Boy: Treptower Park

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Spring in Berlin, oh what joy!

When the sun comes out, so do the Germans. In fact everyone comes out to play in Berlin the moment the temperature rises and the sun begins to shine. After what seemed like an eternal winter, I am happy to say that Spring is fully here in Berlin! The birds are chirping, the sun is rising earlier and going down later every day- I cannot imagine the magic of the summer to come! Just think how long the sun will be out! I want to spend every possible moment in the sun, basking in the warm rays dancing across my skin. In the S-Bahn cars, the top side windows have even been open to let in the cool spring air! After a window of keenly observing the instructions by the automatic doors- to close them on cold days- it is nice to experience the windows left open. There is no longer a fear of the cold. I am even altering my travel methods. I've come to prefer buses and trams. They are usually a bit slower, but they stay in the sun and let me see the sun-soaked city. Why go underground where the sun can't follow?

Today was Easter Monday, the last day of my seemingly forever semester break. I went with a few friends to Treptower Park to soak up some rays. It being Easter Monday and a national holiday and all, we weren't the only ones with such a plan- the park was full of people with the day off work and school, lounging in the sun. It was a most perfect day- the sun, friends, and relaxation. Although the break is over and tomorrow I'll head back to classes, I am happy that this semester will be in the warm light of spring and summer- not the weak one of winter. Oh spring, I like you. The sandals have come out, the legs have emerged from their stockings, and I am ready to get some color- just not too much, I am from California- we know about skin cancer there.

Back to Volkspark Friedrichshain

This early afternoon was quite nice- sunny and warm. So, I went to my favorite Berlin Park, Volkspark Friedrichshain. The contrast between Berlin's pasts is sometimes startling. On my first trip to the park, I was enraptured by the Märchenbrunnen- the beautiful fairy tale fountain of the early 20th century, a great work of the German Cultural Empire. This time, I took a slightly different route in getting there and was treated to one of many Soviet Style Monuments. Monuments to those who died in the war, those who died for Socialism, or the ever popular People's Hero- fighting with his simple weapons. The monument at Volkspark Friedrichshain is quite in keeping with this vein.



The cast iron is in start contrast to the decadent marble of the Märchenbrunnen. And while the Märchenbrunnen are imposing and grand- they are far more friendly than this lonely giant fighting an invisible enemy.

This monument, however, has nothing on the one at Treptower Park, another favorite spot of mine. Talk about imposing.



Berlin is a city full of contrasts, as I write this now, a summer thunderstorm rages outside my windows. And to think, it was so sunny just a short while ago!

Sun! (...and Life Without a Microwave)

Today was a gorgeous day after more than a few with rain. Sunlight streaming through my curtains gently woke me, and motivated my trip to Treptower Park. The S-Bahn was full of people out and about on a Sunday afternoon. It was a special shopping day and the local shopping mall was open from 1pm-6pm and quite a few others throughout the city were as well. (Stores in Germany are rarely open on Sundays) The Sunday shoppers were, however, in the minority when compared to the legions out to catch some sun.

When the S-Bahn arrived at Treptower Park, over two thirds of the very full train exited, many on bikes, a gaggle of small children in strollers, and even a few dogs. Treptower Park is great because it is right on the Spree, Berlin's main river, and is quite a large park. The park was full- full of couples delighting in the sun, old wrinkly men sunbathing, and bicyclists on every possible path. I almost expected some kind of impromptu concert to begin, given the number of people there.


Birds were chirping, the sun warmed skin in lazy afternoon rays, and the water sparkled- it was perfect. I found a spot partly shaded, against a strong oak, and enjoyed my book. I could have spent all day there, but the sun grew cold, as it is wont, and I was obliged to travel back, away from my idyllic setting.

As a side note, I have been in a baking mood as of late, and yesterday I made a quite delicious pizza. This morning, I enjoyed one of my favorite things- leftovers! Leftover pizza in particular makes a delightful breakfast and I usually eat it cold- but this morning I realized that short of heating it in the oven or possibly in a skillet over the stove, that this is how I would be obliged to eat any leftover pizza. I don't have a microwave. At first, I thought, "Hey, I don't use a microwave that often! I'll be fine." But then I thought some more about leftovers, maybe I do. I guess I'll have to wait and see.

Open Container Laws??

In Germany, I have learned, there is no such thing as an open container law. You want to buy a beer, walk down the street drinking it, take it on the S-Bahn or U-Bahn? Feel free! I had observed some of this behavior, and thought it a bit odd, but hey- I'm in Germany, right? I didn't think I'd actually participate- but I did.


The other night, Melanie and I went to Treptower Park, a very nice park directly on the Spree- only two S-Bahn stops away! The image above is from Treptower Park- the view of the Spree. Before we went, she suggested getting something to drink. "Alright," I thought, "Some mineral water (disgustingly carbonated) or juice- sounds good to me!" We went into the corner market and directly to the refrigerated single beer section. Melanie prefers Alcohol-free beer, and I tried the same as her- not bad. We went walking through the park, drinking our Bavarian beers, enjoying the ambiance and weather. It was a great night for a walk. Melanie has discovered that I like to walk. Or rather that I am from Berkeley and obscene distances seem perfectly walkable. Only an hour away? That's nothing!

On the S-Bahn back, or beers empty and waiting to be returned for bottle deposit, I commented on how one would never be able to walk the streets with an open beer in America, especially not ride on Public Transit with one! Imagine drinking a beer on the BART, coffee is hard enough! Melanie said she had heard of such a thing before, she had a friend from Canada who was equally amazed by this German allowance. But it had always been so in Germany. Not that bad I guess.

As an update to my continued struggles with the metric system, I'm in the process of making challah today. It's a good thing I never measure ingredients anyway! After all, they're just suggestions.