute about sausages? Delicious, yes, cute, I don't know. It was almost as bad as when I heard an American describe Notre Dame as 'cute'. Not the word I'd use for an 850 year old Gothic cathedral. I don't get it.

ANYWAY. My next stop was the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), which was reduced to a pile of rubble, like most of the city, in World War Two by the Allied bombing of the city. It remained a pile of rubble, throughout the years of East and West, as a memorial and it was only after the Cold War that restoration really began in a serious way. It was only finished in 2005! The original bricks (some 3000 of them) were used as well as new ones, which makes for a very interesting facade - like patchwork.

This wall was one of two left standing after the bombing

Then I decided it was time for an ice-cream (green apple flavour, amazing) and to cross the bridge into Neustadt. I asked a Chinese tourist, who was very pleased when I thanked him in Mandarin go me right,  to take a picture of me on the bridge but it was bloody awful so you'll have to go without that one.







One of the views

Neustadt felt very different, but was just as lovely. I took a long, slow walk down the main street and then remembered that the 'most beautiful dairy in the world' was here somewhere. It was on the map, so that was perfect! It really was beautiful, this dairy, but unfortunately you weren't allowed to take pictures so you'll have to google it - Pfund's Molkerei. I did get a picture from outside though and you can just about make out the glass on the table where I tried some buttermilk.

After walking back to where I'd started in Neustadt, I was knackered, so I got myself a capri sun and went to sit on the steps of the something building, where I actually dozed off for a bit in the sun, resulting in a shiny and red forehead.

Maybe the view from near the steps was worth the sunburn

Little nap napped, I walked to the Japanese Palace and the gardens were gorgeous.

Embarrassing Daytrip Selfie #3

I decided to walk towards the station after that, and pick up something to eat on the way. I ended up picking Subway but I'm a bit annoyed about that as my flatmate told me Dresden does amazing doner and I definitely should have tried that...

It was after my dinner that I realised I was in fact NOWHERE NEAR the Hauptbahnhof. I was the other side of the city at Neustadt Bahnhof. Brilliant. I had an hour to get to the Hauptbahnhof and luckily, I have a good memory for routes (as in, if I've walked it once, I can find my way back with not much trouble). I don't know why I just didn't get the train between the stations, but panic set in and off I panicked towards Haupbahnhof. I found my way okay, I just massively underestimated how long it would take and I made my train with 3 minutes to spare. Bloody hell.

And then, guess what? The train stopped at Neustadt Bahnhof. It was all I could do not to scream! Why am I so stupid?!

Compartment carriage to myself, nice

So the day had started and ended a bit stressfully, but overall, I enjoyed Dresden a lot.

from the train

I would have liked to have had a bit longer there, but I've got two exciting trips coming up - on Saturday I'm flying to Amsterdam and meeting my mum and sister there, then the following Thursday I'm off to Prague for two days to meet up with Sia and Sarah! Just four more work days till the family reunion (Friday is a holiday, YES)

Tschuessi

xx

Nostalgie de Paris

I saw Paris on the news last night and nearly launched my slipper at the TV presenter, hissing wildly. Okay, exaggeration, but I am missing Paris more than I thought I would. It's been over a month since I first met Lionel now and, as he also studied in Cachan (I know right), we talk a lot about Paris. As much as I adore Berlin, love living here and feel more comfortable in Germany anyway, it's true what they say about Paris- there really is something about it. I feel a bit sorry that I didn't live in the city itself and I am now seeing pictures on Facebook from my friends who still live there (namely Andrea who takes incredible photos) and I'm all jealous because spring there looks gorgeous! Oh well. I still had an amazing time and I don't doubt I will go back.

So have some pictures, while I find a good creperie to visit with Lionel on Friday evening.

A short but pleasing video of Lewis and I at a pub in Montmartre on  my 21st

And one of my absolute favourites, taken on our last walk along the river

I thought I might be meeting Jean tonight, but I haven't heard from her in a few days, so before anxiety sets in (who I am kidding, it already has) and I start (already am) worrying whether I've made her hate me, she's bored of me, or even dead or seriously ill, I am going to finally finish the last story in the Sherlock Holmes collection.

Bis bald
xx

Potsdam

Potsdam is only half an hour or so away from Berlin (I took the S-Bahn, but it's quicker with DB) so it seemed an obvious place to visit. I'd made a list of things I definitely needed to see, but I had no idea just how much there was in and around the city! There are so many castles and palaces that I'll definitely have to come back.

St. Nikolai Church

I ended up wandering onto Platz der Einheit, where there was a memorial to the victims of fascism, then decided to take a tram to Glienicke Bridge, because it was hot and it looked quite a way on the map. (It wasn't)

Glienicker Brucke- 'The Bridge of Spies'

The border between East Germany and Western occupied Berlin ran through the bridge (as it connects Potsdam and the Berlin district of Wannsee) and between 1962 and 1986, the Allies and Soviets exchanged captured spies here. As an avid 'Spooks' fan, I was quite thrilled by this!

Gorgeous weather

the Dutch quarter

After wandering around the Dutch quarter, I stumbled across an art shop selling small pictures outside. I didn't notice that it said 'FROM 3 euros' because I am an idiot so after finding a set of pictures I liked and thinking, well 12 euros isn't THAT bad, the woman said 'You've seen the price, yes?', then told me it was 32 euros. By that point, I couldn't (read, was too intimidated to) back out so with my stupidness I bought them, pretending I was some massive art lover. I should have asked who the artist was as I can't make out the name...Oh dear. I do like them though (even if they are some strange fakes) and they make a nice souvenir!

God knows

I also stumbled upon this incredible shop where I was tempted to buy everything, but my purse was now a bit empty. I managed to find 2 euros for a little whale made out some sort of stone. From the age of, well, very young, I was convinced I was going to be a Geologist and I still have an enormous collection of rocks and gems, but I don't think the whale is really a valid addition...cute though.

Then I walked up to the Russian Colony, Alexandrowka, which is a UNESCO site. Friedrich Wilhem III had it built in 1826, in memory of Tzar Alezander I of Russia, and the first people to live here used to be members of a Russian soldier's choir. It wasn't what I was expecting at all but it was lovely in the sun! People still live in these houses too, which is just mad!

The restaurant at Alexandrowka

Ukrainian Borscht

Chicken in nut sauce (hazelnut, walnuts, almonds and peanuts)

Honey cake, divine doesn't even cover it

 Since I'd emptied my pockets on some questionable art, I had to pay by card but to do that I needed to spend 25 euros. I didn't think that would be a problem, but bloody hell. The food was amazing and I'm surprised they didn't have to roll me out of the restaurant. I also didn't realise until I was tucking into my Borscht, that I was eating a Ukrainian dish in a Russian restaurant....topical.

I got a horrendous stitch climbing the hill to see this church after all that food, but it was worth it. Then I walked for about 20 minutes to Park Sanssouci which is basically just a huge UNESCO park filled with castles, palaces and other lovely buildings. It was a gorgeous place and I would love to spend more time there. By that, I mean, I'd like to sunbathe there all day.

Sanssouci Palace

In summer, the terraces leading up to the palace are covered in vines and plants- according to the tourist info, and every other picture of this palace ever taken.

'The Chinese House' looking a bit magical

Looking like Meep and not knowing where I was going

the Roman Baths

After wandering around the park, I decided to make my way back to the station as I was knackered, still poorly from this week and just so warm and desperate for a drink. I ended up walking through a very swanky residential area, seething with jealousy.

I made it back to the station and the train was sitting there, 1 minute before it left. Some complete NITWIT was in front of me at the ticket machine, dithering around and then standing there counting out her bloody change. I said, as pointedly as I could manage in German, that I would like to get on this train, and she moved but it was too late! I had just validated my ticket when the doors closed. On the S-Bahn, that is final. I could see the stupid woman through the window and I had to wait for another 15 minutes. She's on my list.

Anyway, I can't say enough how lovely Potsdam was. But I've noticed, that despite my ridiculous purchases of 3 course meals and art, I didn't buy a postcard...or a fridge magnet. Please do not tell my mother this. I'll have to go back now...

xx