tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91478849990431060132024-03-14T06:21:32.130+01:00Back to Berlin...and BEYONDExpat duo from rainy (but lovely!) Seattle, living in Berlin & spending every last dime on travel.
Drink, Travel, WriteAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.comBlogger382125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-37325823459904287712017-06-06T23:04:00.002+02:002017-06-07T19:05:23.557+02:00Eat the World (Starting with Berlin)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original building on Richardplatz</td></tr>
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I had a really embarrassing moment when I tried to intern at a Berlin magazine. I had been in Berlin long enough to know enough, but there were still gaps in my knowledge. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Have you been to the <a href="https://www.berlin.de/en/christmas-markets/3240343-3230598-christmas-market-at-altrixdorf-in-neukoe.en.html" target="_blank">Rixdorf Christmas Market</a> before?"<br />
"No, where is that?"<br />
"On Richardplatz."<br />
"Where is that, exactly?"<br />
"<a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search?q=Neuk%C3%B6lln" target="_blank">Neukölln</a>. You know Rixdorf is just the original name of Neukölln, right?"</blockquote>
I did not know. And my cheeks burned with shame. Still do actually, when something I feel I should know is exposed. That is why I am always happy to expand my knowledge. Even better when it comes in the form of a food tour.<br />
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When I received the invite to join <a href="https://www.eat-the-world.com/en.html" target="_blank">eat-the-world.com</a>'s latest offering in Neukölln I was ready for some serious eating and to learn more about our <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/01/e-gads-were-moving-again.html" target="_blank">former Kiez</a>. We had lived in Neukölln for about a year (among our <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/09/what-moving-6-times-in-year-has-taught.html" target="_blank">kajillion sublets</a>) and never felt totally at home here. The <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/03/visiting-dead-people-in-berlin.html" target="_blank">cemeteries are dreamy</a>, the foreigner vibe - new and <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/10/mosques-unity.html" target="_blank">old</a> - was strong, but it felt like a place between. I wanted to know more about its background, its secrets and possibly its future. Learning about its food seemed a good way to start.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Castillo and the meeting point on Richardplatz</td></tr>
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We met our small group of food travelers, along with our guide <a href="https://www.eat-the-world.com/en/the-team.html#c3515">Castillo</a>, in Richardplatz. It was quiet and cheerful, an oasis in the chaos that is much of Neukölln. My only other visit had been when I eventually did visit that bustling Christmas market (easily one of the best in Berlin - even if it is only held for one weekend), but at this time of year - winter into spring - it was austere, tranquil, and still just minutes away from the noise that still rules much of Neukölln. Rixdorf was once its own small village, settled in 1737. On the square, you can observe humble <i>Imbiss </i>(food stands like the one behind Castillo in the picture above), grand villas,
stables, a church, and a blacksmith right in the center. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duck into the stable area to see some seriously grand carriages at Christmas</td></tr>
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That said - we did have one heckler who turned out to be just a loud local. Directing his dog (a German shepherd of course), he gruffly shouted at us as he walked by. It was up to Castillo to translate Berlinerisch to basically, "Hi. Welcome to my neighborhood." (Really - he wasn't swearing at us). <br />
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This wasn't Castillo's only skill. Coming from the unusual blend of Swiss-Mexican stock, he was charming, organized and always had a story. He elegantly guided us between restaurants, bakeries and cafes with many points of historical interest noted - large and small. <br />
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Taking a tour in the city you live in can be, well, boring. This was not. I was exceptionally pleased to learn so much about the area that reflected the changing nature of Berlin at large. Secret passageways into public parks, memorials I had never seen, medieval history and hole-in-the-wall markets (plus we got some serious street style for free).<br />
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<h1>
Eat-The-World's Neukölln Food Tour</h1>
The tour bills itself as "7 samples in 3 hours!" and it is exactly that. We had bite after delicious bite at 7 delightful establishments. I have been sworn to secrecy on some of the sites (<a href="https://www.eat-the-world.com/en/culinary-city-tours-berlin/booking/berlin-neukoelln-tour.html#termine" target="_blank">book a tour to find out!</a>), but here are my three favorite that best exemplified the area and Eat-The-World's Neukölln Food Tour:<br />
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<a href="http://www.koenigliche-backstube.berlin/" target="_blank">Königliche Backstube</a></h2>
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We started off our tour the <a href="https://www.german-way.com/author/erin/" target="_blank">German-Way</a>, which is in a bakery. In case you were unaware, Germans are obsessed with bread. They literally eat it breakfast, lunch and dinner and get quite snooty about what "good bread" is.<br />
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I think most Germans would agree, Königliche Backstube makes damn good bread. Owner and master baker, Michael Köser, was on site and we got to watch he and his staff roll out croissants while Castillo explained his method of “slow baking”. Basically, this means handmade and giving the ingredients, like yeast, time to do their thing. If it results in bread that tastes this wholesome, nutritious and good for you, I am a fan.<br />
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Feeling very bad about leaving the <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">kid</a> at KiTa so we could eat, we bought her a roll and patted ourselves on the back. <br />
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<h2>
<a href="http://prachtwerkberlin.com/" target="_blank">Prachtwerk</a></h2>
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Berlin is a glutton for a good cafe, and Prachtwerk is one of the prettiest I've seen. The hipster vibe is clear through the massive windows, and upon mounting the steps you are enveloped in a moody warehouse space that looks a lot more polished than others in the city. <br />
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The star piece is the light fixture over the bar. Copper pipes twist and turn at 90 degree angles with little bulbs adding some utility. At one end there is a stage where they offer their (apparently) popular live concerts, like Wednesday nights' open mic. On another wall, there is a rotating artist wall. Everything looks unique and intentional. <br />
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Here, we ate cake, and it was good. I think I might have been a bit delirious with sugar at this point as all my pictures of the cakes came out fuzzy. You'll have to take my word cheesecake and fruit tart were crazy good. <br />
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<h2>
<a href="http://oskitchen.de/" target="_blank">OS'kitchen</a></h2>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O6HxPn0VYoQ/WRtMPPR-TSI/AAAAAAAAMNg/ruJbi3eIrxQgRbKjQJIgUuVytGNke24twCLcB/s1600/DSC01949.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O6HxPn0VYoQ/WRtMPPR-TSI/AAAAAAAAMNg/ruJbi3eIrxQgRbKjQJIgUuVytGNke24twCLcB/s400/DSC01949.JPG" width="400" /></a>As we feasted our way through delicate cakes and vegan soups, I thought, "Neukölln's Middle-Eastern food has to be represented...right?" RIGHT. OS'Kitchen to represent. <br />
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They delivered a platter of falafel. I couldn't have been more excited. This is what I was looking for on a food tour of Neukölln.<br />
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And what a plate of falafel. Freshly fried, light and airy, perfectly seasoned. It came with a yogurt sesame sauce and red pepper flakes that gave all dual cooling and heat. They were perfection and I ate a bunch of them. No more dainty picking at a small piece, I WANTED THEM ALL and ate til I was full. <br />
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<h2>
Other Sites on the Tour</h2>
Some formal stops on the tour, and some not, caught my eye and illustrated how interesting this Kiez still is. Gawd, <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/in-love-with-berlin.html" target="_blank">I love Berlin</a>. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hate on Yuppies"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secret entrance to this courtyard and the public park beyond</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.yorck.de/kinos/passage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Passage Kino</a> alongside <a href="https://neukoellneroper.de/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Neuköllner Oper</a> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXD2v1xw-Ic/WRtMOlCjAzI/AAAAAAAAMNc/4_svCRCInyswZ3K11SvxDB-o2QIHjrEOQCLcB/s1600/DSC01946.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VXD2v1xw-Ic/WRtMOlCjAzI/AAAAAAAAMNc/4_svCRCInyswZ3K11SvxDB-o2QIHjrEOQCLcB/s640/DSC01946.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Famed <a href="http://www.visitberlin.de/en/spot/stadtbad-neukoelln" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Stadtbad Neukölln</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little group, huddling away from the rain and finally full</td></tr>
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<h1>
Visitor Info for Eat-The-World's Neukölln Food Tour</h1>
My only real critique is that there are a lot of nibbles with a number of (truly delicious cakes) thrown in. While you won't leave hungry, it may not feel like a well-rounded meal either. An easy remedy to the situation is to grab a Döner from the thousands of stands in the neighborhood. Authentic!<br />
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I highly recommend the tour to learn more about this area and get insight into makes it special. And all of the bites were truly tasty with some places earning a spot on my permanent eating itinerary.<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Website: <a href="https://www.eat-the-world.com/en/" target="_blank">www.eat-the-world.com</a> </li>
<li>Tickets: €33, €16.50 children under 12 years old</li>
<li>When: Fridays and Saturdays, all year round </li>
<li>Duration: 3 hours </li>
<li>German & English </li>
<li>Eating preferences observed (i.e. vegan)</li>
</ul>
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<b>Full Disclosure</b><i> – I was offered this tour for free, but my</i><i> opinions are entirely my own.</i> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com0Richardpl., 12055 Berlin, Germany52.4742568 13.44566439999994152.4718388 13.440621899999941 52.4766748 13.450706899999942tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-3865181842509134622017-02-23T13:39:00.003+01:002017-02-24T16:41:20.616+01:00Christmas in Brussels, Belgium<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Place-Grote Mark </td></tr>
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Disregarding what my parents actually likes (nature/few people), we went on a city break to Brussels between Christmas and New Years. <br />
I know that makes us sound like terrible hosts, and we kinda are.</div>
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<br />
"But Brussels will be beautiful!", we thought - and we were (mostly) right. It is ridiculously lux and hued in gold. It is also almost uniformly cheap to fly to as it is a hub for European relations. <br />
<br />
If we had stayed right in the center instead of <span class="st">the neighborhood of Stalingrad (slightly <i></i></span>shady by the train station) and my parents hadn't been getting over the worst cold ever and the AirBnB we planned on staying at hadn't canceled and we last minute booked one that had them listening to our 1-year-olds screams all night - this trip would have gone better. If this trip hadn't been amidst (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Brussels_bombings" target="_blank">justified</a>) fears about terrorism in Brussels - this trip would have been easier. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
That said, Brussels <b>is </b>beautiful, airfare <b>was </b>cheap and everyone <b>should </b>visit the picturesque Belgian capital. <br />
<br />
<i>Ratings will be done in Frites ( fries). We were such good <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/">parents</a> for a year (ha!). We denied delicious fries to our daughter til we got to Belgium. Then, fries were everywhere and she ate them. And loved them. Thus - she loved Belgium. </i></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KzRVqRd0zCo/V1si5g2r6_I/AAAAAAAAL20/Dk2qv7nAhdQXM8UjoprskmgJczjW75-nQCLcB/s1600/DSC03471.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Brussels frites" border="0" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KzRVqRd0zCo/V1si5g2r6_I/AAAAAAAAL20/Dk2qv7nAhdQXM8UjoprskmgJczjW75-nQCLcB/s640/DSC03471.JPG" title="Belgian French Fries" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We ate all the fires. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Transportation</b></u><i> </i></span></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sznaqcL6vi0/TuXUZ_30SsI/AAAAAAAABzg/tJ5BcQ6Dxl4/s1600/DSCN5257.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>cheryl & David</b></span><br />
<br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">5 </span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="st">Frites </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">- </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Nothing to complain about – like most European cities, transportation seems to be ready and waiting for you on every other corner </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>ebe</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4 </span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="st">Frites </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">- </span><br />
This city is itsy. Like, so walkable. While my intro makes it sound like we stayed in the boonies, it took us a mere 10 minutes to be right in the city center. And that took us by multiple delicious waffle stands, impeccable grandiose buildings and so many cool cafes, bars and design stores. <br />
<br />
When we did need to step onto the tram, it easily took us to the other side of the city for about 2 euro. And our location next to the train station made arrival easy, and a day trip to Ghent easy - even with a poor wheezing grandma. <br />
<br />
Rail prices were really reasonable with each of us paying about 10 euro to get to Ghent. Getting in from the airport, however, was almost the same price. A common tax on tourists, still kinda a bummer. <br />
<br />
The airport itself was small enough to easily navigate and professionally managed, befitting a European capitol (a-hem Berlin).<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Accommodations</b></u></span></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><u><b><br />
</b></u></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tyzsFnsYsfA/V1si3FxW-lI/AAAAAAAAL2c/PqcMbq6esqsfDDCwja9hDXCBHggtu86VwCLcB/s1600/DSC03391.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Brussels neon sign" border="0" height="427" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tyzsFnsYsfA/V1si3FxW-lI/AAAAAAAAL2c/PqcMbq6esqsfDDCwja9hDXCBHggtu86VwCLcB/s640/DSC03391.JPG" title="Fuck You Neon Sign" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steps away from our apartment, this hostile neon made me feel <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/in-love-with-berlin.html" target="_blank">at home</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>cheryl & David</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3 </span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="st">Frites </span></span>- </span><br />
Beautiful apartment, in an okay neighborhood. Not the best accommodations for our group – but we made them work. Beautiful old building. <span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>ebe</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4 </span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="st">Frites </span></span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;">-</span></span><br />
<br />
We wheeled our luggage from the train station and were immediately a bit skeptical. My parents were already on edge because of the terrorist threat. Ian was on edge cuz (as mentioned before) our original reservation had canceled and he had to come up this place last-minute. <br />
<br />
The door opened to a lovely woman who told us in broken English that flat wasn't quite ready. Ok. We waited on the curb. 10 minutes later, it was. The place was beyond elegant and filled with designer goods - not ideal for a toddling baby. <br />
<br />
It was set-up loft style with the bedroom (for my parents) open to the main living room (where we would be sleeping with the kid). Downstairs was the bathroom. So - lots of stairs. I am pretty sure visions of our daughter falling down a number of steep steps were terrifying the grandparents. Clearly, this wasn't perfect for us, but we were determined to make it work.<br />
<br />
<br />
The first night there was crying, from my daughter and from all of us as we got no sleep. My mom woke vowing to find a hotel. Instead, we switched beds and that actually worked better. My mom can't stand stuffy European homes and likes to sleep with a window open - not an option in the loft area at the back. They were comfortable on the large pull-out bed and Ian and I inherited the dream pillow bed upstairs. Seriously guys - this was the most comfortable bed I've ever slept on. <br />
<br />
Win-Win!ish.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Sights</b></u><u><b> </b></u><i> </i></span></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlWn5G5R2D0/TuXY32WA7VI/AAAAAAAAB3A/UTohgtxm7LE/s1600/DSCN5387.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>cheryl & David</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3 </span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="st">Frites </span></span>-</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAl2P4YBjl8/V1si6b196qI/AAAAAAAAL28/iGxu4Q2GMBM5csquRRT5RVD4qbWIjkCCgCLcB/s1600/DSC03473.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Brussels Jeanneke Pis" border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAl2P4YBjl8/V1si6b196qI/AAAAAAAAL28/iGxu4Q2GMBM5csquRRT5RVD4qbWIjkCCgCLcB/s320/DSC03473.JPG" title="Not impressed Jeanneke Pis" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeanneke Pis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">I felt
like we had seen most of the sights before, just in a different city.
Hard to find the Belgian-ness of Brussels, it is not as distinct an
influence on itself as other European cities. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>ebe</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4.5 </span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="st">Frites </span></span>-</span><br />
Can you believe that town square? Is there a more beautiful spot than <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Place" target="_blank">Grand Place-Grote Markt</a> (top pic)? We walked in from a side street and I think there was a simultaneous "Whoa". Even from the kiddo.<span style="font-size: small;"> This was doubled during the Christmas light show that had music and light interplay among the buildings.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Grand doesn't begin to cover it, and it doesn't end there. The buildings are intricate and incredible with little side streets shooting off in all directions. Palais Royale/Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace), </span>Palais de Justice and just walking around wowed. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NbiMoiNZKF0/V1si9dw1HDI/AAAAAAAAL3Q/Nb1swAgup0czaRytK6qfC8TH1g1P7fk9wCLcB/s1600/DSC03727.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Brussels War Museum" border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NbiMoiNZKF0/V1si9dw1HDI/AAAAAAAAL3Q/Nb1swAgup0czaRytK6qfC8TH1g1P7fk9wCLcB/s320/DSC03727.JPG" title="Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History in Brussels" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;">On the other hand, the famed </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="vcard" id="Manneken_Pis"><span class="fn org">Manneken Pis</span> is a bit of a yawn. The whole <a href="https://www.google.de/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi_u5K-i6bSAhVH0RQKHUF-CDAQFgg4MAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.brusselslife.be%2Fen%2Farticle%2Fpeeing-statues&usg=AFQjCNG6y0Y5yFtgf4MutcKPelsajnOGLw&sig2=PdL4HngL31gnttG7cWEE3g" target="_blank">family of pissers</a> actually. Maybe when they were created it was a scandal, but today - I've seen worse. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="vcard" id="Manneken_Pis">We also toured the European Union quarter and it was pretty quiet during this holiday time. <a href="http://www.europarl.europa.eu/visiting/en/brussels/parlamentarium" target="_blank">Parlamentarium</a> is free to get into and had enough to keep us occupied for a bit (as well as being the location of Matilda's first stairs!), but it wasn't a must-go.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="vcard" id="Manneken_Pis">More impressive was one of Ian's beloved <a href="http://www.brusselsmuseums.be/en/museum/89-royal-museum-of-the-armed-forces-and-of-military-history" target="_blank">war museums</a>. This place pleased us all with room after room of military grandeur and a hanger full of airplanes. My dad opened up with rare stories of Vietnam and Mad got more french fries (more on that in a minute). </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="vcard" id="Manneken_Pis">One thing we missed out on is the local tour with a <a href="http://www.greeters.be/index_eng.html" target="_blank">Brussels Greeter</a>. I signed up, but didn't hear back til after we left. Maybe this was a blip because of the holidays? </span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Dining</b></u><i> </i></span></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mxSUhcaIhkA/TuXU3ytJ2gI/AAAAAAAABz4/F9S1R_FAfdc/s1600/DSCN5287.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>cheryl</b></span> <b>& David</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4 - </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"> Yummy in my tummy! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMLkomndU3U/V1spHXL5_hI/AAAAAAAAL30/4cwV2Zts4Qc_6bAXeCH82BPO6lfV02m4wCLcB/s1600/DSC03540.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Beer in Ghent" border="0" height="427" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMLkomndU3U/V1spHXL5_hI/AAAAAAAAL30/4cwV2Zts4Qc_6bAXeCH82BPO6lfV02m4wCLcB/s640/DSC03540.JPG" title="Belgian beer" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>ebe</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4.5 </span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="st">Frites </span>- </span><br />
The first meal we had was one of those just-sit-down-we're-starving! and while it fed us, it wasn't anything too special - except for two things. Great beer and plenty of free bread. You've got to love a country that offers you those two things at every turn.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDvBWp5nOKs/V1si7e-6LEI/AAAAAAAAL3E/3I-nCl-wLEAWLfbCKhdGlZiDMO6fOWpPACLcB/s1600/DSC03474.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="sweets in Brussels" border="0" height="267" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDvBWp5nOKs/V1si7e-6LEI/AAAAAAAAL3E/3I-nCl-wLEAWLfbCKhdGlZiDMO6fOWpPACLcB/s400/DSC03474.JPG" title="Aux Merveilleux de Fred Brussels" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aux Merveilleux de Fred</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
One of the next things we saw were these ridiculous sweets from <a href="http://www.auxmerveilleux.com/home_en/">Aux Merveilleux de Fred</a>. They have large windows just a few streets down from Grand Place-Grote Markt and they clearly know what they are doing. Making magic. We bought a box which was ridiculous, but ohmegawd. <br />
<br />
Continuing on that diabetic-inducing vein, I had to have a waffle. I was a little put off by the price as the basic petite waffle is just one euro, but prices pile as high as their toppings. What to choose?! Finally, I said "screw it" and ordered a 5 euro waffle of divine sweetness. So worth it. <br />
<br />
As far as "real food" - it was excellent, if a bit expensive. Meaty, with sauce and rich. I ate a good bit of steak. And one absolutely fantastic burger steps from our flat (Josephine at <a href="http://caat.be/houtsiplou/" target="_blank">Houtsiplou</a>). <br />
<br />
The things that are cheap are Middle Eastern (like Berlin) and fries. We had the friendliest meal at a little Lebanese place in our neighborhood. And I wouldn't be surprised if fries were consumed with every meal. A little shop in the center gave us the full experience with a cone and wall of sauce. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ospK_cPp2s/V1xusmgWUkI/AAAAAAAAL6M/zle4mNJXQJMCPByX07L3aO43InZqtHpigCLcB/s1600/DSC03773.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Belgian beer" border="0" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ospK_cPp2s/V1xusmgWUkI/AAAAAAAAL6M/zle4mNJXQJMCPByX07L3aO43InZqtHpigCLcB/s400/DSC03773.JPG" title="Hoegaarden in Brussels" width="400" /></a>The last can't miss thing is the beer. Germany beer gets a lot of glory - rightfully - but Belgian beer is our favorite. They aren't afraid to put weird stuff in there and make it alcoholic. My parents watched Mad one night so we could visit some of the quiet (and not so quiet) underground bars. We were treated to the weirdest live performance and many, many beers. Because of the mixed crowd and holidays we didn't make it to a brewery (there are a few in town) and that would be something I'd go back for. <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Overall</b></u></span></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>cheryl & David</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span> <span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="st">Frites </span></span>-<br />
Brussels is another beautiful European city. Resplendent for Christmas and it’s Grand Square was amazing! <span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zyXFxeerUxw/TuXXG9gAwOI/AAAAAAAAB1o/0TTU8V_pUZ8/s1600/DSCN5346.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>ebe</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4.25 </span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="st">Frites </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>-</b></span><br />
<br />
Clearly, I loved it. Despite the difficulties, Brussels' attractions were too lovely to ignore. <br />
<br />
For more of the things we did in Brussels, as well as things we didn't get around to, look at my pinterest dream board for Brussels: <a href="https://de.pinterest.com/texkourgan/brussels-for-christmas/">https://de.pinterest.com/texkourgan/brussels-for-christmas/</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beer and bread at every meal. What's not to like?</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/195413127212010/photos/?tab=album&album_id=986305148122800" target="_blank"><b>More pics of Brussels</b></a></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">BONUS Day Trip: Ghent</span></h3>
<span style="color: red;">cheryl & David 5</span> – <br />
Beautifully preserved town, perfect for an afternoon stroll along the riverfront, filled with fine shops and restaurants. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">ebe 5 </span>– <br />
Ghent was ridiculous. So charming, so perfect, just so absolutely charming. We went to the <a href="https://gravensteen.stad.gent/en" target="_blank">castle</a>, we admired the Christmas markets, we fell in love. <br />
<br />
I think staying in Brussles was smart for ease and ability to take a day trip, but maybe it would have been best to stay here or in another perfect Belgian town, <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.com/2008/07/trip.html">Bruges</a>. In any case, if you get the chance to visit, GO. Especially at Christmas.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></h3>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com0Brussels, Belgium50.8503396 4.351710300000036150.6899556 4.0289868000000357 51.0107236 4.6744338000000365tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-89190896570502422802016-07-13T16:03:00.001+02:002016-10-10T13:29:43.419+02:00A Very Berlin Dilemma: How to get an Anmeldung when Subletting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do these people look like they know what they're doing?</td></tr>
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I am always so pleased when someone stumbles onto this blog and actually enjoys it, rather than leaving comments like "Nice article. Visit Winerpark". It is even better when someone leaves a comment or e-mails me directly (swoon!). This has happened in the past and I have been happy to dump my knowledge all over them. <br />
<br />
How we <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/07/our-berlin-orgin-story.html">ended up living in Berlin</a> and were actually able to <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/10/helpy-mchelperson-my-advice-on-moving.html">find a place to stay and jobs to pay for it</a> is equal parts dumb determination and Berlin magic. I am no expert, but always willing to share. <br />
<br />
So the latest call for help got me thinking and I didn't have a great solution. So I am submitting the question here (with the writer's permission) in case someone else has a better answer.<br />
<br />
Question: How do you get an <i>Anmeldung </i>when Subletting? And good thing <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2015/08/applying-for-apartment-in-berlin.html" target="_blank">getting a permanent apartment in Berlin is so easy</a>. (Germans, that is #sarcasm.) <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<div>
Hi Ian and Ebe,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I just found
your blog and absolutely love it! It appears you aren't posting
anymore, but I thought I'd reach out, in case you had any thoughts about
a problem my husband and I are encountering with regard to registering
for an apartment in Berlin.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
We are moving to Berlin <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_792363010" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">October 1st</span></span>,
with the hope of applying for a Blue Card Visa. My husband is hoping
to apply for work in the technical field so that we can stay long-term.</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div dir="ltr">
It
appears the Visa application hinges on, among other things, registering
an apartment in Berlin. However, given that we only have 90 days to be
there and make our case for a Visa, how the heck are you supposed to
register for an apartment? We booked an AirBnB for the 90 days, but the
owner doesn't want us registering her apartment for the Visa
(understandably). How do most expats deal with this?</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I hope all is well and that you are still loving Berlin!</div>
</blockquote>
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My response,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
So glad you are enjoying the blog. For a long time it was my main outlet, but now most my writing appears elsewhere, like on <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://gogermany.about.com/&source=gmail&ust=1468504548687000&usg=AFQjCNG1JaSFeL7kpeoyoc0MK4F_LPBf1Q" href="http://gogermany.about.com/" target="_blank">about.com Germany Travel</a>, <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.german-way.com/author/erin/&source=gmail&ust=1468504548687000&usg=AFQjCNG2w3FMj9kQHyvJz211wm1YzHwSww" href="http://www.german-way.com/author/erin/" target="_blank">German-Way</a> and personal stuff about having a <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/&source=gmail&ust=1468504548687000&usg=AFQjCNF0mrCurKPP3rJCZAHbIN4YWwBC6Q" href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">kid in Berlin on my tumblr</a>. Clearly, I am still quite chatty and still in love with this city. <br />
<br />
On to your question - it is true that the <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.german-way.com/berlin-anmeldung-appointment/&source=gmail&ust=1468504548687000&usg=AFQjCNGBKc619pgpuvd7Wp2Uytbf_L0FwQ" href="http://www.german-way.com/berlin-anmeldung-appointment/" target="_blank">Anmeldung</a>
is going to be necessary for almost anything you need to do in Germany.
Open a bank account, get a cell phone and yes, the visa. We <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search?q=sublet" target="_blank">subletted</a>
many, many apartments when we first arrived and
registered at these places, but this is not an ideal situation. I don't
think the <i>Amt </i>cares, but the sublets were probably without
the permission of the actual landowner and this could - theoretically -
bring that to the attention of the authorities. But we needed that paper and doing that got it
done. I understand your AirBnB's worry with this and if they explicitly
said no, I guess you probably shouldn't. <br />
<br />
Also - you know that <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/may/01/berlin-authorities-taking-stand-against-airbnb-rental-boom&source=gmail&ust=1468504548687000&usg=AFQjCNG8L5jFdWQ6m7owdAm27gNPtpufnA" href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/may/01/berlin-authorities-taking-stand-against-airbnb-rental-boom" target="_blank">AirBnBs in Berlin are in a weird place right now</a>?
It is basically against the law to rent out your whole apartment ( a
major bummer since we used to do that) and there have been threats of
huge fines. I haven't heard of anyone actually effected, but be aware. <br />
<br />
Back
to what you should do....that is tough. You could register your current
abode and it probably won't be a problem - probably. Hmmm, and actually
this won't really work. An updated law from November 2015 requires
written confirmation from the landlord that you have actually moved in
within 2 weeks. Landlords are ready for this and ours had it ready same
day, but in your situation...</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Perhaps you could register at your husband's workplace? Contact the <i>Amt </i>directly? Do you have a friend you can say you are staying with? This could work - check out this Toytown thread: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.toytowngermany.com/forum/topic/283328-should-i-let-friend-do-anmeldung-with-my-address/&source=gmail&ust=1468504548687000&usg=AFQjCNHUHFbG05PjM_3NfoGNNKvzBrkVng" href="http://www.toytowngermany.com/forum/topic/283328-should-i-let-friend-do-anmeldung-with-my-address/" target="_blank">http://www.toytowngermany.com/<wbr></wbr>forum/topic/283328-should-i-<wbr></wbr>let-friend-do-anmeldung-with-<wbr></wbr>my-address/</a><br />
<br />
And
don't sweat doing it in 2 weeks. As I noted in the German-Way post, it
is not as bad as it seems and the authorities really don't care if you
over the time frame.</blockquote>
<br />
So, yeah. I don't have a definite answer for her. Our hobo method worked for us, but it is far from the perfect solution. Does anyone have experience with this or have better answer?<br />
<br />
<b>UPDATE</b>: The original questioner wrote back that their sublet relented and is letting them register there. I have also heard on different forums that certain hostels will agree to sign documents. SO perhaps the situation is not as dire as first thought. Good luck out there newbies!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-34261050122644212592016-06-10T21:35:00.001+02:002016-06-12T21:54:14.636+02:00Birthday in Barcelona, Spain<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Om0FsxjT-1g/VmHGjS55w0I/AAAAAAAALrw/shX9QHYjisg/s1600/DSC01908.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Barcelona Church" border="0" height="267" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Om0FsxjT-1g/VmHGjS55w0I/AAAAAAAALrw/shX9QHYjisg/s400/DSC01908.JPG" title="Sagrada Família" width="400" /></a>One of the inevitables about being an expat is that you will have friends come and go. <br />
<br />
This is exciting - <i>ohhh! new friends. </i><br />
And terrible - <i>don't leave me friends! </i><br />
<br />
We even did this to our friends on both sides of the ocean when <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/about-how-we-came-to-be-porterballs.html">we returned to the States after a year away...and then returned to Berlin</a>.<br />
<br />
That doesn't make it any more agreeable. So when our besties returned to <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/Manchester">Manchester</a> we were more than bummed. This injustice was unbearable! Even with their visits back to Berlin and our trip to see them, we need more time with <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/tagged/Engs">Engs</a>.<br />
<br />
So, we each like <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/where-we-been-where-were-going.html">travel</a>. We like each other. For reasons that are beyond comprehension, we had never forayed into Spain together (and even odder we ended up in Madrid within 6 months). Joint vacation! And what better place than beautiful Barcelona? And it was my birthday! Let's do this. So we did.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--6M5_pWlVQs/VmHGwKwCmiI/AAAAAAAALtA/x6WZ6SDwTs0/s1600/12265545_10205572825540242_4287370402161491145_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--6M5_pWlVQs/VmHGwKwCmiI/AAAAAAAALtA/x6WZ6SDwTs0/s640/12265545_10205572825540242_4287370402161491145_o.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Barcelona </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ratings:</span></b></span></h2>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Ratings will be done in churro. With chocolate. </i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Transportation</b></u><i> </i></span></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sznaqcL6vi0/TuXUZ_30SsI/AAAAAAAABzg/tJ5BcQ6Dxl4/s1600/DSCN5257.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ian </b></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7KDQKV63b0/VmHGQYSOsKI/AAAAAAAALrY/VAAfxGMhbFE/s1600/20151119_145621.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7KDQKV63b0/VmHGQYSOsKI/AAAAAAAALrY/VAAfxGMhbFE/s400/20151119_145621.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0000ee;">Airport Shenanigans<u><br /></u></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: red;"><i>4 churros - </i></span><br />
City was very walkable so there was no reason to use the transportation downtown. The metro was not as roomy and airy as Berlin's when we did use it (closer to <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/03/escape-to-new-york.html">NYC</a>'s). <span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>ebe</b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><i>4 churros - </i></span><br />
The airport is quite large with multiple terminals, but everything was clearly marked and easy to navigate. This city is heavily touristed and they are ready for you.<br />
<br />
Getting in from El Prat de Llobregat Aeropuerto (or just call it Barcelona International Airport) was extremely easy with several different options. Just outside the airport there are express buses for €5.90 for a single and €10.20 for return. Not the cheapest and - surprise! - billed on board wifi didn't really work, but it was fine. You can also take the train (RENFE) and/or subway. Or if you're fancy take a taxi for 30 euroish. Full info: <a href="http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/airport/barcelona-airport.html">http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/airport/barcelona-airport.html</a><br />
<br />
The city is infinitely walkable which is our favorite way to see a city. Just walk it to death. And we got the chance to ride another metro.<br />
<br />
<span class="null"><b>Ian & Kirstie </b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><i><span class="null"><span class="null">3.5 churros &</span></span></i></span><span class="null"><span style="color: red;"><i><span class="null"><span class="null"> 4
churros</span> -</span></i></span> </span><br />
<br />
The airport bus was
very easy to find - plus they gave you a handy city map which we used
for the rest of our trip. The underground network was super cheap at €1
per trip if you buy the T10 Travel Card at €10 for ten trips. It was
confusing finding the right platform at Plaça de Catalunya though. And
Ian noted it wasn't very pram/stroller friendly compared to other
cities. Plus it seemed a tricky trip to get out to the amusement park
(Tibidabo) on the mountain.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ4Jk1s-XVE/VmHGp1cEHeI/AAAAAAAALss/BrMlIR5llwo/s1600/DSC02046.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ4Jk1s-XVE/VmHGp1cEHeI/AAAAAAAALss/BrMlIR5llwo/s640/DSC02046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Rambla</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Accommodations</b></u></span></h3>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ian </b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><i>4.5 churros - </i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
The area (Garcia) was great. Perfect for our needs as two families who still want to eat and drink out. Too bad it was November and we couldn't use the massive terrace as much. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>ebe</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4 churros - </span><br />
<br />
We've been AirBnB devotees for a while and they really hooked us up with this one. There are a kajilion options in the city and prices are more than fair. Apparently the average is 137 euro, but you can find much cheaper and more lavish. <br />
<br />
To suit two families, we got a <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/986015?wl_source=list&wl_id=85168799&role=owner">2-bedroom, 2-bath spot with full kitchen, terrace and balcony</a>. Wifi rocked, TV didn't work, stairs were narrow and twisty into the place, style was charming and definitely not baby friendly and there were two rolls of toilet paper. For four adults over 5 nights. WTF? This is the second time this happened to us (the other being <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2015/09/where-to-take-your-parents-in-europe.html">Rome</a>) and while it is far from a deal-killer, it is weird and cheap. Don't do this AirBnB hosts. Other options we liked: <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/wishlists/85168799">https://www.airbnb.com/wishlists/85168799</a>.<br />
<br />
The neighborhood, Gracia, was described as village-like with many shops and restaurants. Truth! Ian fell in love with an empanada place just 5 min away.We bought Mad the cutest red rain boots.A toy shop had toys that were too hip for us, but just right for Mad. A Spaeti style grocer at the end of our street kept us in beer.<br />
<br />
<span class="null"><b>Ian & Kirstie </b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><i><span class="null"><span class="null">4.5 churros &</span></span></i></span><span class="null"><span style="color: red;"><i><span class="null"><span class="null"> 4
churros</span> </span></i></span> </span><br />
<br />
Fab place in the
best area to base yourselves in the city with plenty of places to pick
up food. Plus we could pretty much walk anywhere from the door. The
accommodation was spacious for four adults and two toddlers with not
many stairs to climb. <span class="null"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Sights</b></u><u><b> </b></u><i> </i></span></h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m0UnLL1pU0c/VmHGoEm62xI/AAAAAAAALsc/W7IEDmLnmWk/s1600/DSC01984.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m0UnLL1pU0c/VmHGoEm62xI/AAAAAAAALsc/W7IEDmLnmWk/s640/DSC01984.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So...this is like the most beautiful park on earth, right?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlWn5G5R2D0/TuXY32WA7VI/AAAAAAAAB3A/UTohgtxm7LE/s1600/DSCN5387.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ian </b></span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ha1BrHvpDM4/VmHGpb9yVLI/AAAAAAAALso/O_juXQOaPnU/s1600/DSC02027.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ha1BrHvpDM4/VmHGpb9yVLI/AAAAAAAALso/O_juXQOaPnU/s400/DSC02027.JPG" width="400" /></a><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4.5 churros-</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
"I mean....more sights than we could have visited". High praise from Porter.<br />
<br />
The only drawback was the high price of everything. If we were to go into all the Gaudi attractions at almost 20 euro a pop we couldn't eat. <br />
<br />
Stuff was expensive. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>ebe</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4.75 churros -</span><br />
<br />
Yeah, this place is magical. Loaded with attractions, we were thrilled just walking around. And it is infinity walkable. Not too hilly, plenty of wide boulevard (like the tourist must-do La Rambla) and views, views, views for days. There are <i>wild parrots</i>. Everything is picture perfect.<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Favorites</b>:</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bx89x9FjS8c/VmHG4m07x4I/AAAAAAAALuM/PfJIRZivMg8/s1600/DSC02379.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bx89x9FjS8c/VmHG4m07x4I/AAAAAAAALuM/PfJIRZivMg8/s400/DSC02379.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;">Park Güell </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul style="text-align: left;"></ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Parc de la Ciutadella </b>- We went for the mammoth and went ga-ga over the gorgeous fountain </li>
<li><b>Basilica of the Sagrada Familia</b> - We didn't go in, but ohhed and aweddd outside. Mistake? I went in when I was 16 and didn't remember it. Didn't seem enough incentive with a little monster. </li>
<li><b>Block of Discord</b> - We gawked at every building here. While the name "Gaudi" gets thrown around quite a bit in this town (rightfully so - his influence is everywhere), it is impossible to ignore how exciting his buildings are. </li>
<li><b>Park Güell</b> - Speaking of, this tourist go-to provided a beautiful look over the city and into Gaudi's imagination. </li>
<li><b>Barceloneta </b>- After a heavy meal of shared tapas which spilled out over our small table, we stumbled right onto beach. Spaniards claim this isn't "good" beach because it is overcrowded and they are spoiled. We are from Berlin (via Manchester and Seattle). Even in November, it was heaven. We dipped the girls' feet in the waters and giddily ran across the sand. If you are similarly spoiled, there are fantastic beaches just 30 min away. </li>
<li><b>Montjuïc </b>- It happened to be my birthday when we rode up here. The gondola was randomly not working so we bus and walked it. What a view! We saw the Olympic stadium and Museum National d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) where we busted open some surprise <i>cava</i>. My favorite! We also almost got my camera stolen. Petty thievery is no joke here, and even though I felt so on top of it overall, the mini spontaneous celebration had me distracted and one asshole took his moment to swoop in and try to snag my camera. Luckily, Ian was my hero and boomed "GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM OUR CAMERA!" and he actually did! Set it down and ran away. Very thankful I have an intimidating-looking guy and we can chalk this up to an experience and not a tragedy. By the time we got caught up in an Asian wedding party at the bottom of the hill it felt like a bizarre (dare I say surreal?) memory.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<span class="null"><b>Ian & Kirstie </b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><i><span class="null"><span class="null">4.5 churros &</span></span></i></span><span class="null"><span style="color: red;"><i><span class="null"><span class="null"> 4.5
churros</span> </span></i></span> </span><br />
<span class="null"><br /></span>
So
much to choose from! But as Ian P notes, it's all pretty expensive. I
hoped to do the cable car trip across the habour but it was a pricey €11
single or €16.50 return. Plaza del Rey was free after 3pm on Sundays
though. But wandering the streets was the best way to see the city
anyway. And the beach is free too of course!<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><br />
<ul>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;"></ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0nc5IVXLXq8/VmHGzK60PgI/AAAAAAAALtY/w8d6YAlZnC8/s1600/DSC02214.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0nc5IVXLXq8/VmHGzK60PgI/AAAAAAAALtY/w8d6YAlZnC8/s640/DSC02214.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barceloneta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
Which brings me to the one downer of the city. Many of said attractions are actually quite pricey. Granted, coming from Berlin everything seems expensive. But budget 15-20 euros for each attraction. For example, Sagrada Familia is 15 euro; Port Cable Car 16.50 euro etc.<br />
<br />
And one regret - I saw <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0497465/">Vicky Cristina Barcelona</a></i> and wasn't too romanced, but I really wanted to be Scarlett Johansson on the swings. But transport was a nightmare and opening hours were tricky in the off-season. Anyone been there? Tell me if it is worth it. <span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Dining</b></u><i> </i></span></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mxSUhcaIhkA/TuXU3ytJ2gI/AAAAAAAABz4/F9S1R_FAfdc/s1600/DSCN5287.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3B-wkE-BtNs/V1sU9LdLMiI/AAAAAAAAL2A/HeAk4llaifAjWU-yVhso80FBaPLnfMYJACLcB/s1600/DSC02598.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3B-wkE-BtNs/V1sU9LdLMiI/AAAAAAAAL2A/HeAk4llaifAjWU-yVhso80FBaPLnfMYJACLcB/s640/DSC02598.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boqueria Market </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ian </b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2 churros-</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
I know Barcelona is not known for its tapas compared to the rest of Spain, and that certainly ended up being the case. Definitely seemed like a lot of options and nice restaurants, but with the toddlers made it difficult, as well as the Spanish eating schedule.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, Spanish food might not be our favorite cuisine. <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>ebe</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2.5 churros - </span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLBblNqYGMg/VmHG_jL5ToI/AAAAAAAALuw/88mLjfPQJ5g/s1600/DSC02632.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLBblNqYGMg/VmHG_jL5ToI/AAAAAAAALuw/88mLjfPQJ5g/s320/DSC02632.JPG" width="320" /></a>We had trouble finding great food in Barcelona. "How?" you very legitimately might ask. I carefully <a href="https://de.pinterest.com/texkourgan/birthday-in-barcelona/">mapped out hot spots</a> to eat. There was a tapas bar hat doubled as a bull-fighting museum, classic vermouth bars and set menus of paella it felt inevitable we would try. But try as we might, places were closed for updates/off-season/force of nature. Every time I was like "this is the place!" it was closed tight without warning. We ate, but I know it wasn't always Barcelona's best.<br />
<br />
<b>Highlights</b>:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li> <b>Boqueria Market</b> - Toursity? Of course. Full of 1 euro juices in the evening that are delicious on their own and mixed with Spaeti style cava? YES. And of course there are huge hanging pork shanks, prepared dishes, etc. We also went to the market in Garcia and it was a lot more authentic (as it had normal everyday things you'd want to buy and cook). </li>
<li><b>Cava </b>- I like every country's version of Champagne. <i>Hallo <a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/berlin/tp/5-East-German-Products-still-around-Today.htm" target="_blank">Rotkäppchen</a></i>! </li>
<li><b>Churros e Chocolate</b> - We only had the sufficient insulin to process one place and that was Churrería Laietana. Seriously old-school, this tiny location was bright and cheery even after nightfall when Matilda was feeling less than sweet. Me? I fell in love. </li>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-be2cHYZz7eQ/V1sU8imiK0I/AAAAAAAAL18/XdrGaP6luGYl09qRcKUlMY-uznkaTb9QACLcB/s1600/DSC02199.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-be2cHYZz7eQ/V1sU8imiK0I/AAAAAAAAL18/XdrGaP6luGYl09qRcKUlMY-uznkaTb9QACLcB/s320/DSC02199.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Totally fine tapas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li><a href="http://www.blacklab.es/en" target="_blank"><b>Black Lab Brewhouse & Kitchen</b></a> - We planned to show up during the match between Real Madrid and Barcelona and it was even better than we hoped. The beer was a delight, we wished we hadn't eaten before because they're modern offerings sounded tasty and the environment was just right. The girls cried each time Barcelona scored a goal - which was a lot! Congrats Barcelona.<b> </b></li>
<li><b>Doughnuts </b>- These are clearly a thing in Barcelona right now. Cool with me. We stumbled on La Donutería, one of my picks, and it was as tasty as I hoped.</li>
<li><b>Tapas </b>- It is hard to go wrong. All fairly inexpensive, but mostly unimpressive. We came out of this trip feeling like we might be a bit <i>meh </i>on Spanish food. Everyone we have said this to has reacted with incredulity. Are we total weirdos?! We didn't hate it, but this isn't our soul food. </li>
</ul>
We clearly did not experience the best of Barcelona or Spain as a whole...but I dunno. Fried and fish just isn't our favorite. Clearly, we'll eat anything and there is plenty to enjoy. But not our #1 cuisine.<br />
<br />
<span class="null"><b>Ian & Kirstie </b></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><i><span class="null"><span class="null">3.5 churros &</span></span></i></span><span class="null"><span style="color: red;"><i><span class="null"><span class="null"> 3
churros</span> </span></i></span> </span><br />
<span class="null"><br /></span>
How
could we not find a paella in this city?! We did have some great Tapas
though - particularly the calamari. My only grumble with Tapas is you
don't know how much to order, but its great food to share with friends.
And the chocolate churros were worth going to Barcelona alone. We both
loved the empanadas too. The food and drink wasn't pricey either -
especially the multi-coloured fruit juices in the market.<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Overall</b></u></span></h3>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QS8MgFLqAUI/VmHGQ3-yhII/AAAAAAAALrc/phTs0xVWWRo/s1600/DSC01981.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QS8MgFLqAUI/VmHGQ3-yhII/AAAAAAAALrc/phTs0xVWWRo/s640/DSC01981.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>
</b></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ian </b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4 churros</span><span style="font-size: small;"><b> -</b></span></div>
<br />
Totally understand the attraction to Barcelona. It is a really fun party city, on the beach, with amazing architecture. Surprisingly expensive in many ways. And one thief too many.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>ebe</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4.5 churros </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>-</b></span><br />
<br />
(Spoiler alert for upcoming blog post) We went to Madrid the spring after this fall trip and people asked for a comparison. We were surprised that we quite liked Madrid, but the two cities are vastly different. The easiest comparison I can give is that while Madrid was regal gleaming white, Barcelona was all earthy, chaotic color. <br />
<br />
Gaudi drew on this city like a coloring book and his buildings add a humor and child-like surrealism that can't be found anywhere else. Plus - the beach, the mountains, the city are all tied up in one. It is a breath-taking landscape.<br />
<span class="null"><span style="color: red;"></span></span><span class="null"></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Block of Dischord</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love a random Saturday parade with fireworks</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Park Güell</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MNAC</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matilda - a total boss anywhere she goes</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Even more <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1032120716874576.1073741926.195413127212010&type=1&l=fa500acb18" target="_blank">pics of beautiful Barcelona</a>. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com0Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain41.3850639 2.173403499999949441.1944764 1.8506799999999495 41.5756514 2.4961269999999494tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-51588045148555929222016-02-07T22:46:00.003+01:002016-02-18T14:20:43.492+01:00Vacation to Corfu, Greece<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/08/the-ideal-island-vacation-ischia-italy.html">last year</a>'s smashing success with a last-minute EasyJet vacation, we had to try it again. So we did. And it was almost as awesome. <br />
<br />
That might not sound like a ringing endorsement, but it is. It's just that <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/08/the-ideal-island-vacation-ischia-italy.html">Ischia</a> was a once-of-a-lifetime vacation. That place is as close to perfect as I can ever hope to visit and this time was different. We're dragging a <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/">kid</a> around now and real-life worries like <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.com/2015/08/applying-for-apartment-in-berlin.html">searching for an apartment</a> infringed on paradise. <br />
<br />
And, yet - my memories of it (we went last August) are still sterling clear and glowing. It was beautiful. We ate and swam like kings. Rarely have we felt richer vacationing and more at peace in spirit.<span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Corfu </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ratings:</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
Ratings will be done in Greek salad. We had so many delicious Greek salads.<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
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<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Transportation in </b></u></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Corfu </span></b></span></b></u><i> </i></span></h4>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ian </b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2 </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: red;">Greek salads</span></i></span> - Completely reliant on buses with stops that are not very marked, workers that are not overly helpful and buses that run somewhat sporadically. <span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> <i><br /></i></span></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ri6MLNTXJZA/Vre1fkWNLII/AAAAAAAALwM/uVCUAb4MU5E/s1600/DSC01305.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ri6MLNTXJZA/Vre1fkWNLII/AAAAAAAALwM/uVCUAb4MU5E/s400/DSC01305.JPG" width="267" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>ebe</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3 Greek salads</span> - It was an all-day affair getting to our hotel, which is to be expected for an island. We found easyjet holidays that covered 7-nights accommodation and flights for around 450 euros each. We had to figure out the rest of the transport ourselves. <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">We practically sailed in as the airport and landing strip are so tiny and so close to the water. We later spent an hour watching planes come in and out which was a total highlight. Felt so close we could touch 'em. </span><br />
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To do that - however - we found it easiest to rent a car, as well as get to some other destinations on the island. This ended up costing us 60 euros for its use for one day (the absolutest cheapest we could find) and was totally worth it. We went all over Corfu that day and all the way up to the monastery. <br />
For the rest of our trips, we simply walked to different beaches around Messonghi, took a boat tour for a day (around 20 euro per person and included wine & lunch) and took the bus in to Corfu city for one day. Simple, cheap, relaxing. Ok - mostly. You have to have a little faith that you are in the right line at the bus station in town and if you are not at a main stop it can be a little harrowing waiting for the bus. <span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span>
Getting out of Corfu was another story. We took the bus back towards Corfu Town again and had no trouble getting off at the airport. Once we arrived we saw we were in trouble. The tiny airport was flooded in people. We checked in quite easily (only had hand luggage, but needed to check the stroller), but then joined the throngs waiting to get through security. It got so bad - Mad wailing, everyone grumbling - that eventually some personnel came and pulled us to the front of the line. However, there were people behind us needing to get in for a flight that was about to leave, so then they started pushing those people ahead of us and it was just a bottleneck of misery. When we finally did get though they were so overwhelmed they simply waned people through security. So pro tip: arrive early - just in case - in summer months as traffic is apparently up a bazillion percent from what they can handle.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Accommodations<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></u></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>in </b></u></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Corfu </span></b></span></b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.riverstudios.gr/" target="_blank">River Studios</a><u><b> <br />
</b></u></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ian</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3.5 Greek salads</span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> -</span> Really nice hosts. Nice having a pool. Good location .Room was bare bones but a/c was nice. <span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>ebe</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3 Greek salads </span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- </span>Like I mentioned before, we've grown fond of these bargain basement Easyjet deals but recognize they are far from luxury. This hotel was not luxury. But it worked for us. Each had a very basic kitchenette and itsy bathroom and shower. The shower was the only real disappointment. It did not work amazing. <br />
<br />
But the a/c was heaven, wifi worked, it was about a 8 minute walk to the beach, a little balcony looked onto the river and small pool and the family that runs it was very accommodating. They wrote me back about the questions I had before we booked (wifi, baby, etc) and on one of our last nights we sat out front with the son and dad with our little girl and heard stories of running a hotel in Corfu over wine from our host. <br />
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If you prefer somewhere else, there are about a kagillion other options. And bonus for English and German speakers - everything is in these languages. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JT3XjcQSLq0/Vre1aRdUyMI/AAAAAAAALv0/2B0flwdZSp8/s1600/DSC01155.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JT3XjcQSLq0/Vre1aRdUyMI/AAAAAAAALv0/2B0flwdZSp8/s400/DSC01155.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ugqhe1dfn_U/Vre5CFhAXDI/AAAAAAAALxE/ZozhsmBFZ8U/s1600/DSC02528.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Sights</b></u></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></u></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>in </b></u></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Corfu</span></b></span></b></u></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlWn5G5R2D0/TuXY32WA7VI/AAAAAAAAB3A/UTohgtxm7LE/s1600/DSCN5387.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ian </b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4 Greek salad </span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">- </span>I knew the beaches were gonna be good, but Corfu Town was way cooler than I expected. The nature was great. The monastery was so cool. <span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>ebe</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4.5</span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> -</span> I think this is the essence of rustic beauty. Just on its own, the place is perfect. The beaches are idyllic, some with sand (or sand brought in), warm perfectly clear waters and you can rent an umbrella with two drinks and wifi all day in the Messonghi area for between 3.50-5 euro. BEACH HOLIDAY PERFECTION. Of course there are also fancier resorts (like actually staying in the Messonghi Resort) and there are people bathing off the side of the road for free. Doesn't matter where you are - the water is fine.<br />
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We also took one of the many boat tours on offer and can't remember if we paid 15 or 20 euro per person, but that covered an all-day adventure (10am - 4pm) wine all day and a lunch. After our success in Ischia we gave it another try and were once again over the moon at seeing places we couldn't even imagine in our dreams. <br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EY4V5D5xC3g/Vre5CCMK9hI/AAAAAAAALxA/Y8pu7vGH38s/s1600/DSC01269.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EY4V5D5xC3g/Vre5CCMK9hI/AAAAAAAALxA/Y8pu7vGH38s/s400/DSC01269.JPG" width="400" /></a>On the popular Blue Lagoon tour which - despite Brook Shields on the posters - seems to have nothing to do with the movie, we experienced some incredible scenery. We jumped off the boat like ballers - carefully handing mad over in her floaty once we were in - saw sand that appeared absolutely rose colored and went to the Botanical gardens. We got off at the Botanical Garden last and lost. our. shit. The plants. The hammocks. The ice cream I had at the top. Some kid asked his mom if they could stay there next time and I knew exactly what he meant. It was heaven. We grinned like fools. We had brought some silly little swim goggles and even those were amazing. If you snorkel, be ready to be amazed.<br />
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Also - Corfu Town was much more beautiful than expected. Inspired by the likes of Venice, how could it fail to impress? We went in the <a href="https://www.google.de/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=9&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi7mNGtsubKAhVBFCwKHYpqCyUQFghOMAg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kalamicorfu.com%2Fen%2Fabout-corfu-island%2Fvisit-places-corfu%2Ffortresses-castles-corfu.html&usg=AFQjCNHTzudZkoXbm4eso-fYh3iaGi8NtQ&sig2=i7xPLt-fK-6ydlMSciz4ow&bvm=bv.113370389,d.bGg">fortress</a>, ate pizza, bought a jingly toy and wandered all over the city. And as I mentioned with the car, we saw a <a href="https://www.google.de/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwie5NedsubKAhWKBywKHX6wD_oQFghOMAU&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greeka.com%2Fionian%2Fcorfu%2Fcorfu-churches%2Fpaleokastritsa-monastery.htm&usg=AFQjCNGoy1zvWrIHlgw-cL7GYn57Pn92RA&sig2=o0Fwl1w9AyFXZdhgwqCL7Q">monastery</a> straight outta island paradise, Old Perithia (oldest village) was a dusty break from seaside, beaches like Sidari and Lefkimmi an just dug driving and listening to cheesy pop. Mad was a little less thrilled with driving all day, but she dealt.<br />
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And we should also note that despite the land's obvious beauty, there are an impressive amount of half-built buildings and abandoned projects. There is definitely some evidence of a struggling economy. But that hardly detracted from the island's allure for a <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.com/p/about-how-we-came-to-be-porterballs.html">couple of expats</a> from <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.com/p/in-love-with-berlin.html">Berlin</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ugqhe1dfn_U/Vre5CFhAXDI/AAAAAAAALxE/ZozhsmBFZ8U/s1600/DSC02528.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ugqhe1dfn_U/Vre5CFhAXDI/AAAAAAAALxE/ZozhsmBFZ8U/s400/DSC02528.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Dining</b></u></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></u></span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>in </b></u></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Corfu</span></b></span></b></u></span><i> </i></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mxSUhcaIhkA/TuXU3ytJ2gI/AAAAAAAABz4/F9S1R_FAfdc/s1600/DSCN5287.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ian </b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4 </span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span style="color: red;">Greek Salads</span></i></span> - Fantastic service. Had all the classic Greek dishes. Great atmosphere. Definitly splurged a bit on food, but it was worth it. <span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUF9bRnKttw/Vre1i0_zh8I/AAAAAAAALwY/z1hSjl3fRrs/s1600/DSC02524.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUF9bRnKttw/Vre1i0_zh8I/AAAAAAAALwY/z1hSjl3fRrs/s400/DSC02524.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>ebe</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4.5 Greek Salads </span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;">- </span></span>We ate so many Greek salads. It was fascinating to see the same ingredients put together just a little differently. And being there for a week, we had ample opportunity to sample almost every major restaurant in Messonghi. While service was welcoming, it was perhaps less generous than in the past, less freebies. Whatever, we come from Berlin baby! We were pleased that people smiled and chatted.<br />
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Besides the salads, we ate giant prawns, all sorts of fish, Keftethes (love a meatball), Sofrito (beef steak cooked in a garlic and wine sauce), Yemista (Stuffed pepper), Kelftiko (over baked lamb), Souvlakia (meat on skewers), stewed rabbit, Tiropita (puff pastry filled with feta) and of course we had gyros. And french fries. Lots of french fries. Oh - and Frappe! Made from instant coffee and with a history all its own, it has no right to e this good but is perfect on a hot day.<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
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Note that Tzatziki is usually sold separately and kinda silly expensive. I guess that is just a tourist tax. And we never got a ginger beer, even though it is supposed to be a specialty. It was not listed or they were out. I was happy with my cheap house wine and some surprising microbrews. <br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fu85-Ie02O0/Vre1m1cGE9I/AAAAAAAALwg/2-A9AYHDqdg/s1600/DSC02585.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fu85-Ie02O0/Vre1m1cGE9I/AAAAAAAALwg/2-A9AYHDqdg/s400/DSC02585.JPG" width="300" /></a>I also bought the most expensive Baclava ever in Corfu Town. I was just feeling the love and they were so pretty, dressed in chocolate and fruit that when she asked how many i just threw out a number. I think we got about 10 for 20 euro. It was a stupid, rookie mistake. A stupid delicious mistake. Another deliciousness was the Kumquat syrup that is sold everywhere and can be bought as a souvenir. <br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: serif;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span>
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;">Among our <span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">favorite restaurants</span>:</span></span></span><br />
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<li><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g1175545-d1308886-r102356618-Minori_Taverna-Moraitika_Corfu_Ionian_Islands.html" target="_blank">Minori Taverna </a>- Just up the road from the beach, <span style="color: red;">t</span>he owner is a gem and the lamb is divine. </span></span></li>
<li><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;"> <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1073595-d2590206-Reviews-Zak_s_Taverna-Messonghi_Corfu_Ionian_Islands.html" target="_blank">Zak's Taverna</a> - Located on the main road (next to the bus stop) this place is covered in grape vines. The waiters are expectedly dapper and charming and the food is a good deal in a great atmosphere. </span></span></li>
<li><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"> <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1073595-d2572148-Reviews-Bacchus_Restaurant-Messonghi_Corfu_Ionian_Islands.html" target="_blank">Bacchus Restaurant</a> - This is the only place we went to twice. The most distracted service, it was bustling and chaotically fun, right on the water. And it had the best Greek salad. </span> </span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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*<b>WARNING</b>: Those pathetic looking stray cats that cover most of Greece are here as well. And while not dangerous, they did pee on the baby when I let her play on the ground at Minori Taverna. Not cute kitty. <span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> </i></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Overall</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ian </b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4.5 </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;"><i>Greek Salads </i></span><b>-</b> It really is a paradise. The boat cruise was amazing. Renting the car was amazing. Corfu town was amazing. it was just nice to relax and enjoy the beach too. <b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>ebe</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4 Greek Salads </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>- </b></span>We are liking this new thing of taking relaxing vacations...especially when they are located on a perfect island. That is our first family vacation - just the three of us. Some of the pictures of Maddy on this trip are my favorites. <br />
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Shorty after this trip we got a great apartment (whew!), Matilda started Krippe, Mad turned one!, money got crazy tight and my parents visited. Now out on the other side I can look at that week like a moment in time where everything was about to change but we didn't know it yet. I think of the fortress or the boat ride or lying on the beach and everything is bathed in light. <br />
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I suggested to Ian, especially now that we have Matilda, that we actually consider going back to places. She's too little to remember playing with her dad in the pool or getting sand everywhere. While she'll have the pictures, I really want her to see these places for herself (again) someday. So we've made a tentative plan to re-visit our favorites 10 years out. She'll be old enough to enjoy it and we will see if they live up to the hype we've created in our head. <br />
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In the meantime I suggest you go to Corfu. Eat the salads. Be a lazy tourist. Get sand everywhere. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com1Corfu, Greece39.6249838 19.92234610000002739.576053300000005 19.841665100000029 39.6739143 20.003027100000025tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-51342934359444006942015-09-07T11:06:00.001+02:002015-09-14T11:11:13.820+02:00Where to take your parents in Europe: Rome<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ReGu7oQCHNg/Ve1Mrll4C1I/AAAAAAAALn0/0Lf7pCkoL8s/s1600/20150618_095829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ReGu7oQCHNg/Ve1Mrll4C1I/AAAAAAAALn0/0Lf7pCkoL8s/s400/20150618_095829.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I seem to be making a habit of visiting the most romantic places in Italy with my Father-in-Law. <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/07/one-of-most-romantic-cities-in.html">Venice</a>, <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/08/becoming-one-with-tourist-hordes-in.html">Cinque Terre</a> and now Rome. <br />
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I mean, Ian is there too but the trip is definitely a little different as a trio - erm, a foursome! Cuz on this trip we had another little traveler, <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.com/2014/09/pregnancy-hiatus.html">baby Matilda</a>. We are officially in the "family travel" category, aren't we?<br />
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I think of visiting all these amazing places with her being so little and feel a little bad she isn't going to remember any of it. At least we have the pictures - a lot of pictures - and all this travel experience should make her a pro before her first birthday. Absorb the beauty, baby.<br />
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So anyways, <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.com/search/label/Rome">Rome</a>. We'd only been there once before in an unintended one-day stop on our epic <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2008/07/trip.html">month+ long trip</a>. There was a lot more to see. </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Rome Ratings:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Ratings will be done in vespas.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Transportation</b></u><i> </i></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bus into Rome from the airport. Do not believe their lies about having wifi</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ian </b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3 </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>- </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The subway system doesn't run frequently and doesn't have the most convenient stops. Buses are better but crowded and confusing. <i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>ebe</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3 </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>- </i></span><br />
Ditto, Ian. Two lines Rome? That is minimal. We walked almost everywhere from our AirBnB in Trastevere which was the plan - the hot, sweaty plan. Gave us reason to eat more gelato. <br />
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On the plus side, bus & train to/from the city from the two airports were not as complicated as they seemed online (although you do embark into a world of chaos trying to find out where the line is, what'cha do from the airport. Just follow the crowds). And the regional train to Ostia Antica was inexpensive and only marginally crowded. Another plus - the Romans are much more considerate to a baby than the Berliners. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Accommodations</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/s/Rome--Italy" target="_blank">Airbnb</a> in heart of Trastevere (boo - went to link, but listing no longer available.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ian </b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4.5 </span></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NWjsLZIDgYI/Ve1Pp0gAXsI/AAAAAAAALok/YvPfT8GIljc/s1600/DSC01032.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NWjsLZIDgYI/Ve1Pp0gAXsI/AAAAAAAALok/YvPfT8GIljc/s400/DSC01032.JPG" width="300" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Amazing location! Very cute, functional lay-out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>ebe</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3.5</span><br />
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Great location in <span style="font-size: small;">Trastevere. It was important to us to be able to be in the thick of it and avoid having to use tra</span>nsport. Check. Nightlife at our doorstep. Check. Noise of Italy coming in through our window. Check!<br />
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But the lack of basic amenities (like toilet paper) was a little unforgivable. Plus other oddities like the oven not working. The place <b>was </b>super charming and the ceiling fan in the bedroom was a life-saver. Apparently air-conditioning isn't available until real summer (we were there mid-June). And the tiny wet shower where even the toilet gets wet? An experience.<br />
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Don't forget to calculate the tourist tax. At 2 euro per person, per night - it adds up.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Sights</b></u><u><b> </b></u><i> </i></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colosseum </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BuzhAAVN78g/Ve1Ql5dh1UI/AAAAAAAALpI/icC-M9Cj3Ac/s1600/DSC01127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BuzhAAVN78g/Ve1Ql5dh1UI/AAAAAAAALpI/icC-M9Cj3Ac/s640/DSC01127.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forum</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHy9CBnDK5E/Ve1QkD2LwgI/AAAAAAAALo8/nzUlql8Fx-E/s1600/20150617_200130.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHy9CBnDK5E/Ve1QkD2LwgI/AAAAAAAALo8/nzUlql8Fx-E/s320/20150617_200130.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ian </b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span></div>
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The whole city in big sight. Even some back street is amazing, let alone the Forum and the amazing squares. <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>ebe</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">5</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Ian tour guided us like a champ. We saw a few things we saw before and they were still magic (hello Pantheon). Pro tips: the line to the Vatican is a lot more intimidating than it is. The </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="st">Colosseum</span>, Forum, etc. are totally worth it (12 euros is a steal actually). <a href="https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/ostia-antica-near-rome" target="_blank">Ostia Antica</a> is an awesome alternative to <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/07/visiting-site-of-gruesome-demise-pompeii.html" target="_blank">Pompeii</a>. Rick Steves is our spirit animal. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1YUKrREZSAo/Ve1Qn92h_mI/AAAAAAAALpY/cHWg58nXWwY/s1600/DSC01242.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1YUKrREZSAo/Ve1Qn92h_mI/AAAAAAAALpY/cHWg58nXWwY/s640/DSC01242.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maddy wasn't that impressed by the Vatican...or much else. Working on her taste level. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Dining</b></u><i> </i></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As much horse meat baby food as Matilda could stomach</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those famous artichokes </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ian </b></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dVY3IGciNvY/Ve1SD9GoTzI/AAAAAAAALqE/Sa04G2NYjGI/s1600/20150620_215851.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">So many great food options, but sometimes it is hard to chose what is authentic and what is just cardboard pizza. Plus - the whole cover charge is no fun. With that said, we had some amazing meals. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best food in Rome?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>ebe</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">4.5 </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">What didn't we eat? I was all about my hit list of suppli, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="st"><i>porchetta</i></span>, white pizza, etc. and I ate it ALL. I made an obsessive list of where I wanted to eat on <a href="http://suppli/" target="_blank">pinterest</a>. It would take years to knock off this list, but we made a dent. Best bites were a late-night </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="st"><i>porchetta </i>sandwhich and a hazelenut pasta. <i><br /></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Let's also not forget the beer scene. I drank my share of wine, but we also had plenty of brews. There are breweries all over and hip tap rooms like </span><span style="font-size: small;">Bir & Fud, a hipster paradise of world brews. Just prepare yourself for the jarring drunk American accents. (Arg! Do I really sound like that?)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Pro tip: Drinking on the street is a yes! They'll even give you to-go cups. But alcohol is not allowed to be sold on the street after 10pm, so drink-up. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suppli, beer, pizza. Heaven. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> </i></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Overall</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ian </b></span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>ebe</b></span><br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>4.5</b></span></span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b2ieO_UFpuM/VfaOcreHE7I/AAAAAAAALqo/RxpudWfX4XM/s1600/11401272_675138309286283_4052958142823084329_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b2ieO_UFpuM/VfaOcreHE7I/AAAAAAAALqo/RxpudWfX4XM/s400/11401272_675138309286283_4052958142823084329_n.jpg" width="225" /></a><b><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: small;">We didn't intend to go to this <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2008/09/eternal-city.html" target="_blank">city the fir<b>s</b></a></span></span></b><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2008/09/eternal-city.html" target="_blank">t time</a> </span></span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: small;">because we knew we didn't have enough time and I honestly wasn't sure I would be into it (I know - it's Rome). This is before <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.com/2012/07/naples-when-moon-hits-your-eye.html" target="_blank">Naples</a> and I was on a anti-classics kick. I wanted somewhere different, somewhere <a href="http://www.insidersabroad.com/issues/Spring2015/index.html" target="_blank">off-the-beaten-path</a>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.36551683601106333" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was wrong. Rome was intoxicating. Civilized and wild. Get on the path. </span></span><br />
<br />And a note on traveling with a baby: Of course the Italians love a baby. This, we expected. But the amount of stranger love Matilda got was very surprising. On the very first day, a couple from Asia asked if they could take a picture with her. Flabbergasted, we acquiesced and Ian hovered just out of frame as a complete stranger held our baby. This continued for the next four days. Most people wanted pictures of just her, but I was also included in a photo. It was fine, but what do they say when they show their photos? "Here is a strange baby I wanted a picture of like a zoo animal"? <br /><br /> Whatever the logic, we can't argue that she isn't worth taking a picture of. She might have been the most beautiful thing in Rome. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="st">Altare della Patria</span></td></tr>
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I seem to be making a habit of visiting the most romantic places in Italy with my Father-in-Law. Venice, Cinque Terre...<br />
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Back-to-Berlin-and-Beyond/195413127212010">Back to Berlin and Beyond</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.881568688596447.1073741917.195413127212010&type=3">Monday, September 7, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com0Rome, Italy41.9027835 12.49636550000002441.524646 11.850918500000024 42.280921 13.141812500000025tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-79097269706552557762015-08-07T12:28:00.002+02:002015-08-07T16:59:23.420+02:00Tips for Applying for an Apartment in Berlin<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Won't you please let us live here?</td></tr>
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It's been a little quiet here lately. That's because <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2015/03/baby-ublau-u55-u4.html" target="_blank">life has been busy</a>, as discussed in my last post (along with boozing with a baby).<br />
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The other thing sucking up our free time is looking for an apartment. We knew it was going to be difficult. Despite the continual "Is Berlin hot or not?" playing out in the media (latest on our neighborhood, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/09/travel/wedding-berlin-beer-restaurants-bars.html" target="_blank">Wedding, from the New York Times</a>), competition for Wohnungs is fierce with between 6-2.1 billion people applying for every place we've applied for.<br />
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Each apartment is a cattle call and we aren't quite adept as the Germans at throwing elbows. I went to one showing in Prenzlauer Berg that had a line down the stairs...for 3 floors! I just laughed and left and we met Ian for a drink. What else is there to do?<br />
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I wrote about the process for <a href="http://www.german-way.com/applying-for-a-wohnung-in-berlin/" target="_blank">Applying for a Wohnung in Berlin</a> for German-Way and I have received a slew of advice to help improve our chances. I plan to do them all. <br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Bring kids. Everyone loves kids!</li>
<li>Don't bring kids. Kids just mean damage to landlords. </li>
<li>Don't mention renovations (...or that terrible cork floor that they apparently just put in - true story).</li>
<li>Dress up. You want to trick the landlord/realtor into thinking you're responsible. </li>
<li>Don't bother dressing up or brown-nosing the person showing the apartment. Chances are they are the ones moving out and have no deciding power or the decider isn't there. If the person deciding is there, they are going to be extremely German and pick someone who makes the most money even though you made them laugh. You will feel like you prostituted yourself for an apartment and it didn't work. Your ego will be bruised. </li>
<li>Bring all your documents. Because German apartments require your life story, this will cause you to spend a small fortune, or at least as much as that dishwasher you are eyeing. But it doesn't matter if you just get the apartment you tell yourself over and over again. </li>
<li>Send in documents to the contacts they supply at the viewing appointment. Again the amount of paperwork, even digital, will be massive and require sending through google attachments which you hope and pray they are able to open, though all experiences with German <i>Amts </i>(offices) have proved that is not the case. </li>
<li>Take pictures. You will see so many places it will be hard to keep track. And the times of the viewings will be extremely inconvenient (14:00 on a Tuesday or 7:30 on a Friday - your choice) meaning your husband won't be able to come or he will need to take vacation time to see them, so you will want to show him what the apartment he is pledging to spend thousands on will look like. </li>
<li>Don't take pictures. This is Germany and privacy is tantamount! Haven't you ever tried looking for a building on google earth and found the building blurred out? Why would they let you take pictures of the inside?</li>
</ol>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
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Can you believe it? 9 easy Tips for Applying for an Apartment in Berlin. It is just that simple.<br />
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Thanks for the tips, friends. I am sure we will have an apartment in no time. If you hear of a 3 room (2-bedroom American) flat anywhere from Wedding to Neukoelln for 1,000 euros warm - please let us know.<br />
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And if you're looking for a place to stay for a week - with pets! - <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/331233?af=1273813&c=wg1" target="_blank">our place is for rent</a> as we try and escape the Germans and fly to Corfu, Greece. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com1Berlin, Germany52.520006599999988 13.40495399999997552.210736099999991 12.759506999999974 52.829277099999985 14.050400999999976tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-74837202894820680882015-03-13T17:32:00.000+01:002015-03-14T17:04:22.314+01:00Baby UBlau: U55 & U4<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"Good decisions" aren't my strong point. I'm in for adventure, making every day count and a bit of the crazy. Thus you might not have noticed my absence for the last few months. Maybe I finally lost my hold on reality or the<i> <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/visa">Ausländerbehörde</a></i> had enough of our shenanigans. <br />
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But no! We kinda, accidentally made a great decision. <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/09/pregnancy-hiatus.html">We had a baby</a>. And she's awesome. <br />
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Unsurprisingly, it's taken a lot of time and I've got a new hobby of writing about her - a lot. If you wanna know about what's it like to have a babe in <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/in-love-with-berlin.html">Berlin</a>, I share an occasional helpful post amidst weekly videos and an astronomical ton of nonsense at <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/">In Berlin, Baby</a>. <br />
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Another thing taking my time is work. I am <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/texkourgan/back-to-berlinand-beyond-blog/">writing/editing/content managing</a> my <i>Po</i> (booty - learning new baby related words) off. I put up 10 <a href="http://gogermany.about.com/">Germany Travel articles</a> a month at about.com, direct <a href="http://www.insidersabroad.com/">Insiders Abroad</a> and their <a href="http://www.insidersabroad.com/issues">quarterly magazine</a>, manage <a href="http://www.easyexpat.com/">EasyExpat</a> part-time and contribute to <a href="http://www.german-way.com/">German-Way</a>. This is hard work on top of watching a beautiful little lady! <br />
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And perhaps worst of all, this work stuff is eating up the things I used to write about here on the blog. Now I have to professionally present <a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/Unique-Attractions-in-Germany/fl/Going-to-the-Movies-in-Germany.htm">how to go to the movies in Germany</a> or <a href="http://www.german-way.com/german-toilets/">why I have come to appreciate the low water levels in toilets</a>. In short, there is a lot less swearing.<br />
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But then we do something so ridiculous, so utterly useless to anyone but us I say, "Ah-ha! This is a post for Back to Berlin..and Beyond!". The recent such adventure, the first since the birth, is a <b>Baby <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/UBlau" target="_blank">UBlau</a></b>.<br />
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Yes, that's right, we took the kids on the <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/03/testing-out-u-blau.html">drinking</a> <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/08/berlin-by-foot-by-bvg-by-bike-by-car-by.html">Ubahn</a> tour with us. This sounds crazy, but....I got nothing. It's a dumb idea. But our English friends - part of the <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/03/testing-out-u-blau.html">original 4</a> - were back in town with their brand-new daughter and it seemed like destiny. <br />
<br />
So we did a UBlau baby-style. This meant with babies, on the city's two baby lines: U55 & U4. These two lines are only 7 stops total which makes it less nuts if not straight-up good parenting. And if you object - too late! Its been done. It was glorious.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">U55</span></h2>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Brandenburger Tor</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Kirstie</b> 8.5</div>
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<b>Hawkins</b> 7<br />
<b>Porter</b> 8</div>
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<b>ebe</b> 7.5 </div>
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<b>Average score:</b> <b>7.75</b><br />
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A generally high-ranking station to start us off. This line is newish (2009) and not very well-used so it was very clean and very empty. And grey.<br />
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Eventually, there are plans for this line to connect to more than just 3 stations and hook-up with the U5. I think only tourists who aren't interested in walking to the highlights take it now. We were happy to do our UBlau of shame somewhat alone. Plenty of time for pictures. And our first <span class="st"><i>Jägermeister</i> </span> shots since....well, a long, long time. <br />
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Bundestag</div>
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<b>Kirstie</b> 9</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Hawkins</b> 9.5<br />
<b>Porter</b> 7.5</div>
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<b>ebe</b> 8 </div>
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<b>Average score:</b> <b>8.5</b><br />
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Kirstie & Hawkins have fond memories of this station as it played a part in them shooting the trailer for their movie, <a href="https://vimeo.com/77286135">Whistleblowers</a>. Ian and I gave points for interesting columns that tie into lights. It's grand...and gray and desolate. <br />
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Again the station was nearly empty with groups of English and Spanish speakers occasionally blowing through giving us curious looks with our strollers and alcohol.<br />
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<b>Kirstie</b> 8</div>
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<b>Hawkins</b> 8<br />
<b>Porter</b> 7</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>ebe</b> 7 </div>
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<b>Average score:</b> 7.5<br />
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We are well familiar with this massive station. But this platform? Not so much. It is corporately bland. And grey of course. Not bad, but nothing special. <br />
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We remembered about here (last stop that day) that we were supposed to rank for how well baby-appointed stations are. There were many elevators that actually moved along at a decent clip (a rarity in Berlin) and plenty of room to navigate. Baby accessible approved. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">U4</span></h2>
We were supposed to both lines in one day - a piece of cake for our old drinking selves. But because of a previous engagement we could only fit one in that first day. GOOD. Because I was fairly drunk after just three stops/shots. I am embracing my new-found lightweight status.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Innsbrucker Platz</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Kirstie</b> 8</div>
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<b>Hawkins</b> 8<br />
<b>Porter</b> 7</div>
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<b>ebe</b> 7 </div>
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<b>Average score:</b> 7.5<br />
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So this is Innsbrucker Platz. It's pretty homeless. We were clearly out-of-place with our babies, even with our fresh bottle of booze. Sorry for intruding all! <br />
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As far as deco,we've got red brick, old-school script and a light atmosphere of despair. Let's go. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="notranslate">Rathaus Schöneberg</span></span></h3>
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<b>Kirstie</b> 8.5</div>
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<b>Hawkins</b> 8.5<br />
<b>Porter</b> 7</div>
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<b>ebe</b> 7.5 </div>
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<b>Average score:</b> 7.875<br />
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In a perfect world we rank the entrances as well. The perfect opportunity happened here as we got off for a <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/post/112693190317/2nd-swim-we-only-lasted-20-minutes-in-the" target="_blank">swim</a>. Good thing because we came back in the dark and it wasn't as impressive. In the light, the tile work is lovely with large glass walls providing a view of a small pond surrounding the station. We also noticed here that everything is well-themed. The beautiful wood benches are complimented by the wood station agent huts. An added bonus for Kirstie was the serious mappage. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="notranslate">Bayerischer Platz</span></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Kirstie</b> 7.5</div>
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<b>Hawkins</b> 9<br />
<b>Porter</b> 9</div>
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<b>ebe</b> 8.5</div>
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<b>Average score:</b> 8.5<br />
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Again we're in theme. This time all Bavarian blue. Plus - old-timey pictures! facts! This station is downright nice. And at this point we were getting a little goofy. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="notranslate">Viktoria-Luise-Platz</span></span></h3>
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<b>Kirstie</b> 6.5</div>
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<b>Hawkins</b> 6<br />
<b>Porter</b> 6</div>
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<b>ebe</b> 5.5</div>
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<b>Average score:</b> 6<br />
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Straight from the bottle now! We're finding our stride. Again we've got pleasant benches, a decent green color and an overall ok feel. Someone said "mini-<a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/02/the-u2-ublau.html" target="_blank">Alexanderplatz</a>". Nothing to get too excited about. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_UR8gk-6C0/VQMMHPN5uyI/AAAAAAAALgU/S9WoLzMF15Y/s1600/DSC00082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_UR8gk-6C0/VQMMHPN5uyI/AAAAAAAALgU/S9WoLzMF15Y/s1600/DSC00082.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="notranslate">Nollendorfplatz</span></span></h3>
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<b>Kirstie</b> 6</div>
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<b>Hawkins</b> 7<br />
<b>Porter</b> 6.5</div>
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<b>ebe</b> 6.5</div>
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<b>Average score:</b> 6.5<br />
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We debated ranking this one as it is the site of me sitting on top of vending machine. How do you top that...literally? But it is a different platform and we could really use one more shot- erm, I mean station.<br />
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My writing is pretty dicey at this point. I think I can make out "standard", "circular staircase", "grey, purple, yellow" and "quotes". So there's that.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Overall Scores</b></span></h2>
Lowest Ranking: <b>Viktoria-Luise-Platz</b><br />
Highest ranking Station:<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></b><b>Bundestag & Bayerischer Platz</b><br />
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We survived! Babies Survived! Clearly a success. And I can't believe Innsbrucker Platz wasn't lowest ranked. Sorry Viktoria-Luise.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/43WznnuVtJ0?list=PLNAswHxy0An0FwKuKT02seJd3kZJvmycv" width="560"></iframe>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com3Berlin, Germany52.520006599999988 13.40495399999997552.210736099999991 12.759506999999974 52.829277099999985 14.050400999999976tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-89560612668501943772014-11-05T17:33:00.003+01:002014-12-08T12:55:16.130+01:00Should you visit the Fernsehturm?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As former <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/missing-seattle.html">Seattlites</a> obsessed with our needle, it's a bit funny that we ended up in another city with a fondness for a futuristic tower. <br />
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The <i>Fernsehturm </i>(TV Tower) hardly towers at a mere 368 meters (1,207 feet), but in a city this flat you can see it from most points in Berlin. It is actually the highest point in Germany and much taller than our beloved Space Needle. Its like welcoming an old friend when you look up from a place you've never been and - there she is! - you see the tower. One of the major selling points of <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/07/back-to-berlin-on-house-hunters.html" target="_blank">our apartment</a> is that you can see the <i>Fernsehturm </i>from our loft bed, living room and front balcony. There are few things <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/post/102599653017/week-1-our-little-bear-turned-one-week-old-at" target="_blank">I like seeing more</a> in the morning. <br />
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So when our <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/elements-of-awesome-wedding.html" target="_blank">wedding anniversary</a> rolled around a few years ago, we thought it was the perfect moment to get toursity and head up to the top. <br />
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It happened to be at the same time of year as the <a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/Festivals-in-Berlin/fl/Berlin-Festival-of-Lights.htm" target="_blank">Festival of Lights</a> and while we worried about the lines, we thought the additional lighting would make for a spectacular view. This is what we got:<br />
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Hmmm. Far from ideal. I am no expert photographer, but I saw other people struggling with the glass and nighttime reflections. Unlike Seattle's Space Needle, both platforms place you behind the "<a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/berlin/fl/Visiting-Berlins-TV-Tower.htm" target="_blank">thermo-insulated glass</a>" and make for difficult conditions for great photography. I've seen other bloggers pics and been impressed so I think nighttime was the primary enemy here. <br />
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Exasperated, I put down the camera and we tried to just enjoy the atmosphere. Designed in the 1960s by a forward-thinking GDR government eager to prove their progressive ideas, it is a delightful time warp of nostalgia inside. However, the crowds of modern visitors lack the elegance I think officials were imagining crowding within these disco ball-shaped walls. Loud, drunken conversations in English echo off the tight space from the open bar and there is a lot of the typical pushing found at any popular tourist site. <br />
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The primary negative of the whole she-bang has got to be the price. A basic ticket costs €13 and unlike the Space Needle, isn't waived when dining at the restaurant. While not out-and-out ridiculous, we were only able to dawdle around for about a half hour before heading back down, slightly disappointed.<br />
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So was it worth it? <b>NO</b>. At least not for us. Touristy in the most unflattering way, I much prefer looking up at the tower than down from it. But perhaps if we'd went during daylight, or had a nicer crowd, or...<br />
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Full information on the Tower's times, ticket prices and quirky history on:</div>
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<a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/berlin/fl/Visiting-Berlins-TV-Tower.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Visiting Berlin's TV Tower</span></a></h3>
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<i>What is your opinion? Have you been up? What touristy sight do you find most rewarding?</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com5Fernsehturm Berlin, 10178 Berlin, Germany52.520805499999987 13.4094222999999652.52050349999999 13.40879179999996 52.521107499999985 13.41005279999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-16711694086201591552014-10-05T22:57:00.001+02:002014-10-06T11:58:41.760+02:002 Weeks in Manchester <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qy8npYwULNw/Ul68RF0jrcI/AAAAAAAAHtU/iNkAYJjZ3og/s1600/DSC03936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="2 Weeks in Manchester " border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qy8npYwULNw/Ul68RF0jrcI/AAAAAAAAHtU/iNkAYJjZ3og/s1600/DSC03936.JPG" height="400" title="Manchester Town Hall" width="300" /></a></div>
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We first spent a weekend in <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/10/less-than-48-hours-in-manchester.html">Manchester for a wedding</a> and were charmed by its unique architecture, character and history. In a good mood from the festivities, we weren't sure if it was just these rosy personal feelings or if the city really kicked ass. Especially after we agreed to a house trade that had us spending 2 weeks of summer break in this industrial northern center and locals first question in response to our plans was a polite "Why?".<br />
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Lucky for us, we did enjoy. A lot. Staying in a place for longer than a night or two allowed us to gain a insiders' perspective and explore the greater north (including York, Edinburgh, Port Sunlight, Liverpool and Chester - watch this space for posts!). <br />
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And much like the <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/08/the-ideal-island-vacation-ischia-italy.html" target="_blank">vacation to Ischia</a> (but in a less island paradise kinda way), one of our primary goals on this vacation was to relax. The <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/09/pregnancy-hiatus.html" target="_blank">baby is coming</a> and a whole different, slower and hopefully just as fulfilling way of traveling will be necessary. Let's consider this a successful test run into our new life. </div>
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You may think from this destination that we're easy to please - and that's the truth. There are <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/where-we-been-where-were-going.html">few places we won't go</a> <b>and enjoy</b>. On our first day our friends took us to a giant grocery store in Middleton and it was a highlight of the trip. All those choices! "Crisps"! Beautiful pre-made food! IPAs! The place had <i>piñatas?</i>!</div>
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We like noting differences big and small and are fascinated by the many instances of culture shock we experience during life in <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/Berlin">Berlin</a> and <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/Travel">on the road</a>. The world is a fascinating place. <br />
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We settled in quite nicely to our temporary terrace housing in Moss Side and set about exploring a little bit of the city everyday. If you need a little more than <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.708126585940659.1073741901.195413127212010&type=1" target="_blank">English streaky bacon</a>, bizarre UK TV and a trip to the grocery store to entertain you, we did those things too.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Manchester Museum</span></h3>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zPaaeY944Ts/VBnXOhb-R4I/AAAAAAAALI0/EA94fzTnCoQ/s1600/DSC08527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Manchester Museum" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zPaaeY944Ts/VBnXOhb-R4I/AAAAAAAALI0/EA94fzTnCoQ/s1600/DSC08527.jpg" height="640" title="2 Weeks in Manchester " width="480" /></a></div>
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Heading into town on our first solo day, we saw the museum our friends had pointed out and relying on <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/UK">England</a>'s glorious policy of free museums, we popped in. <br />
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With a focus on archaeology, anthropology and natural history, Ian was instantly pleased with the dinosaur skeleton in the lobby. Families with small children crowded around displays of Egyptian mummies and pressed their noses to the glass in front of the chameleons. Well presented if awkwardly laid-out, this tidy little site kept us busy for a few hours. The museum is owned by the University of Manchester and is thus swarmed by slightly older children just outside its walls.<br />
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<i>More pictures of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.708117402608244.1073741900.195413127212010&type=3" target="_blank">Manchester's Museums</a></i></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Website</b>: <a href="http://www.museum.manchester.ac.uk/">www.museum.manchester.ac.uk</a></li>
<li><b>Address</b>: Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom</li>
<li><b>Tel</b>.: 44 161 275 2634</li>
<li><b>Hours</b>: 10 - 17:00</li>
</ul>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">National Football Museum </span></h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TPbnEI_dSn0/VBnfYck0HJI/AAAAAAAALJA/S22s1z6icDQ/s1600/DSC08535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2 Weeks in Manchester " border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TPbnEI_dSn0/VBnfYck0HJI/AAAAAAAALJA/S22s1z6icDQ/s1600/DSC08535.JPG" height="640" title="National Football Museum " width="480" /></a></div>
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This structure is austere and the interior makes good use of the space with each floor covering a different aspect of the "beautiful game". I particularly enjoyed the many different versions of ball and uniform throughout the ages, local team's mementos and <i>fussball </i>table overlooking the downtown. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>More pictures of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.708117402608244.1073741900.195413127212010&type=3" target="_blank">Manchester's Museums</a></i><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Website</b>: <a href="http://www.nationalfootballmuseum.com/">www.nationalfootballmuseum.com</a></li>
<li><b>Address</b>: Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Todd St, Manchester M4 3BG, United Kingdom</li>
<li><b>Tel</b>.: 44 161 605 8200</li>
<li><b>Hours</b>: 10 - 17:00</li>
</ul>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Manchester Town Hall</span></h3>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u0Q6IK1UPWM/VBnkTaGwkGI/AAAAAAAALK4/ZXMors27DqI/s1600/DSC08547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Manchester Town Hall" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u0Q6IK1UPWM/VBnkTaGwkGI/AAAAAAAALK4/ZXMors27DqI/s1600/DSC08547.JPG" height="640" title="2 Weeks in Manchester " width="512" /></a></div>
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Manchester has one of the prettiest town halls. When it's not raining, and that is a big <b>when</b>, the square offers a lovely location to sit and engage in the festivals and events that roll through. The tower also offers an impressive landmark which works as a compass to navigate the city. Explore the interior for markers of the city's history. <b><br /></b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Website</b>: <a href="http://www.manchester.gov.uk/">www.manchester.gov.uk</a><b><br /></b></li>
<li><b>Address</b>: Albert Square Manchester M60 2LA</li>
</ul>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">British Pubs</span></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">My <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/post/94990994137/pregnant-ladies-coming-through-whats-weirder">fellow pregnant friend</a> shared an expert tip for ladies who want to go to an English pub, but don't want to pay a premium for juice or other boring non-alcoholic drinks: order a cordial. Basically water with flavoring, the pubs only charge you around 40 pence!</span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Briton's Protection</span></h4>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oWb-qpY1QCI/VBnkK8UHmII/AAAAAAAALKw/R8tq6UNc5io/s1600/DSC08554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2 Weeks in Manchester " border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oWb-qpY1QCI/VBnkK8UHmII/AAAAAAAALKw/R8tq6UNc5io/s1600/DSC08554.JPG" height="512" title="Manchester Pub Britons Protection" width="640" /></a></div>
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Established in 1806, this unassuming pub has become a favorite. Frequented by locals and tourists, young and old, this is a classic. <br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Website</b>: <a href="http://britons-protection.com/">britons-protection.com</a></li>
<li><b>Address</b>: 50 Great Bridgewater St, Manchester M1 5LE, United Kingdom </li>
<li><b>Tel</b>.: 44 161 236 5895</li>
<li><b>Hours</b>: 11 - 23:00ish</li>
</ul>
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<h4>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Peveril Of The Peak</span></h4>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bdHmcspMdtQ/VBnkAjPVAxI/AAAAAAAALKo/g-xy7rV45Oo/s1600/DSC09032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What to do in Manchester, England" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bdHmcspMdtQ/VBnkAjPVAxI/AAAAAAAALKo/g-xy7rV45Oo/s1600/DSC09032.JPG" height="640" title="Manchester Pub Peveril Of The Peak" width="480" /></a></div>
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I think our fiends simply called this place "the Pev", but since we won't assume such familiarity we'll stick with "Peveril Of The Peak". Just down the street from Briton's Protection, we seemed to specialize in weird experiences here. As I turned to wonder what exactly was the rooftop-not-balcony bedecked with plants, a car raced by us with its occupants yelling something profane at us. They almost sideswiped a pedestrian as the squealed around the corner and we thought this must be a true Manchester experience. <br />
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We actually made it inside the pub on the next sighting and found seating in a backroom which was oddly candle-lit for the evening. Power outage...in one room? Whatever, we still enjoyed our cordials and beers and watching a young man pass out nearby over his undrunk beer. </div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Address</b>: 127 Great Bridgewater Street Manchester M1 5JQ</li>
<li><b>Tel</b>.: 44 <span class="i-wrap ig-wrap-common i-phone-cta-common-wrap mapbox-icon"><span class="biz-phone" itemprop="telephone">0161 236 6364
</span></span></li>
<li><b>Hours</b>: 11 - 23:00</li>
</ul>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Mr. Thomas's Chop House</span></h4>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4Vs375aOr8/VBnjekyEj5I/AAAAAAAALKg/6WM2-74WcF8/s1600/DSC08545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="British Pubs in Northern England" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4Vs375aOr8/VBnjekyEj5I/AAAAAAAALKg/6WM2-74WcF8/s1600/DSC08545.JPG" height="640" title="Manchester England Mr. Thomas's Chop House" width="480" /></a></div>
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We shuffled our way through the narrow entry and found a spot right before the restaurant. Our table noted that the "Duke of Milan, his brother Antonio and the King of Naples drank here in 2007". Ohh - fancy! One of Manchester's oldest bars, it kept a stiff upper lip through a 1996 IRA bombing.</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Website</b>: <a href="http://tomschophouse.com/" target="_blank">tomschophouse.com</a></li>
<li><b>Address</b>: 52 Cross St, Manchester M2 7AR, United Kingdom</li>
<li><b>Tel</b>.: 44 161 832 2245</li>
<li><b>Hours</b>: 11 - 23:00ish</li>
</ul>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Circus Tavern</span></h4>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1eUWRzM43qQ/VBnjGzLiUmI/AAAAAAAALKY/E5hXsCATH1M/s1600/DSC09008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Smallest Pub in Europe" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1eUWRzM43qQ/VBnjGzLiUmI/AAAAAAAALKY/E5hXsCATH1M/s1600/DSC09008.JPG" height="480" title="Circus Tavern Manchester England " width="640" /></a></div>
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This pub has the distinction of being the smallest pub in Manchester (and allegedly the smallest bar in Europe). Apparently it was built in 1790 as a butchery and was transformed into a pub around 1840.<br />
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While you seem to spend a lot of squeezing through narrow spaces in English pubs, this was extreme as there is just a small hall with taps, and two miniature rooms with seating. Our <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/post/96532922902/weve-been-back-from-england-for-a-week-and-a-half">large and in charge pregnant bellies</a> actually scored us one of the few seats and we sat and chatted while watching horse racing quite comfortably. The staff is no-nonsense, but were kindly to us and served free chicken fingers along with our drinks. <br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Address</b>: 86 Portland St, Manchester M1 4GX, United Kingdom</li>
<li><b>Tel</b>.: 44 0161 236 5818</li>
</ul>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Port Street Beer House</span></h4>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6zvM6BWQ7Fo/VDFkJttDH0I/AAAAAAAALMU/HLLMIE05EF4/s1600/DSC04061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Port Street Beer House UK" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6zvM6BWQ7Fo/VDFkJttDH0I/AAAAAAAALMU/HLLMIE05EF4/s1600/DSC04061.JPG" height="480" title="2 Weeks in Manchester " width="640" /></a></h4>
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We actually visited this modern ale house on <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/10/less-than-48-hours-in-manchester.html" target="_blank">our last visit</a>. A friend knew of our <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/brewery" target="_blank">love of ales</a> (and the general lack thereof in <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/germany" target="_blank">Germany</a>) and recommended this place for a range of brews. <b><br /></b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Website</b>: <a href="http://www.portstreetbeerhouse.co.uk/">www.portstreetbeerhouse.co.uk</a></li>
<li><b>Address</b>: 39-41 Port Street, Manchester, M1 2EQ</li>
<li><b>Tel</b>.: 44 (0)161 237 9949</li>
<li><b>Hours</b>: 16 - midnight (longer hours on wknds)<i> </i></li>
</ul>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The Shakespeare Public House</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pH5i31PabYg/VDGWaONaLvI/AAAAAAAALMk/8Q56_0Hg-Ao/s1600/DSC03856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Old English Pub Manchester" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pH5i31PabYg/VDGWaONaLvI/AAAAAAAALMk/8Q56_0Hg-Ao/s1600/DSC03856.JPG" height="480" title="The Shakespeare Public House" width="640" /></a></h4>
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One of the locations of the "<a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/10/less-than-48-hours-in-manchester.html" target="_blank">Stag Do</a>", the exterior of this pub is English perfection. A bit of standard fare inside, but still somewhere to snap a shot. <br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Address</b>: <span rel="v:address"><span class="format_address"><span class="street-address">16 Fountain Street</span>, <span class="locality">Manchester M2 2AA</span>, <span class="country-name">England</span> </span>
</span>
</li>
<li><b>Tel</b>.: 44 0161 834 5515 </li>
</ul>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The Albert Square Chophouse</span></h4>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WpKPTZe0E7c/VDGX7zMI0VI/AAAAAAAALMw/7m1JF3PPdrY/s1600/God%2Bis%2Ba%2Bmanc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="God is a Manc" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WpKPTZe0E7c/VDGX7zMI0VI/AAAAAAAALMw/7m1JF3PPdrY/s1600/God%2Bis%2Ba%2Bmanc.JPG" height="640" title="2 Weeks in Manchester " width="428" /></a></div>
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This was the site of our friend's reception and it really couldn't be more picture perfect. Located right on the main square, the downstairs pub and restaurant are quite smart with the rest of our party held upstairs in the elegant event space. We fell in love with corned beef hash cake with a poached egg & brown sauce and this very English experience. </div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Website</b>: <a href="http://albertsquarechophouse.com/">albertsquarechophouse.com</a></li>
<li><b>Address</b>: Memorial Hall, 14 Albert Square, Manchester M2 5PF, United Kingdom</li>
<li><b>Tel</b>.: 44 161 834 1866</li>
<li><b>Hours</b>: 12 - 20:30 <i> </i></li>
</ul>
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</ul>
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<i>More <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.708126585940659.1073741901.195413127212010&type=1" target="_blank">pictures of Manchester Pubs </a></i><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Curry on Rusholme</span></h3>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JhvhDEUm7i0/VBni5UjiPtI/AAAAAAAALKQ/0mr18D9s0Jg/s1600/DSC08555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Curry Mile on Rusholme " border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JhvhDEUm7i0/VBni5UjiPtI/AAAAAAAALKQ/0mr18D9s0Jg/s1600/DSC08555.JPG" height="640" title="2 Weeks in Manchester, England" width="480" /></a></div>
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We can't go to England without sampling some curries. The place to go in Manchester is Rusholme, or <a href="http://www.manchesterrestaurants.com/rusholme.htm">Curry Mile</a>, and it just so happened that it was walking distance to our (temporary) home. While everyone has their favorite and there are plenty of generic restaurants, we enjoyed all three times we ate there. That's right, 2 weeks = 3 curries on Rusholme.<br />
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<i>More pictures of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.708126585940659.1073741901.195413127212010&type=1" target="_blank">Food in Manchester</a></i></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Website</b>: <a href="http://www.manchesterrestaurants.com/rusholme.htm" target="_blank">www.manchesterrestaurants.com/rusholme</a></li>
</ul>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Salford Quays </span></h2>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a8eYJinbgnA/VBnhl8znlzI/AAAAAAAALJw/LOvHEAm7zQw/s1600/DSC08560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Salford Quays, Manchester, England, UK" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a8eYJinbgnA/VBnhl8znlzI/AAAAAAAALJw/LOvHEAm7zQw/s1600/DSC08560.jpg" height="132" title="2 Weeks in Manchester " width="640" /></a></div>
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For some reason this is pronounced "Keys". Oh English. <br />
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No matter the pronunciation, this area of Salford has several new attractions since the dockyards closed in 1982. The Quays are home to a revitalized BBC "MediaCity", the Imperial War Museum and some seriously stand-out modern architecture (plus nearby Old Trafford - see below). </div>
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We didn't make it to the <a href="http://www.thelowry.com/">Lowry</a> (bad tourists!) but you should if you can.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Imperial War Museum </span></h4>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-Axc775TxA/VBniAC9rCqI/AAAAAAAALJ4/OPuo6Hsk0Ek/s1600/manchester%2Bimperial%2Bwar%2Bmuseum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2 Weeks in Manchester " border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-Axc775TxA/VBniAC9rCqI/AAAAAAAALJ4/OPuo6Hsk0Ek/s1600/manchester%2Bimperial%2Bwar%2Bmuseum.JPG" height="480" title="Imperial War Museum in Manchester, England" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ian is a sucker for a <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search?q=war+museum" target="_blank">war museum</a> so we found ourselves heading there first. Praise be to the UK's free museums! We were able to do a quick run through <span style="font-size: small;">and admire all the pretty war machines. While it didn't strike me as the best we'd ever seen (hello Dresden's <i>Militärhistorisches Museum der Bundeswehr</i>), it does impress on the scale of its display. Note that no pictures are allowed.</span><br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Website</b>: <a href="http://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-north">www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-north</a></li>
<li><b>Address</b>: Quay West, Trafford Wharf Rd, Manchester M17 1TZ, United Kingdom</li>
<li><b>Tel</b>.: 44 161 836 4000</li>
<li><b>Hours</b>: 10:00 - 17:00</li>
</ul>
<i> </i><i> </i><br />
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</ul>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">BBC MediaCityUK</span></h4>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uU5jypjO0f8/VBnil_429nI/AAAAAAAALKA/ZX26KIBME9g/s1600/DSC08566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="What to do for 2 weeks in Manchester" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uU5jypjO0f8/VBnil_429nI/AAAAAAAALKA/ZX26KIBME9g/s1600/DSC08566.JPG" height="480" title="BBC MediaCityUK in Manchester, England" width="640" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Ahhh - <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006vq92" target="_blank">Dragons</a>! </span></h4>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Website</b>: <a href="http://www.mediacityuk.co.uk/occupiers/bbc">www.mediacityuk.co.uk/occupiers/bbc</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mediacityuk.co.uk/destination/getting-here" target="_blank"><b>Directions</b></a></li>
</ul>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Quays Lift Bridge</span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VtWOv8102mk/VBnit-V6CEI/AAAAAAAALKI/SaT8w33XLyg/s1600/DSC08574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2 Weeks in Manchester " border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VtWOv8102mk/VBnit-V6CEI/AAAAAAAALKI/SaT8w33XLyg/s1600/DSC08574.JPG" height="640" title="Quays Lift Bridge, Manchester" width="480" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Old Trafford & Manchester United Museum </span></h3>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7sbGQKbOwvk/VBnhZUVv4lI/AAAAAAAALJo/ykisWvplDd8/s1600/DSC08576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2 Weeks in Manchester " border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7sbGQKbOwvk/VBnhZUVv4lI/AAAAAAAALJo/ykisWvplDd8/s1600/DSC08576.JPG" height="480" title="Old Trafford's Manchester United Museum " width="640" /></a></div>
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One of the city's top attractions is its world famous football team - <a href="http://www.manutd.com/Splash-Page.aspx">Manchester United</a>. Their grounds at Old Trafford serve as a pilgrimage for die-hard fanatics and a must-go for even casual football fans like us. Even on a chilly August day with no game is sight, the place was filled with other camera-clutching visitors. <br />
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While going to a game would be the ultimate, we were there in the off-season of August. The upside is that the <a href="http://www.manutd.com/en/Visit-Old-Trafford.aspx" target="_blank">museum</a> (usually paired with a stadium tour and a <b>whopping 25 pounds</b>) is free. Just our price range! </div>
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I would have loved a look at the field, but the museum was legitimately fascinating - even for a somewhat fan. I now know all the basics of George Best, the horrific plane crash in Munich and what a room full of trophies looks like. If you want to be wowed - even in the off-season - stop by the massive store and marvel at the amount of cash registers ready to take the pounds of its many eager fans. <br />
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<i>More pictures of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.708117402608244.1073741900.195413127212010&type=3" target="_blank">Manchester's Museums</a></i></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Website</b>:<i> </i><a href="http://www.manutd.com/en/Visit-Old-Trafford.aspx">www.manutd.com/en/Visit-Old-Trafford</a><i><br /></i></li>
<li><a href="http://www.manutd.com/en/Visit-Old-Trafford/Maps-And-Directions.aspx" target="_blank"><b>Maps & Directions</b></a></li>
<li><b>Tel</b>.: 44 0161 868 8000</li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Screenfields Open Air Movie</span></h3>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uoj8uT-AVXI/VBnhE68qo3I/AAAAAAAALJg/bUYbbLQyU7M/s1600/DSC08907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Screenfields Open Air Movie" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uoj8uT-AVXI/VBnhE68qo3I/AAAAAAAALJg/bUYbbLQyU7M/s1600/DSC08907.JPG" height="480" title="2 Weeks in Manchester " width="640" /></a></div>
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All dreamy about out upcoming vacation in steamy <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/Berlin">Berlin</a> summer, I convinced Ian & our poor friends who really knew better than to rely on English weather that an outdoor movie would be the perfect activity. And - get this - "Robin Hood" was playing, complete with Kevin Costner & Christian Slater's "English" accents. <br />
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It rained. Steady, fairly consistent, soggy. I refused to look over at the English as my Western Washington resilience refused to give in to weather. They (luckily) kept a very stiff upper lip about it and I think only Ian and his <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/05/holy-trinity-of-mexican-food-in-berlin.html" target="_blank">desert-reared soul</a> truly suffered.<br />
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<li><b>Website</b>: <a href="http://www.spinningfieldsonline.com/" target="_blank">www.spinningfieldsonline.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.spinningfieldsonline.com/1getting-here" target="_blank"><b>Directions</b></a></li>
<li><b>Season & Hours</b>:<i> </i>Summer; movies begin around 19:00<i><br /></i></li>
<li><b>Admission</b><i>:</i> 3 pounds</li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium</span></h3>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Bs5rWBIeBo/VBngYtItJ-I/AAAAAAAALJU/Eho-qpZSsFQ/s1600/DSC08970.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2 Weeks in Manchester " border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Bs5rWBIeBo/VBngYtItJ-I/AAAAAAAALJU/Eho-qpZSsFQ/s1600/DSC08970.JPG" height="480" title="Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium in Manchester" width="640" /></a></div>
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As an avid horse fan, I really wanted to make the <a href="http://www.spinningfieldsonline.com/1getting-here" target="_blank">races</a> work into our trip. It didn't. <br />
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But then we discovered the next best thing - Greyhound Races. Much more Mancunian, the track is just to the east of the city and the ideal Friday night activity. I am constantly trying to convince Ian to <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/08/herr-schmidt-rabbit.html">adopt more pets</a> and even he had to admit that these smiling doggy faces are hard to resist. <br />
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The track itself is a relic. It was once part of an entire entertainment complex with zoo, amusement park and an annual circus. Overtime the grounds dwindled and now it is just the track. Slightly rundown, a little rough we were thrilled to see our first ever races. </div>
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This felt like we had truly jumped out of any kind of touristy experience and were delving deep into some real Manchester. Admittedly not hard to do in town that isn't trying to impress anyone, this was one of the highlights of our entire trip. Ian even won us some money.</div>
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<b>Top tip</b>: Just like with the horse races, there is rarely a reason to pay full entrance price. Scope the specials online before arriving and consider a place in the restaurant for a meal & entertainment deal. We got an entrance/program/burger deal for about 6 pounds with regular entrance at 7 pounds. Ridiculous. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xp599vqK3PI/VBngX75hHOI/AAAAAAAALJQ/sTTDGZUktTM/s1600/DSC00001%2B%287%29.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2 Weeks in Manchester " border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xp599vqK3PI/VBngX75hHOI/AAAAAAAALJQ/sTTDGZUktTM/s1600/DSC00001%2B(7).JPG" height="427" title="Belle Vue Greyhound Racing" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>More pictures of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.708135292606455.1073741902.195413127212010&type=1" target="_blank">Greyhound Racing</a></i></div>
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<li><b>Website</b>: <a href="http://www.lovethedogs.co.uk/bellevue">www.lovethedogs.co.uk/bellevue</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.lovethedogs.co.uk/bellevue/bv-directions.aspx" target="_blank"><b>Directions</b></a></li>
<li><b>Tel</b>.: 44 0870 720 3456</li>
<li><b>Hours</b>: Every Friday and Saturday night; doors open at 18:30; first race at 19:20; <span id="HTMLContent">free races Wednesday afternoon at 14:15 and Sunday at 11:00</span></li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.lovethedogs.co.uk/bellevue/stadium-info.aspx?i=491" target="_blank">Admission</a></b></li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Manchester Pride</span></h3>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNvBqG9j6Us/VBngKt4qZ2I/AAAAAAAALJI/nnZeX1A50kU/s1600/DSC08986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2 Weeks in Manchester " border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JNvBqG9j6Us/VBngKt4qZ2I/AAAAAAAALJI/nnZeX1A50kU/s1600/DSC08986.JPG" height="640" title="Manchester Pride in England" width="480" /></a></div>
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We missed <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/gayevent">Berlin's pride</a> this year for our trip to <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/08/the-ideal-island-vacation-ischia-italy.html">Ischia</a>, <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/08/the-ideal-island-vacation-ischia-italy.html">Italy</a> and while that felt like a fair trade, we were delighted to discover our trip overlapped with <a href="http://www.manchesterpride.com/">Manchester Pride</a>. We arrived a bit late which had our local friends sweating it, but ended up in an ideal spot to watch the very civilized procession of gayly dressed festival-goers and boisterous sound systems, all back dropped by City Hall. <br />
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Afterwords, the party continues on the aptly named "Canal Street" but it cost an entrance fee to join the masses so we took our pregnant asses to the bars (and seating) instead. All in all - a fabulous time. <br />
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<i>More pictures of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.708141772605807.1073741903.195413127212010&type=1" target="_blank">Manchester Pride</a></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Real Ale Festival</span></h3>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XGpsX6f5JQw/VDGuaHWX4jI/AAAAAAAALNA/gpC8H9WfdFw/s1600/DSC09013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Real Ale Festival in Manchester, England" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XGpsX6f5JQw/VDGuaHWX4jI/AAAAAAAALNA/gpC8H9WfdFw/s1600/DSC09013.JPG" height="640" title="2 Weeks in Manchester " width="480" /></a></div>
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What better way to end a trip than with a <a href="http://www.manchesterpride.com/">beer festival</a>? <a href="http://www.camragreatermanchester.org.uk/" target="_blank">Real Ales</a> (aka good beer) are really making a move in the UK as well as Germany and this celebration of brews at the Velodrome offered the perfect opportunity for the guys to enjoy some tasty beverages and for all of us to soak up some of the last weak English sun.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">So....was 2 weeks in Manchester too much?</span></h2>
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Two weeks seemed like quite a lot, until it wasn't. There are still things we would like to do in Manchester like the John Rylands Library, Manchester Art Gallery, Lowry, Manchester Craft and Design Centre...maybe we'll even get into Coronation Street and take the <a href="http://www.visitmanchester.com/articles/attractions/coronation-street/" target="_blank">tour</a>.<br />
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That's right - we're coming back for you Manchester! Plus, our friends just had their first kid so they are due a visit. More <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.708144252605559.1073741904.195413127212010&type=3&uploaded=22" target="_blank">pics</a>? Want to see Manc adventures in motion?</div>
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More <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/Manchester" target="_blank">Manchester</a>? More <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/UK" target="_blank">UK</a>? More <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/review" target="_blank">reviews</a>? More about <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/about-how-we-came-to-be-porterballs.html" target="_blank">us</a>?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com3Manchester, UK53.479324 -2.24848510000003953.328105 -2.5712086000000389 53.630542999999996 -1.925761600000039tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-76851616154646304892014-09-18T14:16:00.001+02:002014-09-18T18:55:11.022+02:00Nazi Rally Grounds in Nuremburg <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gogermany.about.com/" target="_blank">Germany Travel Front Page</a></td></tr>
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Working for about.com as the <a href="http://gogermany.about.com/">Germany Travel Expert</a> has me <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/where-we-been-where-were-going.html">seeking out new places</a> in <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/germany">Germany</a> and dredging up all sorts of posts and pictures from my travels. Sometimes this makes for a great new post for the site and sometimes they may have already been written about, but I still want so share. <br />
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In light of my <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/09/pregnancy-hiatus.html">lax new postings</a> on this blog (due to <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/">the growth</a>) and exploring the Germany Travel archives - how about a hybrid? On <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/about-how-we-came-to-be-porterballs.html">our first year</a> exploring this country (and unintentionally falling in love) we tromped all over Germany. On one of these cross-country trips we found ourselves in Nuremburg and Ian's love of all things WWII history guided us to...</div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Nazi Party Rally Grounds</span></h2>
From <a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/sightsandattractions/ss/Best-Things-Nuremberg_4.htm" target="_blank">about.com Germany Travel</a>:<br />
<blockquote>
After Adolf Hitler declared in 1933 that Nuremberg should be “City of the Nazi Party Rallies”, the Nazi Party Rally Grounds with its monumental buildings, arenas, and roads for Nazi mass events and parades were constructed. Nowhere else in Germany can the remains of authentic Nazi architecture be seen as here.<br />
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In one wing of the unfinished Congress Hall, which was designed to seat 50,000 spectators, you’ll find the excellent permanent exhibition "Fascination and Terror", which explores the rise of the Nazi Party, the Führer myth, Nazi party rallies, racism and anti-Semitism, the German resistance and the Nuremberg trials.</blockquote>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C1Y4LWwU_mg/VA61xo4ctJI/AAAAAAAALIM/ek21iFDfbtA/s1600/2148935390_fcd0393cb5_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Germany Travel " border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C1Y4LWwU_mg/VA61xo4ctJI/AAAAAAAALIM/ek21iFDfbtA/s1600/2148935390_fcd0393cb5_b.jpg" height="428" title="Nazi Party Rally Grounds" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's desolate out there, and really only impressive from afar. The grand structures clearly sit in disuse with scribblings displaying current attitudes. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oezhdSahtAo/VA61xjFcvxI/AAAAAAAALIg/6NIoX96ZEhY/s1600/2148151079_f8724619cd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nazi Party Rally Grounds" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oezhdSahtAo/VA61xjFcvxI/AAAAAAAALIg/6NIoX96ZEhY/s1600/2148151079_f8724619cd.jpg" height="640" title="anti-nazi graffiti in Nuremberg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Informational placards in German and English are placed around the grounds detailing the history. When we were there, we were all alone. It was really quite eerie. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0M5Hr383nk/VA61yKFuQBI/AAAAAAAALIQ/VXtB7T-dri8/s1600/2148951166_3a93be01b7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="WWII history site in Nuremberg, Germany " border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0M5Hr383nk/VA61yKFuQBI/AAAAAAAALIQ/VXtB7T-dri8/s1600/2148951166_3a93be01b7_b.jpg" height="428" title="Nazi Party Rally Grounds" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Documentation Centre Nazi Party Rally Grounds</b></span></h3>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Website: </b><a href="http://www.museums.nuremberg.de/documentation-centre/index.html">http://www.museums.nuremberg.de/documentation-centre/index.html</a></li>
<li><b>Address</b>: Bayernstraße 110, 90478 Nuremberg</li>
<li><b>Phone</b>: 0911 231 - 56 66</li>
<li><b>Transport</b>: Tram line 9 / Doku-Zentrum, Suburban Railway S2: Dutzendteich Bahnhof </li>
<li><b>Hours</b>:
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.(last admission 5 p.m.)
<b> </b></li>
<li><b>Prices</b>: Grounds Free, Museum 5 euros </li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com0Bayernstraße 110, 90471 Nuremberg, Germany49.4342039 11.11178829999994449.4341634 11.111709299999944 49.4342444 11.111867299999943tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-15424944572150959922014-09-08T22:00:00.002+02:002014-11-14T14:14:27.561+01:00Pregnancy Hiatus<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MekIynHCqUs/VA4FcnbgCnI/AAAAAAAALGo/gaGZ3IC9q_U/s1600/pregnant%2Bannouncement.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MekIynHCqUs/VA4FcnbgCnI/AAAAAAAALGo/gaGZ3IC9q_U/s1600/pregnant%2Bannouncement.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I keep thinking about this blog.<br />
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I love tracking our adventures in <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/Berlin" target="_blank">Berlin</a> and <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/where-we-been-where-were-going.html" target="_blank">beyond</a> here and have a stack of posts on our recent trip to <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/10/less-than-48-hours-in-manchester.html" target="_blank">Manchester</a> and <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/UK" target="_blank">northern UK</a> in my head, but have failed to get them to the page in any kind of timely fashion. Like many <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/hello-expats.html" target="_blank">bloggers</a>, life seems to be interfering. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
I have this growth - a parasite really. Over the last 8 months our fascination with this bizarre being has grown to approach something like love. <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">We're having a baby</a>. I still can't get over it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Us</span></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/post/81469326638/we-finally-made-the-big-public-announcement-about" target="_blank">Night we found out</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Baby</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t-BV0nyc6D0/VA4JEYVU6RI/AAAAAAAALHI/Wge48k-goQY/s1600/BABY_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t-BV0nyc6D0/VA4JEYVU6RI/AAAAAAAALHI/Wge48k-goQY/s1600/BABY_11.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/post/92621316462/and-there-she-is-that-is-video-of-our-baby" target="_blank">3D scan</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We're having a baby. </b></span></h4>
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Literally taking up some of our time is going to doctor's appointments and buying items to house/clean/feed it, but the biggest time thief has been how much time we've spent thinking about the baby. I'll think about writing about Manchester (finally <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/10/2-weeks-in-manchester.html" target="_blank">done</a>!)...until my mind meanders back to how weird it was to be <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/post/94990994137/pregnant-ladies-coming-through-whats-weirder" target="_blank">palling around with my pregnant friend</a> and how <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/tagged/travel" target="_blank">travel</a> will be a bit different in the future. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Js5RnEN0dE/VA4Fe8QL9-I/AAAAAAAALG0/A7s2a0K55BU/s1600/DSC08503.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Js5RnEN0dE/VA4Fe8QL9-I/AAAAAAAALG0/A7s2a0K55BU/s1600/DSC08503.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a>That doesn't mean I haven't been writing at all. Besides my worky expat stuff on <a href="http://gogermany.about.com/" target="_blank">about.com</a>, <a href="http://www.easyexpat.com/" target="_blank">EasyExpat</a>, <a href="http://www.insidersabroad.com/" target="_blank">Insiders Abroad</a> & <a href="http://www.german-way.com/author/erin/" target="_blank">German-Way</a>, I started a pregnancy blog, <span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">In berlin, baby</a></b></span>.<br />
<br />
I've written<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/FAQ" target="_blank">FAQ</a> </li>
<li>about our <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/tagged/pregnancy-check-in" target="_blank">check-ups,</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/post/94319511515/were-not-the-first-and-were-not-the-last-but-we" target="_blank">jump shots </a> <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/post/94322531424/and-here-are-our-pregnancy-jump-pics-still" target="_blank">while pregnant</a>,</li>
<li><a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/post/90738870537/porterballs-are-having-a-we-knew-we-wanted-to" target="_blank">gender reveal</a>, </li>
<li><a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/tagged/sonogram" target="_blank">sonograms</a>, </li>
<li><a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/tagged/baby-bump" target="_blank">baby bump</a>, </li>
<li><a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/post/81857643355/my-pregnancy-is-really-interfering-with-my-drinking" target="_blank">missing alcohol</a>, </li>
<li>and all the <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/archive/" target="_blank">pregnancy madness</a> that seems to encompass my day to day life. </li>
</ul>
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So I'm thinking of you blog, and I'll write more in you soon. But my mind is clearly focused a little inward right now. <br />
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<i>(p.s. I am devouring posts from other expats who've given birth in Germany so if you have a piece I should read or just a bit of advice as a lady who has been there, please leave me a comment or drop me a line at ianandebe {at} gmail {dot} com. )</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Update</b>: </span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">We have a baby! </span> </span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Matilda Berlin was born </span>on November 7th at 12:31pm and it <a href="http://www.german-way.com/8-things-to-know-giving-birth-in-germany/" target="_blank">went pretty freakin' amazing</a>! We are simply over the moon and are totally in love with this little being. But with a little bear like this, can you blame us?<i></i></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dPkJ2fjMkUo/VGTurqPsiWI/AAAAAAAALUA/ZKXYY11Kz7E/s1600/Matilda%2BBear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Having a baby in Germany " border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dPkJ2fjMkUo/VGTurqPsiWI/AAAAAAAALUA/ZKXYY11Kz7E/s640/Matilda%2BBear.jpg" title="Baby in Berlin" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com7Berlin, Germany52.520006599999988 13.40495399999997552.210736099999991 12.759506999999974 52.829277099999985 14.050400999999976tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-39199414428630602972014-08-02T22:17:00.000+02:002014-08-08T11:57:24.341+02:00The Ideal Island Vacation: Ischia, Italy <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z1H0u7BwPSk/U9Dkwko8VkI/AAAAAAAAKV8/nVQEGL9y3qo/s1600/DSC08281.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Best Italian Island vacation" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z1H0u7BwPSk/U9Dkwko8VkI/AAAAAAAAKV8/nVQEGL9y3qo/s1600/DSC08281.JPG" height="300" title="Guide to Ischia, Italy" width="400" /></a>In early June, we realized Ian had some vacation days and sometime - <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/">sometime soon</a> - I was going to be far too big and uncomfortable to travel. Thus, our usual brand of spontaneous/half-planned <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/Travel">travel</a> was born. But where?<br />
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There are <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/where-we-been-where-were-going.html">few place we won't go</a>. <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2008/09/more-to-comment-on.html">Bucharest</a> in August? Why not. <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2008/09/more-to-comment-on.html">Copenhagen</a> just for a day to pick up a <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/Where%20to%20Take%20Your%20Parents%20in%20Europe" target="_blank">parent</a>? Or course. <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/07/offbeat-northwest-coeur-dalene-idaho.html">Idaho</a>? Let's do it!<br />
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But given our <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/04/bad-habits-in-trip-planning.html">poor trip planning</a>, flights to just about anywhere were more then we hoped to pay. So I got creative. Thought outside the box. <b>I looked at packages</b>. Rarely the best deal for us bargain-basement globetrotters, I found that easyjet delivers some pretty enticing cheapo deals. I found one such combo (just over 400 euro for a flights & hotel for 2 for 4 nights) to the island of Ischia, <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/Italy" target="_blank">Italy</a>. After we fell in love with the area during a trip to <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/07/naples-when-moon-hits-your-eye.html">Naples</a> and the island of <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/08/escape-from-naples.html">Procida</a> two years earlier - we couldn't resist going back. <br />
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<a name='more'></a>This was all quite unusual for us. Going back to somewhere we'd been before, buying a package and spending more than a day in a location - who are these people? While I admire the wisdom of slow travel, I usually can't help but run through a city on my way to the next destination. I want to see the <b>whole wide world</b>. But with this <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">baby</a> rudely butting in and the realization that our whole life is about to change, slowing down actually sounded good. Maybe we're growing up. <br />
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And I am so thankful we went. Swimming in the natural mineral pool at the hotel halfway through our trip, I turned to Ian and pondered, "Have we ever had a better vacation?". He shrugged... as much as he could while floating on his back in a pool. Ischia was perfect. This vacation was perfect. I highly recommend getting yourself to the ideal island vacation in Ischia, Italy <b>NOW</b>.</div>
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Some help if you are planning a trip to Ischia:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="http://holidays.easyjet.com/">EasyJet packages </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/texkourgan/gotta-go-ischia/">Pinterest Board of helpful Ischia links</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.ischiareview.com/" target="_blank">Ischia Review</a> - Extremely helpful English guide to every aspect of the island</li>
<li><a href="http://www.italyguides.it/us/campania/isle_of_ischia/interactive_map_of_ischia/map_of_ischia.php" target="_blank">Ischia Map</a> - A bit confusingly, the main town has the same name as the island, Ischia. This is further divided into <a href="http://www.ischiareview.com/ischia-porto--ischia-ponte.html" target="_blank">Ischia Porto (the port) and Ischia Ponte</a> (the point near the castle).</li>
<li>"<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3DWaLf4LZE" target="_blank">Happy</a>" - Ischia version</li>
<li>Note that the island has long been touristed by <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/germany" target="_blank">Germans</a> so workers in the service industry usually speak some German and English.</li>
<li>You may recognize the island and its Castle Aragonese from the film <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0134119/" target="_blank"><i>The Talented Mr. Ripley</i></a>.<i> </i>Re-watch if you go! The film is better than I remember and Philip Seymour Hoffman steals every scene.</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ischia Ratings<span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span></span></b></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Ratings will be done in enormous <a href="http://www.deliciousitaly.com/campania-naples-food/story-of-the-amalfi-coast-lemon" target="_blank">Amalfi coast lemons</a>. </i></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Bw2houjuqY/U9Dk2-GOfZI/AAAAAAAAKWw/ct5MZvMX62Y/s1600/DSC08390.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Guide to the perfect Italian island vacation" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Bw2houjuqY/U9Dk2-GOfZI/AAAAAAAAKWw/ct5MZvMX62Y/s1600/DSC08390.JPG" height="512" title="Map of Ischia, Italy" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Transportation in Ischia</span></span></b><i><br /></i></span></h3>
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<b>ebe</b><br />
<i>4.5 lemons</i><br />
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We were prepared for a long travel day. We left Berlin just before noon, arrived in Naples around 2pm, took the bus to the ferry (barely caught it 5 minutes before it left) and arrived in Ischia at 5:30. Despite how crazy that sounds, we made every connection and arrived quicker than expected. Some tips if you are replicating our journey:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hQ28aKdktC4/U9DkyLlLshI/AAAAAAAAKWM/FmmRFyjq0bM/s1600/DSC08295.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Castle Aragonese on Ischia" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hQ28aKdktC4/U9DkyLlLshI/AAAAAAAAKWM/FmmRFyjq0bM/s1600/DSC08295.jpg" height="300" title="Boats in Ischia, Italy" width="400" /></a>
<li><a href="http://www.napoliunplugged.com/naples-maritme-transportation" target="_blank">Napoli Unplugged</a> & <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g187784-s301/Isola-Dischia:Italy:Arriving.And.Departing.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor </a>offers helpful English info on how to find buses, ferries etc.</li>
<li>Follow the signs at the airport to the <a href="http://www.napoliunplugged.com/naples-alibus-airport-shuttle" target="_blank">Alibus</a> which travels direct to the center-ish of Naples (Piazza Garibaldi) and the port. Plus, air-conditioning! Tickets are about 4 euro from the bus driver (3 euro from a stand). </li>
<li>Beware Naples public buses as they have a well-earned reputation as pick-pocket havens. </li>
<li>While you can reserve ferries online, it is crazy confusing and even locals recommend just showing up. There are enough boats that they are rarely sold-out, it is just limiting your wait time you need to worry about. Budget about 18 euro each way and try to get a direct route. </li>
<li>You may select a ferry (cheaper/slower) or hydrofoil to get to the islands. We never did figure out what the prices were as we think we rode on the ferry both ways, but paid different prices. </li>
<li>Note the arrival point when buying your ticket. Many boats are traveling to Ischia Porto (the easterly port), but some may arrive at Forio on the opposite end of the island. </li>
<li>Multiple minicabs (<i>taxi piccolo</i>) are waiting at Ischia Porto to whisk you to your final destination. Just walk around with a suitcase and sweet older gentlemen will approach. We chose to walk as we were staying in nearby Ischia Ponte, but there is also an inexpensive bus.</li>
<li>Realize you can only control so much in planning for a trip to Southern Italy. Embrace the chaos.</li>
</ul>
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<b>Ian</b><br />
<i>4 lemons</i><br />
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Couldn't have been smoother getting out there. We didn't have to wait at all at the ferry terminal and got right on a boat to the island. The airport was a little chaotic trying to find the bus - but what can you expect from Naples? <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FabzVQUz-r0/U9DkmnSXPEI/AAAAAAAAKU4/demk5_Lw48o/s1600/DSC08191.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ferry from Naples to Ischia " border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FabzVQUz-r0/U9DkmnSXPEI/AAAAAAAAKU4/demk5_Lw48o/s1600/DSC08191.JPG" height="480" title="Transportation in Italy" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferry from Naples</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fJebdcqAzNQ/U9Dk6f7fUnI/AAAAAAAAKXU/sKRCuecmIps/s1600/DSC09589.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Transportation in Italy" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fJebdcqAzNQ/U9Dk6f7fUnI/AAAAAAAAKXU/sKRCuecmIps/s1600/DSC09589.JPG" height="428" title="Ischia Italy minicab" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ischia minicab</td></tr>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Accommodations in Ischia</span></h3>
<b>ebe</b><br />
<i>4.25 lemons</i><br />
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We were nervous about what we would get with a package deal, but <a href="http://www.venere.com/hotels/ischia/hotel-europa/?fwdrf=http://www.google.de/url%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3D%26esrc%3Ds%26source%3Dweb%26cd%3D3%26cad%3Drja%26uact%3D8%26ved%3D0CGIQFjAC%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.venere.com%252Fhotels%252Fischia%252Fhotel-europa%252F%26ei%3DNdx1U53UAcHAyQPEloD4Dg%26usg%3DAFQjCNEDzBKtht3glxUzJG6YDq9rahzysQ%26sig2%3DVgr71wvnc19jnf-ChD0ykg%26bvm%3Dbv.66699033,d.bGQ&fwdrf=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2F26036504070630053%2F#reviews">online reviewers</a> reassured us that it wouldn't be the <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search?q=Bordeaux">worst place we ever stayed</a>. <br />
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The <a href="http://www.hoteleuropaischia.it/uk/our_story_1.php?lg=uk">Hotel Europa</a> is family run and located in Ischia Ponte with views of the castle from the roof. A small mineral water pool is refilled everyday (ready around 11am, emptying around 10pm) with several rooms offering a balcony view over the courtyard. We were surprised that the hotel was as actually medium sized, but the warm reception by the family and staff made it feel intimate. <br />
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We requested a balcony facing the pool and got it! I was in love with our little room.While it is a bit retro, everything was immaculately kept. We were pleased with its location - walkable from the port and to the multiple beaches and shops and restaurants on Ischia Ponte. <br />
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Our only complaints were that the tv was quite small (we watched a few <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/07/top-ten-tweets-of-brazil-v-germany.html">World Cup</a> games in the room) and the wifi was quite weak. There was a computer and large tv in the lounge downstairs, as well as a dining room where an elegant dinner was served each evening. Another note is that some of the rooms facing the street were reported to be quite loud. And I worried the hotel mineral pool would stain my swimsuit which it did - temporarily. Eventually the rusty color washed out, but a cheap white tank top I wore the day after the pool (and a shower) seems permanently stained. Ah, well. It was worth it. <br />
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Ischia Review, once again, has great recommendations on places to stay: <a href="http://www.ischiareview.com/stay-in-ischia.html" target="_blank">http://www.ischiareview.com/stay-in-ischia.html </a><br />
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<b>Ian</b><br />
<i>4.75 lemons</i><br />
<br />
Perfect hotel for a relaxing getaway. The room wasn't huge, but the hotel was charming. The balcony overlooking the pool was awesome and I felt like jumping in from there. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9fN0L-xWxtY/U9DkoLWf03I/AAAAAAAAKVA/81EC7lz_udI/s1600/DSC08200.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hotel in Ischia Italy" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9fN0L-xWxtY/U9DkoLWf03I/AAAAAAAAKVA/81EC7lz_udI/s1600/DSC08200.JPG" height="640" title="Rooftop balcony Hotel Europa" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption">Rooftop Balcony at Hotel Europa<u><b><br /></b></u></td></tr>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">Sights in Ischia</span></h3>
<b>ebe</b><br />
<i>5 lemons</i><br />
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We originally shied away from going to Ischia on <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/08/escape-from-naples.html">our day trip</a> because it seemed like it could be too touristy. While it was certainly much busier than tranquil Procida, it seems to escape most of the notice (and annoying tourists) found on Capri. <br />
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And it is so worth any hassle.We have been lucky enough to see some pretty <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/where-we-been-where-were-going.html" target="_blank">extraordinary places</a>, but Ischia is the beauty queen of every lovely place we've visited.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.castelloaragoneseischia.com/it/" target="_blank">Castle Aragonese</a>.... </span></h4>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gIMvu-z_zLY/U9Dkosf12WI/AAAAAAAAKVE/bCJEMQ3vMas/s1600/DSC08233.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best Italian castles" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gIMvu-z_zLY/U9Dkosf12WI/AAAAAAAAKVE/bCJEMQ3vMas/s1600/DSC08233.jpg" height="480" title="Castle Aragonese in Ischia Italy" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcyMdVaLEfA/U9Dk8ChfK8I/AAAAAAAAKXg/T8ChRabPxIY/s1600/DSC09602.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best Italian beaches " border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OcyMdVaLEfA/U9Dk8ChfK8I/AAAAAAAAKXg/T8ChRabPxIY/s1600/DSC09602.JPG" height="428" title="Castle Ischia, Italy " width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zhUn_aWFnxs/U9Dk9ocYtII/AAAAAAAAKXw/cDoso9N9__s/s1600/DSC09639.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Italian island vacation" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zhUn_aWFnxs/U9Dk9ocYtII/AAAAAAAAKXw/cDoso9N9__s/s1600/DSC09639.JPG" height="640" title="View of Ischia Ponte from the castle" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Ischia Ponte from the castle</td></tr>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Entry 10 euro</li>
<li>Open everyday, 9:00 until sunset</li>
<li>Two cafes & a bookshop to take a break + a private hotel </li>
<li>Lots of walking and minimal shade - bring your walking shoes & sunscreen</li>
<li>Though the history is fascinating (pamphlet that comes with entrance is extremely helpful & in English), one of the highlights of the castle is the views. In addition, the <a href="http://www.worldwanderingkiwi.com/2011/12/island-of-ischia-italy/" target="_blank">nun's cemetery</a> where dead nuns were placed to rot next to praying nuns is of gruesome interest. The small torture museum - as are so many in Europe - is a little cheesy, but morbidly fun. </li>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ischiareview.com/beaches-of-ischia.html" target="_blank">Beaches</a>...</span></h4>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mPRYI-SNDbw/U9Dks2lh0GI/AAAAAAAAKVo/tTp_ZnQvj0E/s1600/DSC08254.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Best Italian beaches" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mPRYI-SNDbw/U9Dks2lh0GI/AAAAAAAAKVo/tTp_ZnQvj0E/s1600/DSC08254.JPG" height="480" title="SAN PIETRO BEACH in Ischia, Italy" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Boat ride...</span></h3>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-128L81_54Yg/U9DkldB_LYI/AAAAAAAAKUo/ndi70wR0XX8/s1600/20140623_160621.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="swimming in Ischia, Italy" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-128L81_54Yg/U9DkldB_LYI/AAAAAAAAKUo/ndi70wR0XX8/s1600/20140623_160621.jpg" height="360" title="la grotta verde ischia" width="640" /></a></div>
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We
usually skip out of any group activity, but our hotel offered a great
deal of 25 euros for a day of guided boating around the island compete
with 3 swims (including into <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wQZrV4n18g">la grotta verde</a></i>)
a stop in <i>Sant'Angelo</i> plus lunch and wine. While <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">I could not partake in the wine</a>, I indulged in everything else wholeheartedly. <br />
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This was so much better than anything we could have put together. We saw all the other major cities and got to jump off a boat into the absolutely pristine waters. Heaven! We could not stop smiling. Antonia was the embodiment of everything you want an Italian tour guide to be: charismatic, a knowledgeable local and completely welcoming. We all felt like family for the day, taking a group picture and learning Italian drinking songs. Watch for the many special rocks, such as the lovers, mushroom, elephant, camel, etc. If you miss them, Antonio will be happy to point them out.<br />
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You can also rent your own boat or moped which we considered (arranged through your hotel, <a href="http://www.infoischiaprocida.it/" target="_blank">tourism office</a> or on sites like <a href="http://www.ischiareview.com/rentals.html">www.ischiareview.com/rentals</a>), but I don't believe we could have had a better experience doing anything else.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.679640155455969.1073741895.195413127212010&type=1" target="_blank"><i><b>Pics of the boat ride</b></i></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ischiareview.com/towns-of-ischia.html" target="_blank">Towns around the island</a>....</span></h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sant'Angelo</td></tr>
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<h3>
</h3>
<br />
From Antonio, we learned about the differences between <a href="http://www.ischiareview.com/forio.html" target="_blank">Forio</a> and Ischia (they have a slightly different dialect, wine and fierce rivalry). Our short visit to Sant'Anglo only whetted our appetite for the other towns on the island. Other towns: <a href="http://www.ischiareview.com/towns-of-ischia.html" target="_blank">www.ischiareview.com/towns-of-ischia</a><br />
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We spent 4 nights on the island which seemed like a long time for travelers constantly on the go, but we left with still more things we would have liked to have done. Other attractions: <a href="http://www.ischiareview.com/ischia-thermal-spas.html" target="_blank">thermal spas</a> (the island is famed for its healing waters, hence the <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/11/berlins-tropical-island-getting-naked.html" target="_blank">long-time tourism by the spa-loving Germans</a>) <a href="http://www.ischiareview.com/museums-of-ischia.html" target="_blank">museums</a> & <a href="http://www.ischiareview.com/gardens-of-ischia.html" target="_blank">gardens</a> and <a href="http://www.ischiareview.com/mount-epomeo.html" target="_blank">Mount Epomeo</a>.<br />
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<b>Ian</b><br />
<i>4 lemons</i><br />
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Not a ton of sights in the traditional sense of the word, but for a relaxing getaway it was perfect. <i>Castello Aragonese</i> was amazing - so glad we visited it. The island and its natural beauty is a sight in itself. <br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">Dining in Ischia</span></b></h3>
<b>ebe</b><br />
<i>4.5 lemons</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0g-UOB2V3n4/U9Dk5vZlg6I/AAAAAAAAKXM/vwxOuEo53UU/s1600/DSC09582.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Lemons in Ischia, Italy" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0g-UOB2V3n4/U9Dk5vZlg6I/AAAAAAAAKXM/vwxOuEo53UU/s1600/DSC09582.JPG" height="214" title="Amalfi coast lemons" width="320" /></a>Besides those ridiculously giant Amalfi lemons, the island is known for its pizza, seafood and rabbit stew. We ate all of it. And loved it. A lot.<br />
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Our first night we picked a random pizza joint, <a href="https://plus.google.com/113881351607498378702/about?gl=de&hl=en" target="_blank">Ristorante Pizzeria Pirozzi</a>, in Ischia Ponte that had us falling in love with Italy all over again. What looked like just a little hole-in-the-wall offered beautiful made-to-order, stone oven pizza for less than 5 euros. We ordered two and had left-overs for breakfast. They also threw in a bunch of <i>coccoli </i>(fried dough balls) for apparently no reason. I love <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/Italy" target="_blank">Italy</a>. <br />
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We also dined on the Italian breakfast essentials of sweets and espresso every mornings. What a diet! We even got an elegant glass container when we asked to take our espresso with us.The Italians like their espresso super strong and with a ton of sugar - which we tried again - but we actually drank ours straight. (Note that the Mexico espresso comes with sugar.) And remember, don't order a cappuccino after breakfast time!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0uREqjGqE6Y/U9Dk8VMLZ5I/AAAAAAAAKXk/ihqO77VIMX4/s1600/DSC09612.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="eating at grocery stores while travelling" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0uREqjGqE6Y/U9Dk8VMLZ5I/AAAAAAAAKXk/ihqO77VIMX4/s1600/DSC09612.JPG" height="256" title="picnicking in Ischia, Italy " width="320" /></a>As is our want to do (or any knowledgeable traveler on a budget), we spent a decent amount of time picnicking. Two nearby grocery stores made this fairly easy to do - despite the midday siestas and early closing time. Fresh prosciutto, pesto, buffalo mozzarella and the delightfully sparkling water had us feasting for days. I am not a fan of <a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/planyourtrip/tp/8-Non-Alcoholic-Summer-Drinks-in-Germany.htm" target="_blank">Germany's aggressively <i>sprudel</i>ed water</a>, but this clean-tasting, thirst quenching Italian water for just a euro at any convenience shop put even <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/in-love-with-berlin.html" target="_blank">Berlin</a>'s <span class="st"><i>Späti</i> </span><i></i>to shame. <br />
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The highlight of the meals was when we dined in one night. The Hotel Europa offers full service and though we only partook once, I would highly recommend it. Reservations should be made in the morning (just let the desk or dining room know you want dinner) and is served around 8pm. For the first time, I tasted gnocchi as they are meant to be. Pillowly and lightly bathed in sauce, our meal was off to a beautiful start. Next was the dish we had heard the most about, the rabbit stew or <i>Coniglio Al'ischiatana</i>. When we made reservations that morning, Antonio had cheerfully explained that "...this is the meal every Italian mama is making on Sunday night". Sign us up for an Italian mama please! Though we were initially disconcerted by the full bunny head on my plate (sorry <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/08/herr-schmidt-rabbit.html">Schmidty</a>), the delectable taste had me gleefully pulling apart the soft cheek meat. Delicious!<br />
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More <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.679212318832086.1073741894.195413127212010&type=1" target="_blank">pics of our eats on our facebook page</a>. Ischia review once again comes with loads of great info on restaurants: <a href="http://www.ischiareview.com/restaurants-in-ischia.html">www.ischiareview.com/restaurants-in-ischia </a><br />
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<b>ebe</b><br />
<i>4.25 lemons</i><br />
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Best meal was at the hotel - rabbit skull and all! Thanks Schmidty.<br />
<br />
Amazingly cheap pizza. Great picnicking opportunities with buffalo mozzarella & pesto. Gotta love the Italian grub. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CuQoraNnTxg/U9DklOxmEBI/AAAAAAAAKUs/JRxhHRTc6lo/s1600/20140623_210502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dining in Italy" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CuQoraNnTxg/U9DklOxmEBI/AAAAAAAAKUs/JRxhHRTc6lo/s1600/20140623_210502.jpg" height="640" title="mussels in Ischia, Italy " width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Though not a fan of the all-business tourist trade from the restaurant at the foot of the castle, Ian enjoyed his mussels. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-89Jj1WpQz94/U9DkuabROaI/AAAAAAAAKVw/L-skEwO_ACg/s1600/DSC08272.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="travel guide to Italian breakfast " border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-89Jj1WpQz94/U9DkuabROaI/AAAAAAAAKVw/L-skEwO_ACg/s1600/DSC08272.JPG" height="480" title="pastries in Ischia, Italy " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Italian breakfast</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gvLoxFh-Gl0/U9Dkxmvq6BI/AAAAAAAAKWI/m0j4yNAF888/s1600/DSC08292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Italian espresso " border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gvLoxFh-Gl0/U9Dkxmvq6BI/AAAAAAAAKWI/m0j4yNAF888/s1600/DSC08292.JPG" height="640" title="coffee in Ischia, Italy " width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two espressos to go</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Tb_B_jJ8to/U9Dlvo276TI/AAAAAAAAKYM/6C1u3wPKuvg/s1600/DSC09599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="eating in Italy" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Tb_B_jJ8to/U9Dlvo276TI/AAAAAAAAKYM/6C1u3wPKuvg/s1600/DSC09599.JPG" height="428" title="Restaurants in Ischia, Italy " width="640" /></a></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Overall Ranking for Ischia</span></span></h2>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-niJAsOfiMeg/U9DkpNnau4I/AAAAAAAAKVM/susbQNnQ0r0/s1600/DSC08236.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Italian sunset" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-niJAsOfiMeg/U9DkpNnau4I/AAAAAAAAKVM/susbQNnQ0r0/s1600/DSC08236.jpg" height="480" title="Ischia, Italy " width="640" /></a></h2>
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<b>ebe</b><br />
<i>5 lemons</i><br />
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Though I didn't give out many straight up 5's on the lemon scale, this vacation and location was a straight-up 5. A 10. A 1,000! We just loved it. <br />
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For once, we actually relaxed on a vacation, spending our days lazing in the room, picnicking on the rooftop deck, swimming in the pool then the sea, riding in a boat like high-rollers and eating our way through the east side of the island. I don't know how we will ever top this trip, but we're going to try. Adventure on!<br />
<b>ebe</b><br />
<i>5 lemons</i><br />
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The individual categories might not have made it a 5, but when we look back this will always be a trip we dream about. Everything really came together to make it a perfect vacation. Everything we wanted and more. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OWeJHbsZUgU/U9DkrNE1yoI/AAAAAAAAKVg/1iGSHCS4C0E/s1600/DSC08243.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="PorterBalls travel " border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OWeJHbsZUgU/U9DkrNE1yoI/AAAAAAAAKVg/1iGSHCS4C0E/s1600/DSC08243.JPG" height="480" title="Review of Ischia, Italy " width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Ischia is magic. </b>This video offers an overview of everything we've talked about, but feel free to <a href="https://twitter.com/texkourgan" target="_blank">ask</a> because I could talk about this vacation forever...and probably will.<b><br /></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Want more on Naples?</span></h3>
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<a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/07/naples-when-moon-hits-your-eye.html" target="_blank">Naples - When the Moon Hits Your Eye</a></div>
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<a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/08/escape-from-naples.html" target="_blank">Island of Procida</a></div>
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Day trip to <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/07/visiting-site-of-gruesome-demise-pompeii.html" target="_blank">Pompeii</a></div>
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Pictures of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.335604543192867.81348.195413127212010&type=1&l=92da675328" target="_blank">Street Art of Naples</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Compare these scores against some of the other places we've been with the "<a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/ratings" target="_blank">Ratings</a>" tag at the bottom. </i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com5Ischia Naples, Italy40.7379299 13.94861839999998740.6897999 13.867937399999986 40.7860599 14.029299399999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-74926388271013957182014-07-16T18:17:00.001+02:002014-07-22T09:36:08.127+02:00Where to Take Your Parents for German Castles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My parents never intended to go to <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/germany" target="_blank">Germany</a>. They certainly didn't envision spending so much time in <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/in-love-with-berlin.html" target="_blank">Berlin</a>. They really never thought they might have to watch their <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">future grandchild</a> <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/04/babies-and-parents-and-instagram-oh-my.html" target="_blank">grow up speaking German</a> (hopefully).<br />
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So when we can make concessions, we do what we can. On their last visit to see us in Europe we put in some time to see one of their favorite things: Castles! <br />
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Note: Not all locations have been tested on our parents, but I feel pretty certain recommending them after our visit. <br />
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093779/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093779/" src="http://37.media.tumblr.com/8051021cf0c01d72f0ea61aaab74f7c1/tumblr_mzaalumFNh1rxm0ceo2_250.gif" height="326" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Burg Eltz</span></h2>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gKuY2_FX93U/U8Z91wBq9XI/AAAAAAAAKK8/SLaktIublOo/s1600/1929983_526436939250_5427_n.jpg"><img alt="Castle Tour in Germany " border="0" height="427" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gKuY2_FX93U/U8Z91wBq9XI/AAAAAAAAKK8/SLaktIublOo/s1600/1929983_526436939250_5427_n.jpg" title="Burg Eltz Germany" width="640" /></a></div>
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On my <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/10/parents-are-coming-parents-are-coming.html">parent's first visit to Europe</a>, we never even made it out of the country. That doesn't mean we were disappointed in what the country had to offer in the castle department.<br />
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Our first castle was possibly the most glorious. Recommended by our personal travel guru, <a href="https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/three-rhineland-castles" target="_blank">Rick Steves</a>, this beast of a castle is unusually settled down in a valley. Family owned for over 850 years, it is now shared by three families with part of the castle still available to tour. <br />
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<b>What? </b><a href="http://burg-eltz.de/" target="_blank">Burg Eltz</a><b> </b><br />
<b>Where?</b> Kastellane,
56294 Wierschem. An hour's drive from the Rhine (less from the <a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/Mosel-Valley/fl/Mosel-Valley-Destination-Guide.htm" target="_blank">Mosel</a>) between <a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/Mosel-Valley/tp/Towns-of-the-Mosel-Valley.htm" target="_blank">Koblenz and Cochem</a>.<br />
<b>How? </b>Tours are available on a 45-minute tour (included in
9 euro entry price)<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Cochem</span></h2>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DsEWQAsjIAw/U8aBRgjXWKI/AAAAAAAAKLI/uYiBEqBZQnI/s1600/DSC07361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="castles in Germany " border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DsEWQAsjIAw/U8aBRgjXWKI/AAAAAAAAKLI/uYiBEqBZQnI/s1600/DSC07361.JPG" height="480" title="Cochem Germany " width="640" /></a></div>
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This last visit with the P's was the second time we viewed the lovely <a href="http://www.burg-cochem.de/home.html" target="_blank">Reichsburg Cochem</a><br />
from afar. You see it as you drive along the <a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/Mosel-Valley/fl/Mosel-Valley-Destination-Guide.htm" target="_blank">Mosel</a> from miles away, teasingly peeking around the corners. <br />
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We tried driving up to the castle, but its tiny winding streets were a little too much for my champion driving mom. Luckily, that town is crazy charming. Maybe next time we'll make it to the castle, but it is still pretty good just having it in the background. <br />
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<b>What? </b><a href="http://gogermany.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=gogermany&cdn=travel&tm=10&f=22&tt=3&bt=7&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.burg-cochem.de/home.html" target="_blank">Reichsburg Cochem</a><br />
<b>Where?</b> Schlossstraße 36, 56812 Cochem <br />
<b>How? </b>Tours of the largest hill-castle on the Mosel are available for 5 euro<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sanssouci</span></h2>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-NKogBSNY0/U8aN1EJZ3mI/AAAAAAAAKLY/i7vEDs68PRs/s1600/Sanssouci.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="palaces in Germany " border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-NKogBSNY0/U8aN1EJZ3mI/AAAAAAAAKLY/i7vEDs68PRs/s1600/Sanssouci.jpg" height="480" title="Sanssouci Berlin Germany" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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Berlin isn't often called outright pretty, but Frederick the Great, King of Prussia,'s summer palace in Potsdam really is. The royals sunny home rivals Versailles with a name that means "no worries".<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><br />
<b>What? </b><a href="http://www.spsg.de/schloesser-gaerten/objekt/schloss-sanssouci/" target="_blank">Sanssouci</a><br />
<b>Where?</b> <span class="kno-fv _zD">Maulbeerallee, 14469 Potsdam</span> <br />
<b>How? </b>Walk the grounds for free, or pay to enter the many buildings around the ground for 12 euro<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Bamberg </span></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GpA-O8SWJ_0/U8aYDtC8xjI/AAAAAAAAKMg/AjtcAhZAM78/s1600/bamberg+castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="German castle tour" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GpA-O8SWJ_0/U8aYDtC8xjI/AAAAAAAAKMg/AjtcAhZAM78/s1600/bamberg+castle.jpg" height="640" title="Bamberg Altenburg " width="468" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ww4X1c1XZQ/U8aYDnCsptI/AAAAAAAAKMc/jPgTe_F7svk/s1600/view+from+castle+in+bamberg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="German castle tour" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ww4X1c1XZQ/U8aYDnCsptI/AAAAAAAAKMc/jPgTe_F7svk/s1600/view+from+castle+in+bamberg.jpg" height="480" title="view from Altenburg in Bamberg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of our favorite German towns, we love the architecture <i>almost </i>as much as the <a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/foodanddrink/tp/Beer-in-Bamberg.htm">beer</a>. The castle is located high up on a hilltop above the city and offers spectacular views of the rest of the town's gorgeous medieval structures. Mostly destroyed and rebuilt, it is fairly basic but the views are worth the trek. <b><br /></b><br />
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<b>What? </b><span class="st"><a href="http://www.altenburgverein.de/" target="_blank">Altenburg</a> </span><a href="http://www.spsg.de/schloesser-gaerten/objekt/schloss-sanssouci/" target="_blank"></a>(<a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/citiesandregions/tp/7-Top-Attractions-of-Bamberg.htm" target="_blank">Bamberg attractions in my about.com article)</a><br />
<b>Where?</b> Altenburg 1, 96049 Bamberg <br />
<b>How? </b>Walk the grounds for free or get a meal at the restaurant<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Drachenfels </span></h2>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-McC6AStg7gs/U8fAsaYQnhI/AAAAAAAAKNA/SK0w6-2IZDg/s1600/311613_851213624170_5666106_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="castles in Germany" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-McC6AStg7gs/U8fAsaYQnhI/AAAAAAAAKNA/SK0w6-2IZDg/s1600/311613_851213624170_5666106_n.jpg" height="640" title="Drachenfels Germany" width="426" /></a></div>
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On our way to <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/09/belgium-beer-run.html">Belgium on a beer run</a> (ah, European life) we stopped in Cologne to see our adopted little bro. On a whim, we took a short detour to Schloss Drachenburg on <i>Drachenfels</i>. The castle is a modern recreation, but it is impressive all on its own with stunning views. The name of the mountain and earlier ruins near the top means "Dragon's Rock" and refers to the story of Siegfried, the hero of the Nibelungenlied, who is said to have killed the dragon <i>Fafnir </i>who lived here and bathed in its blood to become invulnerable. Awesomely gruesome. <br />
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For parents (or kids), I highly recommend taking the tram up the mountain. We walked and though doable, the tram is quite charming.<br />
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<b>What? </b><a href="http://www.schloss-drachenburg.de/">Schloss Drachenburg</a> + <a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/sightsandattractions/fl/Visit-Drachenfels-A-German-Fairytale-Castle.htm" target="_blank">about.com visitor info</a><br />
<b>Where?</b> Drachenfelsstrasse 118 53639 Königswinter Germany <br />
<b>How? </b>Walk up the mountain or take the tram to this mountain perched castle. Admission is 6 euro. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Schloss Charlottenburg</span></h2>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMc-MGIVZfo/U8aQU1AgXsI/AAAAAAAAKLk/IKD9wnbK3Pg/s1600/DSC09240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMc-MGIVZfo/U8aQU1AgXsI/AAAAAAAAKLk/IKD9wnbK3Pg/s1600/DSC09240.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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Located out west in Berlin, this is the largest palace in the city. Built at the end of the 17th century, it has been expanded and re-constructed throughout the years and along with the palace has an expansive grounds.<br />
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The first time we visited we walked the grounds I marveled at the people jogging the royal gardens as if this were just a normal track. So this is European living, eh? We've ventured out here for visitors, the nearby Picasso museum and <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/12/the-best-christmas-market-in-germany.html" target="_blank">Christmas markets</a>, but for some reason I hadn't gotten the parents out here til the last visit. They were impressed with its regal design and I loved the easy to use audio tour. I really am <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/in-love-with-berlin.html" target="_blank">in love with this city</a> and enjoy learning everything about it. <br />
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<b>What? </b><a href="http://www.spsg.de/schloesser-gaerten/objekt/schloss-charlottenburg-altes-schloss/" target="_blank">Charlottenburg Palace</a><br />
<b>Where?</b> <span class="kno-fv _zD">Spandauer Damm 20-24, 14059 Berlin</span><br />
<b>How? </b>Walk the grounds for free, or pay to enter the palace for 12 euro (Note the 3 euro fee for pics within the building. I hate that, but am glad <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/beakymcgee/sets/72157644319676956/" target="_blank">my mum got to snap some pics</a>).<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Neuschwanstein</span></h2>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vrSFs5R6mmg/U8aaMo0DX1I/AAAAAAAAKMw/WWxNL0P6ips/s1600/2189602592_97b284f381_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="castles in Germany " border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vrSFs5R6mmg/U8aaMo0DX1I/AAAAAAAAKMw/WWxNL0P6ips/s1600/2189602592_97b284f381_b.jpg" height="428" title="Neuschwanstein Germany" width="640" /></a></div>
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This 19th century Romanesque Revival palace is a bit of a fake, for all its fanfare. It was the inspiration of <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2010/10/california-dreamin.html" target="_blank">Disney</a>'s Sleeping Beaty's castle and was meant to be the escape for reclusive <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_II_of_Bavaria" title="Ludwig II of Bavaria">Ludwig II of Bavaria</a>. This wasn't the only one of Ludwig's elaborate castles. There has been talk that he was bankrupting the state building palace after palace and his mysterious death in a nearby lake holds a few similarities to politics of today. <br />
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That twisted history didn't mean we didn't want to see it. On the contrary. On a trip down to <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2008/01/trip-down-south.html" target="_blank">Austria, Ljubljana and Bled</a> we made a stop in Füssen to see the castle. And my, oh my is she a beauty. <br />
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<b>What? </b><a href="http://www.neuschwanstein.de/index.htm" target="_blank">Neuschwanstein</a><br />
<b>Where?</b> <span class="kno-fv _zD">Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau</span><span class="kno-fv _zD"></span><br />
<b>How? </b>This castle has an international draw and waits can be quite long, but for no more than other castles on this list at 12 euro, it is well worth it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Coburg Castle </span></h2>
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On our way back from <a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/citiesandregions/tp/7-Top-Attractions-of-Bamberg.htm">Bamberg</a>, we thought we could fit in another castle. And what a castle! <br />
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Once
the refuge of Martin Luther, this Bavaria castle (about 100 km north of
Nuremberg) was partially destroyed in WWII but has been meticulously
restored. It is one of the largest surviving medieval fortresses in
Germany.<br />
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<b>What? </b><a href="http://www.kunstsammlungen-coburg.de/" target="_blank">Veste Coburg</a> (<a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/castles/fl/Visit-Coburg-Castle.htm" target="_blank">Visitor details on my about.com article</a>)<br />
<b>Where?</b> Kunstsammlungen der Veste Coburg, D-96450 Coburg, Germany<br />
<b>How? </b>Walking the grounds (complete with views) is free with access to the interior and art museums for 8 euro<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Bonus Castles!</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Even though we aren't nearly as castle-loving as my parents, we've managed to visit more than a few European castles and palaces. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/05/where-to-take-your-parents-in.html" target="_blank">Bellinzona, Italy </a></li>
<li><a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/12/bratislava-not-as-bad-as-people-say.html" target="_blank">Bratislava, Slovakia </a></li>
<li><a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/07/copen-hoggin-all-of-our-money.html" target="_blank">Copenhagen, Denmark</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/05/cardiff-love.html" target="_blank">Cardiff, Wales</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/01/disneylandin-paris.html" target="_blank">Disneyland Paris, France</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/11/buda-love.html" target="_blank">Budapest, Hungary</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2010/12/poland-beautiful.html" target="_blank">Krakow, Poland</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/10/placing-poland.html" target="_blank">Ducal Castle, Szczecin, Poland</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2008/08/quack-quack-meuw-meuw-vroom-vroom.html" target="_blank">Sighisoara, Romania</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2009/07/proposal.html" target="_blank">Tower of London, England</a></li>
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<i>More <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/where-we-been-where-were-going.html" target="_blank">places we've been</a>...</i></h3>
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<i> <img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dfP7qkX3reo/U7EU_vOS3KI/AAAAAAAAKJg/BSLIyutlmN8/s1600/DSC09211.JPG" height="428" width="640" /> </i></h3>
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It is impossible to ignore that the World Cup is happening right now. And <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/germany" target="_blank">Germany</a> is winning.<br />
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News of the tournament is all over <a href="https://erinebeporter.contently.com/" target="_blank">social media</a>, I've covered <a href="http://texkourgan.blogexpat.com/blog/2014/06/12/where-to-watch-the-2014-world-cup-in-berlin" target="_blank">where to watch in Berlin</a> on <a href="http://www.easyexpat.com/" target="_blank">EasyExpat</a> and <a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/eventsandfestivals/fl/Where-to-watch-the-2014-World-Cup-in-Germany.htm" target="_blank">Where to Watch in Germany</a> on <a href="http://gogermany.about.com/" target="_blank">about.com</a> and every night there are fireworks announcing each goal. While our stamina is sadly sub-par to watching all the games, we've rallied around the <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/American" target="_blank">US</a> team (before their loss to Belgium) and worn our Germany colors proudly <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/in-love-with-berlin.html" target="_blank">around town</a>. <br />
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Last night's <a href="http://gawker.com/erasing-brazil-from-the-germany-brazil-match-doesnt-cha-1603628066" target="_blank">game between Brazil and Germany</a> was a slaughter. Total annihilation. A complete, unbelievable joy to watch for Germany fans like us. Enjoyment was elevated even more when I tuned in to what people were saying on <a href="https://twitter.com/texkourgan" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Top 14 Tweets of the #BRAGER World Cup Game</span></h2>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
What the hell does the Brazilian coach say during his half time pep talk?... "umm.....so that didn't go to plan did it?"<br />
— MyDBerlin (@MyDBerlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/MyDBerlin/statuses/486611714176471040">July 8, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
If only the Germans had a word for taking pleasure in the misfortunes of others.<br />
— delrayser (@delrayser) <a href="https://twitter.com/delrayser/statuses/486616796854644736">July 8, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
to rub salt into the wounds, the Copacabana will be covered in German towels by 8am tomorrow.<br />
— Gerry Braiden (@GerryBraiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/GerryBraiden/statuses/486610991623335936">July 8, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
"We're losing by THIS much" <a href="http://t.co/E4SZEUMrx0">pic.twitter.com/E4SZEUMrx0</a><br />
— Domenic Fazioli (@DomenicFazioli) <a href="https://twitter.com/DomenicFazioli/statuses/486612419641233408">July 8, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Brazil's only hope now is if the Germans overreach and start playing Russia at the same time.<br />
— Benjamin Partridge (@benpartridge) <a href="https://twitter.com/benpartridge/statuses/486610527003877377">July 8, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Seriously, what did you expect from a team with players named Dante, Caesar, and Hulk if not betrayal and hell?<br />
— umair haque (@umairh) <a href="https://twitter.com/umairh/statuses/486622792469598208">July 8, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
IS THERE A LONG GERMAN WORD FOR HOLDING BACK A BIT SO YOU DON'T EMBARRASS YOUR OPPONENT TOO MUCH? NO. NO THERE ISN'T.<br />
— CANADALEK (@CANADALEK) <a href="https://twitter.com/CANADALEK/statuses/486611856530751491">July 8, 2014</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Brazil's strategy for the 2nd half. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BRAGER?src=hash">#BRAGER</a> <a href="http://t.co/zEvVYrPFzB">pic.twitter.com/zEvVYrPFzB</a><br />
— Kaveh Gharib ✼ قریب (@Kavelicious) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kavelicious/statuses/486612396140535808">July 8, 2014</a></blockquote>
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You know you're German when you can't celebrate this victory without thinking about the horrible, inevitable headlines of tomorrow. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BRAGER?src=hash">#BRAGER</a><br />
— PewPewPew (@reeft) <a href="https://twitter.com/reeft/statuses/486623195261571074">July 8, 2014</a></blockquote>
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"Stop! Stop he's already dead!" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup2014?src=hash">#WorldCup2014</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BrazilvsGermany?src=hash">#BrazilvsGermany</a> <a href="http://t.co/C0kG0pLPRb">pic.twitter.com/C0kG0pLPRb</a><br />
— SimpsonsQOTD (@SimpsonsQOTD) <a href="https://twitter.com/SimpsonsQOTD/statuses/486625076293681154">July 8, 2014</a></blockquote>
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BREAKING: Live picture of Brazil's Christ the Redeemer statue <a href="http://t.co/qVwhfydUTY">pic.twitter.com/qVwhfydUTY</a><br />
— World Cup 2014 (@World) <a href="https://twitter.com/World/statuses/486618460248502272">July 8, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Special mention to all those who spent EUR 80 on a Brazil jersey.<br />
— fw: fw: fw: (@bootsbosley) <a href="https://twitter.com/bootsbosley/statuses/486629630364110850">July 8, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Seven knows I'm miserable now.
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BrazilvsGermany?src=hash">#BrazilvsGermany</a> <a href="http://t.co/Qkhqx0nuN7">pic.twitter.com/Qkhqx0nuN7</a><br />
— Troubled Morrissey (@troubledmozza) <a href="https://twitter.com/troubledmozza/statuses/486627865866539008">July 8, 2014</a></blockquote>
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7-1. Unsurprisingly, German has a word for that: Anstandstor, "courtesy goal”. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BRAGER?src=hash">#BRAGER</a><br />
— Digital Cosmonaut (@iamkosmonaut) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamkosmonaut/statuses/486628832347426816">July 8, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Just beautiful Germany, and twitter universe. I look forward to the final this Sunday, July 13th.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">UPDATE:</span></h3>
<b>World Champions</b>. <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jul/13/germany-world-cup-final-football" target="_blank">Germany just won the 2014 World Cup</a>.<br />
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I am just trying to get used to those words. Even after our exciting <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/02/falling-in-love-with-nfl-in-europe.html" target="_blank">Seahawks win</a>, we weren't prepared for this excitement. Congrats <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">baby</a> - you are getting born in a championship year.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Photos of the <a href="http://texkourgan.blogexpat.com/blog/2014/06/12/where-to-watch-the-2014-world-cup-in-berlin" target="_blank">World Cup viewings in Berlin</a>:</span></h4>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-41084595901908418582014-06-19T14:41:00.000+02:002014-06-19T15:34:01.242+02:00Lost Pet in Germany<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-98bV3s7ECoU/U6K1Qj_Hx9I/AAAAAAAAKGg/SeUCpxfJa5Y/s1600/DSCN9727.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="How to find your lost cat in Berlin" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-98bV3s7ECoU/U6K1Qj_Hx9I/AAAAAAAAKGg/SeUCpxfJa5Y/s1600/DSCN9727.JPG" height="320" title="Lost Pet in Germany" width="240" /></a>I've written about our <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/11/bellatrix-badou.html">cat</a>, <a href="http://easyexpat.blogexpat.com/blog/2011/04/06/expat-pets-bringing-along-fido">importing pets from abroad</a> and <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/08/herr-schmidt-rabbit.html">adopting the bunnies</a> - I never wanted to write a post about a lost cat in Berlin. But there we were on Monday, preparing for my 21-week <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/post/89041770922/we-had-a-21-week-visit-on-monday-and-outside">pregnancy check</a> with our power still out in the kitchen (a <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/apartment">German apartment</a> story for another time) realizing the cat wasn't in the house. Catastrophes never happen at a good time. <br />
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As we live on the 6th floor attic apartment (<i>dachgeschoss</i>) with nowhere for the Bellatrix to go but out the window, we could guess what had happened. Hot days and nights have us cracking the windows to coax in a nighttime breeze and a strong wind must have opened the windows enough for the cat to take a cool rooftop stroll. I was already close to tears, but Ian comforted me by telling me her only recourse was to go into one of our neighbor's apartment. We would put up signs all over the <i>Hof</i> (courtyard) and entrances and when a neighbor found a furry surprise visitor they would give us a call.<br />
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(The last few days have been traumatic and I go into detail here, but rest assured we have a happy ending. If are just looking for tips to find a<b> lost pet in Germany</b> scroll to the end.) </div>
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Distractedly, we set off for our appointment (<a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/post/89041770922/we-had-a-21-week-visit-on-monday-and-outside">all good</a> - whew!) and I hurried home to put up some some quickie signs. I tried to work throughout the day, anxiously checking my phone from time to time and researching "Lost Cat" (<i>Katze entlaufen</i>) tips. By that evening we hadn't heard a word but we were committed to meeting <a href="http://movingpostcard.com/about-moving-postcard-luci-westphal/">friends</a> who were briefly in town and watching the first <a href="http://texkourgan.blogexpat.com/blog/2014/06/12/where-to-watch-the-2014-world-cup-in-berlin">German World Cup game</a>. My heart wasn't completely in it, but sitting at home wasn't doing us a lot of good. <br />
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Halfway through the game we received a call. Our neighbor had found the cat and as she was allergic, Ian understood her to stay that she had put the cat in the garden house in the <i>Hof</i>. Uneasy as we were about the exact location of the cat, we were immensely relieved that she had been found. We alternately felt like strangling or snuggling her to death. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MDZONtWAquM/U6K3nlvw8TI/AAAAAAAAKHc/leEeqFw_uhc/s1600/buttmannstr+rooftop.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lost Cat in Germany " border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MDZONtWAquM/U6K3nlvw8TI/AAAAAAAAKHc/leEeqFw_uhc/s1600/buttmannstr+rooftop.JPG" height="640" title="Berlin apartment roof" width="633" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out our window and onto the roof</td></tr>
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We arrived at the address she had given and realized with a start that this shared our building's <i>Hof </i>. More alarming - we knew there was no garden house. We walked into the <i>Hof </i>in a daze and Ian called the woman again, trying to figure out where she had left our cat. She said she put the cat in the <i>Hof </i>earlier that morning...which has one open side to another courtyard and at least 5 doorways to the street. We were stunned. She had taken our little house cat from her lofty perch above the city and basically released her to the wilds of Berlin. </div>
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Ian tried lame jokes like "She doesn't even speak German.", but mostly we were just devastated. There was no sign of our little sleep buddy. We had adopted Bellatrix Badou at 6 weeks old (after her feral mother ran off), flew her over a continent and an ocean and loved her for close to a decade. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUURIgAUt0Y/U6K1elnOyAI/AAAAAAAAKGs/Qs_ygN_aCGI/s1600/IMG_1510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lost Pet in Germany" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUURIgAUt0Y/U6K1elnOyAI/AAAAAAAAKGs/Qs_ygN_aCGI/s1600/IMG_1510.JPG" height="300" title="Cats in Berlin " width="400" /></a></div>
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We were murderous at the totally illogical actions of our neighbor, but there was nothing to do but form a plan and get her back. I lost hope early but continued to brainstorm and contact the authorities in my <a href="http://texkourgan.blogexpat.com/blog/2013/04/08/guess-who-s-coming-to-das-perfekte-dinner" target="_blank">terrible German</a>. Ian was our beacon of hope and kept telling me we would get her back. We were on a mission.<br />
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That night I created a more formal flyer and posted them around our <i>Kiez </i>(neighborhood). Through tears I picked out a picture that most identified our typical gray and black tabby and learned that was called <i>getigerte</i> in German. She looked like a total bitch in the picture which made me cry harder.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DJYCiaLv5Ns/U6K9bIqWceI/AAAAAAAAKH0/R7grGuJvr-c/s1600/bella+craigslist.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to find lost cat in Berlin " border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DJYCiaLv5Ns/U6K9bIqWceI/AAAAAAAAKH0/R7grGuJvr-c/s1600/bella+craigslist.JPG" height="544" title="Lost Pet in Germany Craigslist ad" width="640" /></a></div>
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We saw more of our block than we have the entire time we lived here. We went into every open building and <i>Hof</i>, searched through every mass of bushes and peeked under every dumpster. <br />
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I couldn't sleep and was up by 6 to check the <i>Hof</i>. I called her name quietly and shook her treats. Nothing. Crawling back into bed, Ian was tossing and turning. He wasn't sleeping well either, but at least he had beers to dull the pain and distract him. I was fully conscious of my distress and haven't <a href="http://www.thefrisky.com/2014-04-03/girl-talk-my-pregnancy-is-really-interfering-with-my-drinking/">wished I could have a beer</a> more strongly in my entire life. <br />
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That day I explored our area six times (all the way up and down <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/07/back-to-berlin-on-house-hunters.html">111 stairs</a>), calling her and shaking the treats pathetically. I again searched the <i>Hof</i>s, noted which signs had been torn down and put up new ones. I was despondent. I knew she wanted to come home - the issue was how? Though I was aggressively keeping an eye on the door situation in the <i>Hof</i>, there was no getting around the many entrances and exits. I was trying to keep the door to our stairwell open and the others closed, but of course it was trash day so the only means of shelter - the dumpsters - had already been rolled out to the street that morning with the doors flung wide open. Our extreme <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/05/sie-ist-vom-pech-verfolgt-or-bad-luck.html">pech</a> seemed to be on a roll. <br />
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I contacted the <i>Tierheim </i>(animal shelter), the police, posted an ad on craigslist, asked people on <a href="https://twitter.com/texkourgan">twitter</a> to keep an eye out, registered her as lost through her registration on petlink and contacted every vet and cat pension in the city. Still, I wasn't hopeful. Though people were sympathetic, they weren't looking like we were. And there was no way for her to get to us. We had to find her. </div>
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The next day (day 3 missing) had me really trying to pull out of a slump. It was Ian's birthday and he didn't deserve any of this bad mojo. I had already surprised him with an ice cream cake at midnight, and now I made him breakfast and slipped a candy bar into his lunch. We both tried to be cheery and did my best to keep the crazy at bay so he could enjoy his day with the <i>Kita</i>. I had put out a box of our old clothes and food out in the <i>Hof </i>the night before and found it untouched that morning. More discouraged. We dabled into the smartphone waters that evening, and almost got to enjoy ourselves at a <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/chicago-williams-bbq-berlin?hrid=_ftxQRG23mlwBgt_jpIvUA" target="_blank">BBQ dinner in Berlin</a>. </div>
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Coming home, we realized some of the signs had a mistake on the phone number. In my tear-stained stupor I had made a colossal mistake on the flyer. For the millionth time, I cursed my luck, my stupid brain, my inability to find our cat. We started our trek around the neighborhood all over again to change the number and add highlights to the poster to draw more attention after being up for a day. One sign had an address where a cat had been seen (we checked it out - no) and we got a call from a possible sighting - but that cat had a collar. But still - this seemed like progress. Maybe the BBQ had turned it all around...</div>
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As Ian headed up the stairs, I told him I was going to check the <i>Hof </i>one last time for the night, calling her and shaking the sorry little can of treats. As I reached the dumpsters, Ian yelled out "I see her!" I froze, terrified my movement would scare her away. "Where?" I shouted back. He had the advantage of being one floor up and I was trying to determine her whereabouts on ground level. "There - behind the garbage!" he pointed. There are like 10 dumpsters. I was immeaditly, non-nonsensically furious and frustrated. But then I saw where he was pointing and we both ran over. I saw nothing, but he explained that she had disappeared behind the dumpster and down a hole. Like Hulk, we flung the dumpster away and exposed a 3.5 foot deep cubby into a cellar with one grate missing - perfect escape for a cat in a busy courtyard. And down near the bottom, as we shakily shone the flashlight app down, we saw Bella. Squinting up at us, doing that dumb cat thing of rubbing against the walls, was our cat. If I put my arm all the way in I could touch her face as she reared up to meet me. I couldn't figure out how she could get out of there, but Ian swore she could. We tried to be patient and figure a way in, but eventually she rallied her strength and jumped out. I grabbed her little body and held her to my chest, joyfully breathing in her putrid garbage-perfumed coat.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's back! Roughly 1 minute after we got her back in the door. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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We've had her back for just over 12 hours and I am so incredibly relieved. Ian got his birthday wish and our family is back together. <br />
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Though clearly no expert (I managed to lose my cat on the 6th floor), there are a few things we did right and many we didn't that might help you if you ever lose a pet in Germany.<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Top Tips for Recovering your Lost Pet in Germany </span></h2>
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<li><b>Microchip your pet: </b>My mom did this to bring Bell over the ocean. Seeing as she didn't have a collar (next tip) it was relief to know she did have one formal ID if she ever did reach the authorities. </li>
<li><b>Collar</b>: As a strictly indoor cat I never saw the need to collar our cat. I know she finds them uncomfortable and I didn't see the need. After 3 restless, unpleasant days of looking for her I can't help but think if she had some obvious ID on we could have saved ourselves a lot of anguish. </li>
<li><b>Know your neighbors: </b>Germans, and Berliners in particular, aren't an overly friendly bunch and while we are head-noddingly familiar with the people next door and a few floors down, we know almost nothing of the people who share the <i>Hof </i>and have their own separate entries and stairwells. Maybe if we had something more than passing familiarity that neighbor would have thought twice before dumping our domesticated house-cat outside. Then again, I don't think we'll be starting with her as both of us are still unreasonably angry at what passed for a reasonable reaction to an unexpected house-guest from her. </li>
<li><b>Flyers: </b>There are templates in Word and from sites like petlink to help you put up flyers quickly - even when you are in a mind-numbing panic. However, that does not safeguard you from making very stupid mistakes (e-hem). Double check all info and provide two contacts if possible (we included our cell # and e-mail). Also - remember to take these down when your pet is found. When I was doing that today a construction worker asked if she was missing. "<i><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="de"><span class="hps">Gefunden</span></span></i>!" I told him happily as I ripped it down. We also left the one flyer up that the person had given a tip on with <i><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="de"><span class="hps">Gefunden</span></span></i><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="de"><span class="hps">. Hopefully other people see and know the system does work. </span></span><i><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="de"><span class="hps"><br /></span></span></i></li>
<li><b>Talk to everyone:</b> We talked to anyone who seemed interested about what the flyers were about and what we were doing. An office worker below us would see me come inspect the <i>Hof</i> and give me an update - it was nice to know he was keeping an eye out. The guy at the nearest <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/in-love-with-berlin.html" target="_blank"><span class="st"><i>Späti</i> </span></a>also did his best to give us hope, checking on our progress and sharing stories about cats in his family that had returned a week later. Everyone was highly sympathetic and even though they weren't directly helpful, they made us feel better and more connected to our community in general. </li>
<li><b>Call the Authorities: </b>Supposedly, the German law states that lost pets must be turned into the <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/08/herr-schmidt-rabbit.html" target="_blank"><i>Tierheim </i></a>(animal shelter). It would have been nice if our neighbor knew that. If she had turned Bella in we probably would have had her back that day. The <a href="http://www.tierschutz-berlin.de/tierheim/kontakt.html" target="_blank">Tierheim's contact page</a> offers info on pets lost and found in Germany (Tel. 030 / 76 888 200 oder -201 or <a href="mailto:tiersammelstelle@tierschutz-berlin.de" target="_blank">tiersammelstelle@tierschutz-berlin.de</a>). And if your pet does end up there, rest assured that this is a no-kill shelter where only pets that are seriously ill are put down. </li>
<li><b>Spread the word: </b>I also sent our flyer and info to the local polizie station, every katze pension, vet, or animal rescue I could find. Google was my friend as I e-mailed anyone I thought could help. Though many didn't respond, a few offered to put her into their list of missing animals. I also posted a Craigslist ad and spread the word on Twitter. Bella's microchip also came with a registration at <a href="http://www.petlink.net/" target="_blank">petlink</a> so I took advantage of their services allowing me to change her status to lost. I don't know how often this would be of help, but I was trying anything. </li>
<li><b>Address risks responsibly</b>: Bella has shown an unhealthy interest
in getting on the roof. Dumb cat. I'd like to say she is cured, but
sayings about "nine lives" and "curiosity killed the cat" allude to
another conclusion. My dad suggested screens, but (as many of you must
know) those are
freakishly uncommon in Germany. I think we will settle for keeping all
windows in Bell's vicinity closed. </li>
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If you came across this posy and actually want to get a pet still (crazy person), I highly recommend <a href="http://www.tierschutz-berlin.de/tierheim.html" target="_blank">Berlin's Tieheim</a>. Not only is the space amazing to visit, they take great care of their animals. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3K1cIfeGzY0/U6K1ftqFHtI/AAAAAAAAKHA/2qfgoD9iK4A/s1600/IMG_6037.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="How to find lost cat in Berlin " border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3K1cIfeGzY0/U6K1ftqFHtI/AAAAAAAAKHA/2qfgoD9iK4A/s1600/IMG_6037.JPG" height="640" title="Lost Pet in Germany " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back at home where she belongs. </td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com4Berlin, Germany52.520006599999988 13.40495399999997552.210736099999991 12.759506999999974 52.829277099999985 14.050400999999976tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-72278659785750579762014-06-12T00:01:00.000+02:002014-06-12T16:56:54.919+02:00Where to Take Your Parents in Alsace-Lorraine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bw03y7Di6uc/U5iZ4k5QxEI/AAAAAAAAKBY/XAPXOFVrxZQ/s1600/colmar+street.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Where to Take Your Parents in Alsace-Lorraine" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bw03y7Di6uc/U5iZ4k5QxEI/AAAAAAAAKBY/XAPXOFVrxZQ/s1600/colmar+street.jpg" height="320" title="Colmar France" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colmar, France</td></tr>
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In typical <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/about-how-we-came-to-be-porterballs.html">PorterBall</a> fashion, we packed a lot into <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/Where%20to%20Take%20Your%20Parents%20in%20Europe">my parent's last trip</a>. After trying out <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/05/where-to-take-your-parents-in.html">Swiss life</a>, we swung through the Alsace-Lorraine region of France on our way back to <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/in-love-with-berlin.html">Berlin</a>. I wanted to give the P's a taste of French life - even if it was German flavored.<br />
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The Alsace-Lorraine region <span class="st">(or <i>Reichsland Elsaß-Lothringen</i> if you're feeling especially Germ-y) </span>has been tossed back and forth between Germany and France several times. Though it currently is in France (and has been since 1922), this mishmash of cultures has resulted in some of the best of both sides. </div>
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<li><b>Must Eat: </b><span class="st"><i>Flàmmeküeche - </i>basically a very thin crust pizza, typically with </span><span class="st"><i>lardons</i> (bacon), white onions and a cream-based sauce.<i><br /></i></span></li>
<li><b>Must drink:</b> <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/drinking" target="_blank">Wine</a>, of course! But Germany's influence means you won't get sniffed at for ordering a beer. Sadly, I could have neither. Another <i><a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/post/82172527596/apfelschorle" target="_blank">apfelshorle</a> s'il vous plaît</i>.</li>
<li><b>Must see:</b> Serious cuteness. <i>Hubsch</i>. <i>Mignon.</i> No matter how you pronounce it, this region is filled with towns straight outta a Disney set. </li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Riquewihr</span></h2>
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My cousin recommended a stop in Riquewihr on our way to Strasbourg. She said it was touristy, but adorable. </div>
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It was. </div>
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We loved it. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uH2uqiwNTFw/U5iQ7g4w6XI/AAAAAAAAJ_4/U0jK_HQ0zFM/s1600/DSC09068.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="French vineyard" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uH2uqiwNTFw/U5iQ7g4w6XI/AAAAAAAAJ_4/U0jK_HQ0zFM/s1600/DSC09068.jpg" height="428" title="Riquewihr France" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jym2aLOFGlc/U5iQ4EReQVI/AAAAAAAAJ_g/HBEzdJJUbLQ/s1600/DSC07157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Where to Take Your Parents in Alsace-Lorraine" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jym2aLOFGlc/U5iQ4EReQVI/AAAAAAAAJ_g/HBEzdJJUbLQ/s1600/DSC07157.jpg" height="640" title="Riquewihr France " width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mmba4tT1Kd8/U5iQ5HgBzTI/AAAAAAAAJ_k/aoUWyIpT72w/s1600/DSC07158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Where to Take Your Parents in Alsace-Lorraine" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mmba4tT1Kd8/U5iQ5HgBzTI/AAAAAAAAJ_k/aoUWyIpT72w/s1600/DSC07158.jpg" height="640" title="Wisteria in Riquewihr France" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UoT-F_xEfc0/U5iQ6iyHFII/AAAAAAAAJ_0/vhsnGxAm8iI/s1600/DSC07161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Riquewihr France" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UoT-F_xEfc0/U5iQ6iyHFII/AAAAAAAAJ_0/vhsnGxAm8iI/s1600/DSC07161.jpg" height="480" title="Where to Take Your Parents in Alsace-Lorraine" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KXCz8s0LSAM/U5iQ8j8EdNI/AAAAAAAAKAI/aGMTUzSHrI8/s1600/DSC09074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Where to Take Your Parents in Alsace-Lorraine" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KXCz8s0LSAM/U5iQ8j8EdNI/AAAAAAAAKAI/aGMTUzSHrI8/s1600/DSC09074.jpg" height="640" title="train in Riquewihr France" width="428" /></a></div>
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This place is ridiculous. From the toy train that takes you through the tiny center which is safely located within medieval walls to the overwhelming aroma of wisteria that seems to cloak the entire region, the place is a fairy tale. Buy a giant <span class="st"><i>meringue </i>(2 euro) and peruse the tourist trappings. There is the usual mix of postcards, wine shops and knick-knacks, but we were dawn to the storks. </span></div>
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<span class="st">Surely our impending <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">special delivery</a> was the reason for our interest, but </span>the stork is actually an emblematic bird of Alsace. Many of the awkward creatures have made their home in the area so check town skylines for nests. Mementos of the baby-bringer can be purchased at almost any shop, but an ornament is the item that caught our eye. In an especially sentimental moment we had my parents sign the back for the kid and I can't wait to put it on our tree this <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/christmas" target="_blank">Christmas</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qWx6ueuMJcc/U5iQ-YV8TMI/AAAAAAAAKAY/owje57oWMCM/s1600/DSC09112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Riquewihr France" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qWx6ueuMJcc/U5iQ-YV8TMI/AAAAAAAAKAY/owje57oWMCM/s1600/DSC09112.JPG" height="640" title="Where to Take Your Parents in Alsace-Lorraine" width="428" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mVINQsMszAo/U5iQ_ULdaYI/AAAAAAAAKAg/tzVPPT2OxS0/s1600/DSC09131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Where to Take Your Parents in Alsace-Lorraine" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mVINQsMszAo/U5iQ_ULdaYI/AAAAAAAAKAg/tzVPPT2OxS0/s1600/DSC09131.jpg" height="428" title="medieval walls of Riquewihr France" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Colmar</span></h2>
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This is straight cheating as we didn't actually take my parents here. On our <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/09/belgium-beer-run.html">Belgium Beer Run</a> we made a stop in <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/09/little-bit-of-german-little-bit-of.html">Colmar</a> on our way back to Berlin. It was one of the few times we rented a car so we chose the smaller of the two well-known cities (the other being Strasbourg - details below) as we figured it was our best shot of seeing it. <br />
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We rented a cheap hotel for about 30 euros a night (complete with <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/09/little-bit-of-german-little-bit-of.html">charming hobo</a>), drank glass after glass of 1 euro wine in the city center and ate one of the most perfect quiches ever created. The place is covered in criss-crossing canals and dangerously crooked buildings. It seems to be held up by charm and pretzel-shuttered window alone. We were enchanted. Parents would be too. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dAYjk4wVSwE/U5iZ0rixTZI/AAAAAAAAKA0/08pw3LGN4cU/s1600/colmar+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Where to Take Your Parents in Alsace-Lorraine" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dAYjk4wVSwE/U5iZ0rixTZI/AAAAAAAAKA0/08pw3LGN4cU/s1600/colmar+bike.jpg" height="640" title="canalas of Colmar France" width="468" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P1TCn-PmT_o/U5iZ0kktf4I/AAAAAAAAKBI/fOOARhINtJw/s1600/colmar+building.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rathaus Colmar France" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P1TCn-PmT_o/U5iZ0kktf4I/AAAAAAAAKBI/fOOARhINtJw/s1600/colmar+building.jpg" height="640" title="Where to Take Your Parents in Alsace-Lorraine" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sUKkxRrJ86c/U5iZ2-9QNMI/AAAAAAAAKBE/LyQdgqOclWs/s1600/colmar+pretzel+shutter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pretzel shutters in Alsace-Lorraine" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sUKkxRrJ86c/U5iZ2-9QNMI/AAAAAAAAKBE/LyQdgqOclWs/s1600/colmar+pretzel+shutter.jpg" height="426" title="Colmar France" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LtCf2J_85HM/U5iZ2Ia_hwI/AAAAAAAAKBA/3N3Lq4ECzBE/s1600/colmar+square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Colmar France" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LtCf2J_85HM/U5iZ2Ia_hwI/AAAAAAAAKBA/3N3Lq4ECzBE/s1600/colmar+square.jpg" height="480" title="Where to Take Your Parents in Alsace-Lorraine" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CSnSgQHIMT0/U5iZ0u9y7GI/AAAAAAAAKAw/ehCcwq0QFi0/s1600/colmar+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Colmar France" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CSnSgQHIMT0/U5iZ0u9y7GI/AAAAAAAAKAw/ehCcwq0QFi0/s1600/colmar+2.jpg" height="480" title="Where to Take Your Parents in Alsace-Lorraine" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Strasbourg</span></h2>
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I thought there was no way this city could compare to the charm of its little sister, Colmar. I was wrong. </div>
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Despite its size (760,000in the metropolitan area - making it the 9th largest in France), it doesn't lose its appeal but simply has more of the things you love. More canals. More precariously leaning buildings. And a lot more cathedral.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFhPIE8fLWE/U5ifPfehTPI/AAAAAAAAKDQ/E-0Fzdo4BRQ/s1600/DSC07241.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Where to Take Your Parents in Alsace-Lorraine" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFhPIE8fLWE/U5ifPfehTPI/AAAAAAAAKDQ/E-0Fzdo4BRQ/s1600/DSC07241.JPG" height="640" title="Cathedral Strasbourg France" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notre Dame of Strasbourg Cathedral</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></h2>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3J3A3xg5Fyc/U5idnIXUO_I/AAAAAAAAKBg/SEZaGUBuERM/s1600/DSC07184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Where to Take Your Parents in Alsace-Lorraine" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3J3A3xg5Fyc/U5idnIXUO_I/AAAAAAAAKBg/SEZaGUBuERM/s1600/DSC07184.JPG" height="640" title="Statues on Bridge in Strasbourg France " width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-amfQ_FUUBCM/U5idoYn_mOI/AAAAAAAAKBk/9VjsRCEelhg/s1600/DSC07190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bridge Strasbourg France " border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-amfQ_FUUBCM/U5idoYn_mOI/AAAAAAAAKBk/9VjsRCEelhg/s1600/DSC07190.jpg" height="480" title="Where to Take Your Parents in Alsace-Lorraine" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yyYujqE7_Bc/U5idsDo4_gI/AAAAAAAAKCA/6RZwkzCOF_Q/s1600/DSC07199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Where to Take Your Parents in Alsace-Lorraine" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yyYujqE7_Bc/U5idsDo4_gI/AAAAAAAAKCA/6RZwkzCOF_Q/s1600/DSC07199.jpg" height="640" title="Grand Island in Strasbourg France " width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grande_%C3%8Ele,_Strasbourg" title="Grande Île, Strasbourg">Grande Île</a></i> (Grand Island)</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWn8GbhpG6U/U5idsdwprEI/AAAAAAAAKCQ/LiGSNdPyufE/s1600/DSC07200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Strasbourg France " border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWn8GbhpG6U/U5idsdwprEI/AAAAAAAAKCQ/LiGSNdPyufE/s1600/DSC07200.jpg" height="480" title="Where to Take Your Parents in Alsace-Lorraine" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-21oKGvNww/U5idtYmFeeI/AAAAAAAAKCM/PzXxnpYw9UU/s1600/DSC07227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Where to Take Your Parents in Alsace-Lorraine" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-21oKGvNww/U5idtYmFeeI/AAAAAAAAKCM/PzXxnpYw9UU/s1600/DSC07227.JPG" height="480" title="AirBnB in Strasbourg France " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stairwell at our AirBnb</td></tr>
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We rented a cheap and surprisingly cute apartment on <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1973199">AirBnB for Strasbourg</a> and I loved almost everything about it from its beautifully worn stone stairs to its friendly and helpful operator to the view of Notre Dame of Strasbourg Cathedral from our windows. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YcmFxzHdUBQ/U5idqNgLm5I/AAAAAAAAKB0/ifYZHvLFsGI/s1600/DSC07194.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Where to Take Your Parents in Alsace-Lorraine" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YcmFxzHdUBQ/U5idqNgLm5I/AAAAAAAAKB0/ifYZHvLFsGI/s1600/DSC07194.jpg" height="640" title="Canals Strasbourg France " width="480" /></a><br />
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We were impressed by the city's cosmopolitan feel while somehow retaining its age-old allure. Nothing about the city was trying too hard. It just <b>was </b>lovely. <br />
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It's also important as the seat of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_Europe">Council of Europe</a> (with its European Court of Human Rights, European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and European Audiovisual Observatory), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurocorps">Eurocorps</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Parliament">European Parliament</a> and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Ombudsman">European Ombudsman</a> of the European Union. The city is also the seat of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Commission_for_Navigation_on_the_Rhine">Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine</a> and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Institute_of_Human_Rights">International Institute of Human Rights.</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9I89ydYx_I/U5idxBuIiDI/AAAAAAAAKCk/L9vbIxolj3I/s1600/DSC09147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Where to Take Your Parents in Alsace-Lorraine" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9I89ydYx_I/U5idxBuIiDI/AAAAAAAAKCk/L9vbIxolj3I/s1600/DSC09147.JPG" height="428" title="Mother Alsace and her fallen sons Strasbourg France " width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother Alsace and her fallen sons - both German and French</td></tr>
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That's not to say that there wasn't anything youthful or playful. As the home of the University of Strasbourg - currently the second largest in France - there is enough nightlife and hipster shops to keep us satisfied had my parents not been around. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TcU-YgIyDDc/U5idxm5QR_I/AAAAAAAAKCs/M68vkelrDJg/s1600/DSC09164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Where to Take Your Parents in Alsace-Lorraine" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TcU-YgIyDDc/U5idxm5QR_I/AAAAAAAAKCs/M68vkelrDJg/s1600/DSC09164.jpg" height="428" title="Lewd graffiti in Strasbourg France" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUfB1LyyNj8/U5idyLz-CdI/AAAAAAAAKC8/zrqO5aqtp0M/s1600/DSC09169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Where to Take Your Parents in Alsace-Lorraine" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUfB1LyyNj8/U5idyLz-CdI/AAAAAAAAKC8/zrqO5aqtp0M/s1600/DSC09169.jpg" height="428" title="Rue de la Rape Strasbourg France" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing our mature side at <i>Rue de la Rape</i>. <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/04/babies-and-parents-and-instagram-oh-my.html" target="_blank">We're gonna be parents</a>!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of Strasbourg Cathedral</td></tr>
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This leg of our dragging-my-parents-throughout-Europe-whether-they-like-it-or-not went swimmingly. It helps that they are exceptionally good sports about it. </div>
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But it is truly easy to be pleased in the Alsace-Lorraine. The place is downright delightful, endearing, attractive and far too easy to fall in love with. With its one foot in France, one foot in Germany approach we were wondering if they are in need of <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/kita" target="_blank">Kita teachers</a>. Moving away from Berlin usually feels unimaginable, but we could almost picture ourselves here. Almost. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com5Alsace, France48.3181795 7.441624100000012745.611104499999996 2.2780501000000131 51.0252545 12.605198100000013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-28313602283287774622014-06-04T16:42:00.000+02:002014-06-06T11:12:37.003+02:00Berlin by Boat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Even with <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/in-love-with-berlin.html">Berlin</a>’s wonderful transportation options, the city can be a monster to traverse. Walking is inevitable no matter your <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/08/berlin-by-foot-by-bvg-by-bike-by-car-by.html">mode of transport</a>, a fact that becomes abundantly clear every time my <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/family">parents</a> are in town. They bravely put on their walking shoes, but a jaunt between major attractions can rack up quite the miles (or kilometers if you're being European about it).<br />
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Luckily, there is an easier way to check out Berlin's top sites and save your parent's feet/sanity. We joined one of the popular boat tours with a departure point around Berliner Dom to get a fresh perspective on Berlin's most impressive tourist sites.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://tours.berlincitytours.com/details/35959/express-cruise" target="_blank">Express Berlin Cruise</a></span></h3>
The express cruise around <i>Museuminsel </i>and Mitte proved the perfect cure for my parent's tired feet. Inexpensive, easy to hop on and at just an hour ride time - this is the best way to get a brief overview of must-sees in Berlin. Or - in our case - see some of our <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/in-love-with-berlin.html">favorites</a> once again. <br />
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The city looks so different from the water. The bustle feels far removed and it is quiet on the boat, even with the squawking of the audio system. Though the information provided is presented in a theatrical manner, I quickly lost interest in the audio tour as I juggled my camera and just watched the city pass by. Kids sat on the edge, swinging their legs above the water; couples danced and dined at the outside bars; and small groups of black-clad teenagers congregated beneath the bridges. It was a passing glance at all the people who call Berlin home<br />
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<!--more-->This is one of the last things we did with my parents before they once again returned to the <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/missing-seattle.html">States</a>. They have been good enough to visit our adopted city three times, and though initially hesitant, I think they've grown to love it. It makes parting a little easier, knowing they approve of <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/04/babies-and-parents-and-instagram-oh-my.html">where we are in life</a> figuratively and literally. But just a little.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prices, other boating options in Berlin and tips:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/sightsandattractions/fl/Cruise-Berlin.htm" target="_blank">gogermany.about.com - Cruise Berlin</a></b></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com1Spree, Berlin, Germany52.4922753 13.39144920000001152.337586800000004 13.068725700000011 52.6469638 13.714172700000011tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-79977416136586301062014-05-21T10:25:00.000+02:002014-06-06T11:12:54.278+02:00Getting all Willy Wonka in Berlin: Ritter Sport Bunte Schokowelt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CnLJHSJLo8s/U3uHBx4kZRI/AAAAAAAAJ68/pKD-IS1jsDc/s1600/DSC07635.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Make your own chocolate in Berlin" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CnLJHSJLo8s/U3uHBx4kZRI/AAAAAAAAJ68/pKD-IS1jsDc/s1600/DSC07635.JPG" height="400" title="Ritter Sport Bunte Schokowelt" width="300" /></a>My parents were on their <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search?q=parents">third visit</a> to <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/in-love-with-berlin.html">Berlin</a> and though we'd had a great time checking out <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/04/babies-and-parents-and-instagram-oh-my.html">baby stuff</a> and traipsing about <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/05/where-to-take-your-parents-in.html">Switzerland</a>, I was determined to show them more to love in my adopted home. After all the war memorials and major <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/06/where-to-take-your-texan-nephew-in.html">tourist sites</a>, I thought chocolate might be the easiest way to charm them. <br />
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But 5 minutes away from the Ritter Sport Chocolate Shop we were forced to turn back by thundering rain and hail. HAIL! Oh, <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/04/april-april-der-weiss-nicht-was-er-will.html">April weather</a>. Brave <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/missing-seattle.html">Northwesters</a> that we are, we were ultimately undeterred and found our way back to the site of one of Germany's most famous chocolates. <br />
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Officially called <i><a href="http://www.ritter-sport.de/#/de_DE/berlin/">Ritter Sport Bunte Schokowelt</a> </i>(Ritter Sport Colorful Chocolate World), I had heard that you can make your own chocolates there. I knew it could be gimmicky and touristy, but this was my chance to be Willy Wonka and there was no way I was passing that up. <br />
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We clearly weren't the only one with this idea as we entered the busy lower level where you select your chocolate innards and joined a line. We were told by the cheery chocolate makers (kidding! No one in the service industry in Berlin in cheery) that there would be a 40 minute wait to collect your chocolate. Boosted by our desire for <span dir="auto"><i>Schokolade</i>, we selected light or dark chocolate, 3 add-ins, paid our 3.90 euro per bar and wandered through the shop, up the stairs, past the small museum and into the chocolate cafe to wait. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YvpZOoEWJpo/U3uG87hhZBI/AAAAAAAAJ6M/N3y7uUAM1wM/s1600/DSC07622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ritter Sport Bunte Schokowelt" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YvpZOoEWJpo/U3uG87hhZBI/AAAAAAAAJ6M/N3y7uUAM1wM/s1600/DSC07622.JPG" height="480" title="Make your own chocolate in Berlin" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The face of German customer service</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-spr73X9bCPk/U3uG_Lhj8HI/AAAAAAAAJ6o/yozm0xhxMYM/s1600/DSC07627.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Make your own chocolate in Berlin" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-spr73X9bCPk/U3uG_Lhj8HI/AAAAAAAAJ6o/yozm0xhxMYM/s1600/DSC07627.JPG" height="480" title="Berlin Ritter Sport Bunte Schokowelt" width="640" /></a></div>
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I perused the walk-through museum and short film as Ian sought out a bathroom and my parents got to rest their weary feet in the cafe. Something for everyone! <br />
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As if we weren't going to get enough chocolate with our individual candy bars, we each ordered a chocolate coffee drink that came with a small side of chocolate. Mine came dusted with coco powder. Seriously. If you have diabetes - run far away. (Sorry <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/about-how-we-came-to-be-porterballs.html">Ian</a>.)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kb0JNAAjojo/U3uG_3rYfoI/AAAAAAAAJ6k/IWCxOBakkv4/s1600/DSC07631.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Make your own chocolate in Berlin" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kb0JNAAjojo/U3uG_3rYfoI/AAAAAAAAJ6k/IWCxOBakkv4/s1600/DSC07631.JPG" height="480" title="Berlin Ritter Sport Bunte Schokowelt cafe" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJCT0_0rHko/U3uHDVOC5kI/AAAAAAAAJ7M/WY3zUWOzxT4/s1600/DSC07637.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Berlin Ritter Sport Bunte Schokowelt" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJCT0_0rHko/U3uHDVOC5kI/AAAAAAAAJ7M/WY3zUWOzxT4/s1600/DSC07637.JPG" height="240" title="Make your own chocolate in Berlin" width="320" /></a>When time was about up, my parents bought some chocolates for gifts (well-priced gift packs) and we made our way to the downstairs counter to collect our bounty. Our receipt with number identified which were ours and 4 different bars were stuffed into their colorful individual containers. While each of us spouted the merits of our chocolate choices, none of us were up for eating more chocolate at that moment. We saved the bars for later and vowed to run a complete taste test with a very biased crew - us. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Ritter Sport Chocolate Bar Taste Test</span></h2>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sgj4kgCghZE/U3uG83mvu4I/AAAAAAAAJ6U/qf-mGHoD1PI/s1600/DSC07624.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Make your own chocolate in Berlin" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sgj4kgCghZE/U3uG83mvu4I/AAAAAAAAJ6U/qf-mGHoD1PI/s1600/DSC07624.JPG" height="300" title="Berlin Ian at Ritter Sport" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tAyIWNdmEsI/U3uG9aXjm6I/AAAAAAAAJ6Q/qNlKfzMeg-M/s1600/DSC07625.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="tourist attraction in Berlin " border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tAyIWNdmEsI/U3uG9aXjm6I/AAAAAAAAJ6Q/qNlKfzMeg-M/s1600/DSC07625.JPG" height="300" title="Make your own chocolate in Berlin" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tAyIWNdmEsI/U3uG9aXjm6I/AAAAAAAAJ6Q/qNlKfzMeg-M/s1600/DSC07625.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tAyIWNdmEsI/U3uG9aXjm6I/AAAAAAAAJ6Q/qNlKfzMeg-M/s1600/DSC07625.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/dad" target="_blank">Dad</a>'s Bar</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ingredients: Milk Chocolate, cranberry, caramelized almonds & gold stars</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-spr73X9bCPk/U3uG_Lhj8HI/AAAAAAAAJ6o/yozm0xhxMYM/s1600/DSC07627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 14.65pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; height: 14.65pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 34.8pt;" valign="top" width="46"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Mom</div>
</td>
<td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-image: none; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; height: 14.65pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 28.65pt;" valign="top" width="38"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Dad</div>
</td>
<td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-image: none; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; height: 14.65pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 24.65pt;" valign="top" width="33"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Ian</div>
</td>
<td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-image: none; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; height: 14.65pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 29.8pt;" valign="top" width="40"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
ebe</div>
</td>
<td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-image: none; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; height: 14.65pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 58.8pt;" valign="top" width="78"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">TOTAL</b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.15pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; height: 15.15pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 34.8pt;" valign="top" width="46"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
4</div>
</td>
<td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 15.15pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 28.65pt;" valign="top" width="38"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
4</div>
</td>
<td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 15.15pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 24.65pt;" valign="top" width="33"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
4</div>
</td>
<td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 15.15pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 29.8pt;" valign="top" width="40"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
3.5</div>
</td>
<td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 15.15pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 58.8pt;" valign="top" width="78"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">15.5</b></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
</a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CnLJHSJLo8s/U3uHBx4kZRI/AAAAAAAAJ68/pKD-IS1jsDc/s1600/DSC07635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/Best%20mum%20ever" target="_blank">Mom</a>'s Bar (Cheryl's Creamy Creation)</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ingredients: Milk Chocolate, cranberry, coco nubs & caramelized almonds</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-spr73X9bCPk/U3uG_Lhj8HI/AAAAAAAAJ6o/yozm0xhxMYM/s1600/DSC07627.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 14.65pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; height: 14.65pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 34.8pt;" valign="top" width="46"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Mom</div>
</td>
<td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-image: none; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; height: 14.65pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 28.65pt;" valign="top" width="38"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Dad</div>
</td>
<td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-image: none; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; height: 14.65pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 24.65pt;" valign="top" width="33"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Ian</div>
</td>
<td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-image: none; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; height: 14.65pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 29.8pt;" valign="top" width="40"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
ebe</div>
</td>
<td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-image: none; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; height: 14.65pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 58.8pt;" valign="top" width="78"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">TOTAL</b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.15pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; height: 15.15pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 34.8pt;" valign="top" width="46"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
3.75</div>
</td>
<td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 15.15pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 28.65pt;" valign="top" width="38"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
3.5</div>
</td>
<td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 15.15pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 24.65pt;" valign="top" width="33"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
3.75</div>
</td>
<td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 15.15pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 29.8pt;" valign="top" width="40"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
3.25</div>
</td>
<td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 15.15pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 58.8pt;" valign="top" width="78"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">14.25</b></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/Ian" target="_blank">Ian</a>'s Bar (Satan's Butthole)</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ingredients: Milk Chocolate, chili powder, red peppercorn & caramelized almonds</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-spr73X9bCPk/U3uG_Lhj8HI/AAAAAAAAJ6o/yozm0xhxMYM/s1600/DSC07627.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 14.65pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; height: 14.65pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 34.8pt;" valign="top" width="46"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Mom</div>
</td>
<td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-image: none; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; height: 14.65pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 28.65pt;" valign="top" width="38"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Dad</div>
</td>
<td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-image: none; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; height: 14.65pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 24.65pt;" valign="top" width="33"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Ian</div>
</td>
<td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-image: none; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; height: 14.65pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 29.8pt;" valign="top" width="40"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
ebe</div>
</td>
<td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-image: none; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; height: 14.65pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 58.8pt;" valign="top" width="78"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">TOTAL</b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.15pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; height: 15.15pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 34.8pt;" valign="top" width="46"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
3.25</div>
</td>
<td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 15.15pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 28.65pt;" valign="top" width="38"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
4</div>
</td>
<td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 15.15pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 24.65pt;" valign="top" width="33"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
3.75</div>
</td>
<td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 15.15pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 29.8pt;" valign="top" width="40"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
2</div>
</td>
<td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 15.15pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 58.8pt;" valign="top" width="78"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">13</b></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/ebe" target="_blank">ebe</a>'s Bar</span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ingredients: Dark Chocolate, raspberry, yogurt bits & coco nubs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-spr73X9bCPk/U3uG_Lhj8HI/AAAAAAAAJ6o/yozm0xhxMYM/s1600/DSC07627.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 14.65pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; height: 14.65pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 34.8pt;" valign="top" width="46"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Mom</div>
</td>
<td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-image: none; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; height: 14.65pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 28.65pt;" valign="top" width="38"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Dad</div>
</td>
<td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-image: none; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; height: 14.65pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 24.65pt;" valign="top" width="33"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Ian</div>
</td>
<td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-image: none; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; height: 14.65pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 29.8pt;" valign="top" width="40"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
ebe</div>
</td>
<td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-image: none; border-style: solid solid solid none; border-width: 1pt 1pt 1pt medium; height: 14.65pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 58.8pt;" valign="top" width="78"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">TOTAL</b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.15pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="-moz-border-bottom-colors: none; -moz-border-left-colors: none; -moz-border-right-colors: none; -moz-border-top-colors: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-image: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt; height: 15.15pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 34.8pt;" valign="top" width="46"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
3.75</div>
</td>
<td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 15.15pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 28.65pt;" valign="top" width="38"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
3.75</div>
</td>
<td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 15.15pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 24.65pt;" valign="top" width="33"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
4.25</div>
</td>
<td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 15.15pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 29.8pt;" valign="top" width="40"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
4.75</div>
</td>
<td style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none solid solid none; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; height: 15.15pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; text-align: center; width: 58.8pt;" valign="top" width="78"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">16.5</b></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Overall, we all stayed fairly conventional on what we added. Ian was the most adventurous and his chocolate bar turned out the worst with the peppercorn turning out dangerously strong, especially against the milk chocolate. Even so, it was still edible. <br />
<br />
So was it worth it? The bars themselves are fine, and for almost 4 euros pretty expensive, but the value was in spending some time together talking about one of the most beloved substances on earth - chocolate. The primary colors, bustling atmosphere and place to watch the throngs of people moving around <i>Gendarmenmarkt </i>were all key elements in adding another thing to love about Berlin. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Y-EyQthTug/U3uHC89wWlI/AAAAAAAAJ7E/DjxjK8FYUZk/s1600/DSC07657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Berlin Ritter Sport Bunte Schokowelt" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Y-EyQthTug/U3uHC89wWlI/AAAAAAAAJ7E/DjxjK8FYUZk/s1600/DSC07657.JPG" height="480" title="Make your own chocolate in Berlin" width="640" /></a></div>
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Details on the shop (as well as the headquarters in Waldenbuch outside of Stutgart):</div>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/sightsandattractions/fl/Make-your-own-Chocolate-Bar-at-Ritter-Sport.htm" target="_blank"><span class="fn">Make your own Chocolate Bar at Ritter Sport</span></a></h1>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com0Französische Straße 24, 10117 Berlin, Germany52.5147488 13.39052930000002652.5099173 13.380444300000025 52.5195803 13.400614300000026tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-50736182098326564402014-05-15T17:06:00.000+02:002016-12-31T13:00:32.263+01:00Funkhaus Nalepastrasse Tour<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This city is full of nondescript, even decrepit-looking buildings that hide a world of <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/in-love-with-berlin.html">Berlin</a> history. So we weren't put off when we arrived in the middle of nowhere (technically Oberschoeneweide) to what looked like a never ending waterfront of abandoned factories. <br />
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We had been invited by a friend to take a tour of <a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/berli1/fl/Tour-the-former-DDR-Radio-Station.htm">Rundfunk der DDR</a> and really had no idea of what to expect. But as we're usually <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/event">ready for anything</a>, a tour of an East Berlin radio we would do.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7H1znMIpMzA/U3N-vtwzz7I/AAAAAAAAJ4U/aKcTv6xAnvc/s1600/DSC06438.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Funkhaus Nalepastrasse Tour" border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7H1znMIpMzA/U3N-vtwzz7I/AAAAAAAAJ4U/aKcTv6xAnvc/s1600/DSC06438.jpg" title="Tour the former DDR Radio Station" width="640" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a>We joined the group at the entrance and wondered if the tour would be in English or German. <br />
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"<i>Guten Morgen</i>!" said the tour guide. <br />
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Ok, time to put our German ears on. We learned that this giant complex of buildings once housed an employee populace the size of a small city. In addition to the recording studios, concert hall, and conference rooms, there was a canteen, clinic, bookstore, grocery store, ice cream parlor, dentist, hairdresser and even a sauna (<a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/11/berlins-tropical-island-getting-naked.html">Germans and their sauna</a>). Decorated in the Bauhaus style, the site is impressive both for its size and authentic details.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICn2JqpItns/U3N-v0lX6WI/AAAAAAAAJ4Y/YHf3C23KAWY/s1600/DSC06443.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tour the former DDR Radio Station" border="0" height="512" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICn2JqpItns/U3N-v0lX6WI/AAAAAAAAJ4Y/YHf3C23KAWY/s1600/DSC06443.jpg" title="Funkhaus Nalepastrasse Tour" width="640" /></a></div>
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The hallways were wide enough to accommodate the thousands who worked here and our little group was dwarfed by their size. Studios can still be rented out so the occasional musician would wander out one door and into the next. We heard the quickest way to move about this gigantic space is by skateboard or scooter and there are a few lying around. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0n-X1xnrbM/U3N-j0Th_VI/AAAAAAAAJ4E/mEeGfoNg3hw/s1600/halls+of+Funkhaus+Berlin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Funkhaus Nalepastrasse Tour" border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w0n-X1xnrbM/U3N-j0Th_VI/AAAAAAAAJ4E/mEeGfoNg3hw/s1600/halls+of+Funkhaus+Berlin.jpg" title="Tour the former DDR Radio Station" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-64A_qa6PU78/U3N-wcHJwFI/AAAAAAAAJ4c/aTqLcyVgD8M/s1600/DSC06454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tour the former DDR Radio Station" border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-64A_qa6PU78/U3N-wcHJwFI/AAAAAAAAJ4c/aTqLcyVgD8M/s1600/DSC06454.jpg" title="Bauhaus architecture" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdfLN_aRTt0/U3N-jvBAYwI/AAAAAAAAJ4A/kivMhPSuhb8/s1600/room+Funkhaus+Berlin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Funkhaus Nalepastrasse Tour" border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdfLN_aRTt0/U3N-jvBAYwI/AAAAAAAAJ4A/kivMhPSuhb8/s1600/room+Funkhaus+Berlin.jpg" title="Tour the former DDR Radio Station" width="640" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdfLN_aRTt0/U3N-jvBAYwI/AAAAAAAAJ4A/kivMhPSuhb8/s1600/room+Funkhaus+Berlin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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We happened to be there on one of Berlin's rare <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/12/why-you-should-stay-in-berlin-this.html" target="_blank">winter</a> sunshiny days - which I wouldn't think would matter for an indoor tour - but the light streaming in was all kinds of magic on the wood and tile floors and stoic concrete walls. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KvY_2wKUFMw/U3OBIg2tioI/AAAAAAAAJ5o/wqgwi74utRs/s1600/DSC06490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="spaceship in the Berlin woods" border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KvY_2wKUFMw/U3OBIg2tioI/AAAAAAAAJ5o/wqgwi74utRs/s1600/DSC06490.jpg" title="Tour the former DDR Radio Station" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the spaceship?</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KPBr59cxTRo/U3N-yc5ZELI/AAAAAAAAJ4w/Wm22j4mnIpE/s1600/DSC06491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tour the former DDR Radio Station" border="0" height="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KPBr59cxTRo/U3N-yc5ZELI/AAAAAAAAJ4w/Wm22j4mnIpE/s1600/DSC06491.jpg" title="Funkhaus Nalepastrasse Tour" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xQW83ayGFLU/U3N-yrhVXEI/AAAAAAAAJ4s/L00Kzrub03A/s1600/DSC06508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Funkhaus Nalepastrasse Tour" border="0" height="512" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xQW83ayGFLU/U3N-yrhVXEI/AAAAAAAAJ4s/L00Kzrub03A/s1600/DSC06508.jpg" title="Tour the former DDR Radio Station" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBkd4phrLZo/U3N-1bvF9dI/AAAAAAAAJ5E/aNPL7npttzk/s1600/DSC06513.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Funkhaus Nalepastrasse Tour" border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBkd4phrLZo/U3N-1bvF9dI/AAAAAAAAJ5E/aNPL7npttzk/s1600/DSC06513.JPG" title="Berlin Milchbar" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Milchbar</i> </td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Il5k5ETmNUk/U3N-zzqV9QI/AAAAAAAAJ48/Dmbm6iddTB8/s1600/DSC06510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Funkhaus Nalepastrasse Tour" border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Il5k5ETmNUk/U3N-zzqV9QI/AAAAAAAAJ48/Dmbm6iddTB8/s1600/DSC06510.JPG" title="Tour the former DDR Radio Station" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HeSVb4EDI4E/U3N-12QqqzI/AAAAAAAAJ5U/nOmJWzOvEw4/s1600/DSC06516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Berlin picture booth" border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HeSVb4EDI4E/U3N-12QqqzI/AAAAAAAAJ5U/nOmJWzOvEw4/s1600/DSC06516.JPG" title="Berlin photoautomat Warschauer " width="400" /></a>I don't know what exactly we all wanted out of the tour, but it was one of those perfect Berlin days. Our friends that had invited us were returning to their <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/10/less-than-48-hours-in-manchester.html" target="_blank">homeland in England</a> and we all had the feeling of things coming to an end (...and beginning as they are <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/04/babies-and-parents-and-instagram-oh-my.html" target="_blank">pregnant</a> as well). <br />
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The tour was a great look at a previously undiscovered corner of the city and a reminder that you can never know all of Berlin. <br />
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On our way home we came across the <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/02/berlin-photo-booths.html">photo booth at </a><a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/02/berlin-photo-booths.html">Warschauer</a> and decided a spontaneous photo was the best way to remember the day. After all, things don't really end here, just change.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NPLzswtJyaM/U3N-2tDJXFI/AAAAAAAAJ5Q/GLkI0jj6tCQ/s1600/DSC06519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Berlin photoautomat Warschauer " border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NPLzswtJyaM/U3N-2tDJXFI/AAAAAAAAJ5Q/GLkI0jj6tCQ/s1600/DSC06519.JPG" title="photo booth strip " width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/berli1/fl/Tour-the-former-DDR-Radio-Station.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Funkhaus Nalepastrasse Tour Details</span></a></h3>
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<h3>
History of Rundfunk der DDR</h3>
<span>This radio org</span>anizations actually began in a <span>vacant 135,000 m² factory building. </span>Transferred to GDR control in 1952, the site is l<span>ocated in the Oberschoeneweide distric</span>t along the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/sightsandattractions/fl/Cruise-Berlin.htm" href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/sightsandattractions/fl/Cruise-Berlin.htm">river</a> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/picturesofgermany/ig/Photo-Gallery-Berlin/River-Spree--Berlin.htm" href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/picturesofgermany/ig/Photo-Gallery-Berlin/River-Spree--Berlin.htm">Spree</a>, the site grew to include <span>four broadcast studios, various recording rooms and a control room </span>by 1951. Though a fire held up development in <span>February 1955</span>, it continued to grow with the <span>completion of the block B Broadcasting House</span>. <span>At its peak, about 3,000 people worked in Nalepastraße and </span>catered to <span>all the wants of its citizens with a canteen, </span>conference<span> centers, clinic, bookstore, grocery store, ice cream parlor, dentist, hairdresser and even a sauna.</span><br />
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Despite this vast productivity, all was not well. Western competitors like American's <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.deutschlandradio.de/rias-berlin.476.de.html" href="http://www.deutschlandradio.de/rias-berlin.476.de.html"><em>Rundfunk im Amerikanischen Sektor</em> </a>(<a data-cke-saved-href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/sightsandattractions/fl/Best-Free-Museums-in-Berlin.htm" href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/sightsandattractions/fl/Best-Free-Museums-in-Berlin.htm">RIAS</a>) and British-run <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.ard.de/home/intern/fakten/abc-der-ard/Nordwestdeutscher_Rundfunk__NWDR_/452630/index.html" href="http://www.ard.de/home/intern/fakten/abc-der-ard/Nordwestdeutscher_Rundfunk__NWDR_/452630/index.html"><em>Nordwestdeutscher Rundfunk</em> </a>(NWDR) were seen as a threat to the GDR's control. After the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/berli1/p/BerlinWallTour.htm" href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/berli1/p/BerlinWallTour.htm">Berlin Wall</a>
went up in August 1961, the GDR began actively blocking access to
stations of the West. People were encouraged to turn their antennas so
they didn't receive unauthorized transmissions and to try to jam foreign
signals. Access to Western media was incredibly restricted and <a data-cke-saved-href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/sightsandattractions/fl/Gedenkstaumltte-Hohenschoumlnhausen.htm" href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/sightsandattractions/fl/Gedenkstaumltte-Hohenschoumlnhausen.htm">anyone caught with contraband could be questioned</a>.<br />
<br />
After the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/berlin/fl/25th-Anniversary-of-the-fall-of-the-Berlin-Wall.htm" href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/berlin/fl/25th-Anniversary-of-the-fall-of-the-Berlin-Wall.htm">fall of the wall</a> in 1989, the station was re-named <em>Funkhaus Berlin</em> (Broadcasting Center Berlin) and merged broadcasting powers in 1994 when RIAS to become Deutschlandradio Kultur (also known as <em>DLR Kultur</em> or <em>DKultur</em>).<br />
<br />
The
biggest obstacle turned out to be property disputes as various sales
were made, renegotiated, and fell through and charges of fraud and <span>embezzlement</span> were made against the former managers. The future of the Rundfunk der DDR site was uncertain, but <span>its unique recording spaces led to a re-opening for </span><span>artists. Though only restored to a fraction of </span>its former use, tours offer an excellent view of the magnificent <a data-cke-saved-href="http://architecture.about.com/od/20thcenturytrends/ss/Modern-Architecture.htm" href="http://architecture.about.com/od/20thcenturytrends/ss/Modern-Architecture.htm">Bauhaus architecture</a> and a piece of Berlin history.<br />
<h3>
Rundfunk der DDR Tours</h3>
A
tour of the site allows visitors to walk the cavernous halls that once
accommodated the thousands of people working here, as well as elegant
meeting rooms and impressive recording halls. (Note that a visit to the
famous recording halls in only possible if there is no recording).
Though the electronics have needed to be replaced as technology has
continued to develop, the acoustically pleasing dimensions of the
studios and recording halls are still pitch perfect. Artists like <span>A-ha, Sting and the Black Eyed Peas have recorded here. </span><br />
<br />
We
happened to visit on a sunny day which allowed for the light to stream
in, highlighting the geometric details and intricate woodwork. Random
elements remain like the alien spaceship, views of the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/berlin/fl/Visiting-Berlins-TV-Tower.htm" href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/berlin/fl/Visiting-Berlins-TV-Tower.htm">Fernsehturm</a>, <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.google.de/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCIQFjAAahUKEwjrmNvCzo_IAhXC1SwKHdNyAhg&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.berlin.de%2Ftourismus%2Finsidertipps%2F3155785-2339440-spreepark-drachen-und-dinos-in-berlin-en.html&usg=AFQjCNF4fvU3T2-Ym_jIKZSPnif-k_TN3Q&sig2=9f6qnjMiS4iilGSLBu7gqA" href="https://www.google.de/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCIQFjAAahUKEwjrmNvCzo_IAhXC1SwKHdNyAhg&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.berlin.de%2Ftourismus%2Finsidertipps%2F3155785-2339440-spreepark-drachen-und-dinos-in-berlin-en.html&usg=AFQjCNF4fvU3T2-Ym_jIKZSPnif-k_TN3Q&sig2=9f6qnjMiS4iilGSLBu7gqA">Spree Park</a>'s abandoned Ferris Wheel and the <em>Milchbar </em>(Milkbar) that provides authentic East German beers and <a data-cke-saved-href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/Eastern-Germany/tp/East-German-Meals.htm" href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/Eastern-Germany/tp/East-German-Meals.htm">meals</a>.<br />
<ul>
<li><strong>Website</strong>: <a data-cke-saved-href="http://zeitreisen.cre-aktiv.com/" href="http://zeitreisen.cre-aktiv.com/">http://zeitreisen.cre-aktiv.com/</a></li>
<li><strong>Address</strong>: Nalepastraße 18, 12459 Berlin</li>
<li><strong>Telephone</strong>: 030 53805401</li>
<li><strong>Guided Tour Cost</strong>: €5 per person (free under 14 years old)</li>
<li><strong>When are tours?</strong> Wednesday and Friday at 14:00, Sundays at 15:00. As tours are infrequent, consult the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://zeitreisen.cre-aktiv.com/" href="http://zeitreisen.cre-aktiv.com/">website</a> for dates.</li>
<li><strong>How long are tours?</strong> Between 1.5 to 2 hours</li>
<li><strong>Online registration for tours</strong>: Note that <strong>registration is required</strong>. If a date does not receive enough sign-ups, it may be canceled. </li>
</ul>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com212459 Berlin, Germany52.4609452 13.52800700000000252.4222517 13.447326000000002 52.4996387 13.608688000000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-12094820971512917902014-05-09T16:14:00.002+02:002014-06-06T11:13:10.168+02:00Where to Take Your Parents in Switzerland<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pw6R4E5GCGg/U2zh8JSw6oI/AAAAAAAAJzY/d79PAZtfro8/s1600/DSC08888.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Swiss Alps with cloud" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pw6R4E5GCGg/U2zh8JSw6oI/AAAAAAAAJzY/d79PAZtfro8/s1600/DSC08888.jpg" height="267" title="Where to Take Your Parents in Switzerland" width="400" /></a>I never thought I would go to <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/switzerland">Switzerland</a> three times in just over a year, but cheap flights from <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/in-love-with-berlin.html">Berlin</a> to Basel and family near Zurich has made it a top <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/where-we-been-where-were-going.html">destination</a> lately. When my parents visited it was off to see the cousins - and more - in Switzerland.</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="st">Wädenswil</span></span></h3>
On this <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/09/a-weekend-in-swiss-alps-outside-of.html">second trip out to the cousin's</a> place I brought the whole crew of mom, dad and husband. The cousins were once again disappointed in the weather and it was quite drizzly, but for a bunch of <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/missing-seattle.html" target="_blank">northwesters</a> this was hardly a problem. This suburb about 20 minutes south of Zurich, the town sits along Lake Zurich and offers close proximity to the highly regarded <a href="http://www.easyexpat.com/en/guides/switzerland/zurich/school/international-schools.htm">Zurich International School</a>. It is also, according to wikipedia, sometimes called "Wädi". <i>Hubsch</i>. <br />
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Though their home is smaller than the one they left in Ohio, it is a palace (real beds!) compared to <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/07/back-to-berlin-on-house-hunters.html">our place</a> in Berlin and the family enjoyed the chance to re-connect and learn more about their expat life. This isn't as much of a tourist destination but a handy base for exploring the nearby attractions like the city of <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/09/a-weekend-in-swiss-alps-outside-of.html">Zurich</a>, badass mountain toboggan on Flumserberg and Lucerne. That said, it does have absolutely gorgeous views, charming small-town feel and lots of expats.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sH9DKLN5otA/U2zX_URL82I/AAAAAAAAJvs/l_xXZJZy5qA/s1600/DSC07914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Where to Take your parents in Switzerland" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sH9DKLN5otA/U2zX_URL82I/AAAAAAAAJvs/l_xXZJZy5qA/s1600/DSC07914.JPG" height="428" title="Wädenswil Switzerland" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TKKzqxBwqeg/U2zYO-_eutI/AAAAAAAAJwI/gpGtObm21x0/s1600/DSC07056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Where to Take your parents in Switzerland" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TKKzqxBwqeg/U2zYO-_eutI/AAAAAAAAJwI/gpGtObm21x0/s1600/DSC07056.JPG" height="480" title="Alps Wädenswil Switzerland" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="st">Bellinzona</span></span></h3>
If I had known how amazing Bellinzona was I would have planned a trip there. But in reality, our visit was a happy accident. Did you know you need a passport to enter and leave Switzerland? Yeah, I totally forgot that. I never take my passport anywhere for fear of losing it and the all-important <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search?q=visa">visa</a> and this did not work out so well when we set-off for Italy and halfway there realized there was a serious possibility I wouldn't be able to re-enter. <i>Merda</i>.<br />
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Desperate for a new destination, we set the GPS to attractions as we headed through the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gotthard_Road_Tunnel" target="_blank">Gotthard Tunnel</a> into the Italian Alps. And there we found it - <b><i>Bellinzona</i></b>. Lying in the Ticino canton, the city is famous for its three (count 'em - <b>THREE</b>) UNESCO World Heritage castles.<br />
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Though we've now done a fair bit of traveling in Switzerland, this was our first tiptoe into the Italian section and I couldn't believe the difference. It was warmer, the people were speaking Italian (we got sworn at by an angry Italian Swiss women!) and there were palm trees. And the castles were simply breath-taking.<br />
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<u>One note of caution</u>: Do not - and I repeat - DO NOT try to get <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search?q=gelato" target="_blank">gelato</a> mid-April. What seemed like a perfect treat after the climb up to <i>Castlegrande </i>turned into a bit of a death march as none of the shops were open or serving yet. That is, except for one shop that we finally tracked down that was offering cones for free = massive noisy line of screaming Italian/Swiss kids. Apparently you need to wait for gelato to be in season. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NunkfgSQoWA/U2zbk01T2EI/AAAAAAAAJwo/8EmJgPxLd8k/s1600/DSC07068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Where to Take your parents in Switzerland" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NunkfgSQoWA/U2zbk01T2EI/AAAAAAAAJwo/8EmJgPxLd8k/s1600/DSC07068.JPG" height="480" title="Bellinzona Switzerland cathedral" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm taking you all over the world <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/04/babies-and-parents-and-instagram-oh-my.html" target="_blank">baby</a>. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="st">Lucerne</span></span></h3>
On our way out, we decided to cram in one more location. Cousin-recommended Lucerne is straight outta a postcard. Located on Lake Lucerne (<i>der Vierwaldstättersee</i>) the city is famous for its wooden Chapel Bridge (<i>Kapellbrücke</i>). Erected in the 14th century, the place is ridiculous gorgeous. This is <b>parent travel porn</b> and a top recommendation for anyone heading to Switzerland.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc9odxo--lg/U2zgSeqSeNI/AAAAAAAAJy0/99ipQ-6JUKY/s1600/DSC09053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wooden Bridge Lucerne, Switzerland" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc9odxo--lg/U2zgSeqSeNI/AAAAAAAAJy0/99ipQ-6JUKY/s1600/DSC09053.jpg" height="428" title="Where to Take your parents in Switzerland" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="st">Go For a Drive Around Switzerland</span></span></h3>
As it happened, we did a lot of <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/08/berlin-by-foot-by-bvg-by-bike-by-car-by.html">driving</a> on this trip (or, erm, <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/05/mannertag-mothers-day.html">mom</a> did. Thanks mom!). While I love traveling by train and appreciate how quick and easy discount flights are, driving in Switzerland is pretty incredible. We'd be chatting with my cousin and just trail off as hilltop cathedrals, insanely green hills and mountains that put the <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/WA">Northwest</a> to shame soared by.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AcFMl40bIVY/U2zeP9X_GVI/AAAAAAAAJx0/HXsArJVow5w/s1600/DSC08999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Most Beautiful Rest Stop in the World" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AcFMl40bIVY/U2zeP9X_GVI/AAAAAAAAJx0/HXsArJVow5w/s1600/DSC08999.jpg" height="428" title="Swiss Alps" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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Basically, it's hard to go wrong taking your parents to Switzerland. Just beware the restaurant bills - ouch! For more Switzerland in pics go to our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.627804023972916.1073741877.195413127212010&type=3">Swiss Facebook album</a> and to watch the trip in motion, video of the Swiss Trip:</div>
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For other destinations in Switzerland:</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/03/a-base-in-basel.html" target="_blank">A Base in Basel</a></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/02/bern-switzerland-city-of-fountains.html">Bern, Switzerland - City of Fountains</a></span></span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com1Switzerland46.818188 8.227511999999933344.0360805 3.0639379999999337 49.6002955 13.391085999999934tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-68114322205778948712014-04-26T10:23:00.003+02:002014-05-14T17:13:51.352+02:00German Fruit Wine Festival<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EcvMaI3_HUs/U1pa_HZvxwI/AAAAAAAAJuU/gvod4px0U2Q/s1600/DSC01225.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Werder Baumblütenfest " border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EcvMaI3_HUs/U1pa_HZvxwI/AAAAAAAAJuU/gvod4px0U2Q/s1600/DSC01225.JPG" height="300" title="German Fruit Wine Festival" width="400" /></a>As an <a href="http://www.thefrisky.com/2014-04-03/girl-talk-my-pregnancy-is-really-interfering-with-my-drinking/">avid fan of alcohol</a>, I knew it was going to be hard saying good-bye. But for the sake of the <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/04/babies-and-parents-and-instagram-oh-my.html">little person we don't even know yet</a>, I have. And - shockingly - it hasn't been nearly as hard as I thought it would be. <br />
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While I love my <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/08/berlins-mile-of-beer.html">beer</a> (and <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search?q=ian">Ian</a> has continued to enjoy in my absence), I don't really feel like I am missing out. I have <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/UBlau">indulged my fair share</a> and in <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/">this latest adventure</a> I feel like I will take any step necessary to make this a success. I have avoided out beloved <i>spätis </i>in <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/in-love-with-berlin.html">Berlin</a>, abstained on our latest adventure through <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/France">France</a> and skipped beers in my <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/10/damnburg.html">favorite brewery city in Germany</a>. <br />
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But this weekend I will be tested again. The <a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/eventsandfestivals/fl/Baumbluumltenfest-in-Werder.htm" target="_blank"><b>Fruit Wine Festival</b></a> (<i>Baumblütenfest</i>) is back. <br />
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When I first heard about it from <a href="http://travelsofadam.com/2012/05/fruit-wine-festival-baumblutenfest-werder-germany/">Travels of Adam</a>, it sounded a little horrifying. Hot and sickly sweet, crammed with teenage Germans. Somehow I forgot all about this when I was invited to attend the next year... until I was reading up on what exactly I'd agreed to. <br />
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Sure we could make the best of anything, especially with alcohol and even without Ian (who was playing in his <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/08/take-me-out-to-mariners-berlin-softball.html">first Berlin softball game</a>), I put on a brave face and met my group at Alex. A noisy, crowded train ride later, we were in Werder and sampling away at fruit wines.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8sIu9oDFdYs/U1pa4vwU_DI/AAAAAAAAJtk/fBHuOi_bkbk/s1600/DSC01156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Werder Baumblütenfest " border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8sIu9oDFdYs/U1pa4vwU_DI/AAAAAAAAJtk/fBHuOi_bkbk/s1600/DSC01156.JPG" height="480" title="Wines and Jams at German Fruit Wine Festival" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HvS_nKD3kjc/U1pa7tjaBKI/AAAAAAAAJt8/UTN9H2pk_XE/s1600/DSC01191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Werder an der Havel, Deutschland" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HvS_nKD3kjc/U1pa7tjaBKI/AAAAAAAAJt8/UTN9H2pk_XE/s1600/DSC01191.JPG" height="480" title="German Fruit Wine Festival" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AtsfsjwRP1g/U1pa9-MDHOI/AAAAAAAAJuI/N7AxRIrCwbE/s1600/DSC01211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fruit Wine Festival in Germany" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AtsfsjwRP1g/U1pa9-MDHOI/AAAAAAAAJuI/N7AxRIrCwbE/s1600/DSC01211.JPG" height="480" title="Werder an der Havel" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wyMCJaRfVtQ/U1pbAhcHhHI/AAAAAAAAJuc/3TA_Dk9Rqeo/s1600/DSC01236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Werder Baumblütenfest " border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wyMCJaRfVtQ/U1pbAhcHhHI/AAAAAAAAJuc/3TA_Dk9Rqeo/s1600/DSC01236.JPG" height="480" title="German orchard in Werder" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sy3lMc1lg3s/U1pbBgzO2BI/AAAAAAAAJug/u6OHqz3ojpU/s1600/DSC01240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Polizei Werder Baumblütenfest " border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sy3lMc1lg3s/U1pbBgzO2BI/AAAAAAAAJug/u6OHqz3ojpU/s1600/DSC01240.JPG" height="480" title="Cops at Werder Wine Fest" width="640" /></a></div>
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In all honesty, I loved it. Once off the train, there multiple areas in which to escape the masses of vomiting teens. Cross the bridge and walk past the fairgrounds on the island to find a much chiller, family-friendly environment. <br />
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Hope you go and enjoy as much as the kid below. I think I took this picture at around noon. <br />
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For actual info about the event and how you too can pass out on fruit wine, refer to my about.com post:<br />
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<a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/eventsandfestivals/fl/Baumbluumltenfest-in-Werder.htm" target="_blank"><span class="fn">Baumblütenfest in Werder</span></a></h1>
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Germany's largest fruit wine festival just outside of Berlin.</h3>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com2Werder, Germany52.3697222 12.93333329999995852.214638199999996 12.610609799999958 52.5248062 13.256056799999959tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-12395586093186539502014-04-02T10:15:00.002+02:002014-04-02T10:20:36.050+02:00Babies and parents and instagram - oh my! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The night of the test. We think this is...good news?</td></tr>
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After sitting on the news for a whole month - a record for us - we finally told everyone what is up with my not drinking. <b>Preggers</b>. <br />
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Though initially terrified (seriously check those faces), we are getting towards the wildly excited end and are doing our best to figure out <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/texkourgan/in-berlin-baby/" target="_blank">how to have a a baby in Germany</a>. I am freaking out and keeping the US family informed on a tumblr of random at <a href="http://inberlinbaby.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">In Berlin, Baby</a>. If you too find yourself interested in why we have considered the name Clovis for our offspring or what movies we are watching to prepare (movies are the new books, right?) - head on over. <br />
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On the other end of the spectrum, the <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/family" target="_blank">parents</a> <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/10/parents-are-coming-parents-are-coming.html" target="_blank">are coming</a>! Once again, my brave parents are trekking over the ocean from the <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/04/hometown-love.html" target="_blank">American west coast</a> and this time landing in <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search?q=copenhagen" target="_blank">Copenhagen</a>. I will be meeting them up there where we are sure <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/08/airport-goodbyes.html" target="_blank">to cry and be fools</a> saying hi again for the first time in almost a year. Ian will meet us the next day in <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2008/04/hamburg-hooligans.html" target="_blank">Hamburg</a> and then we will finally show them our new home in <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/in-love-with-berlin.html" target="_blank">Berlin</a>. Thought they've <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/07/back-to-berlin-on-house-hunters.html" target="_blank">seen it on TV</a>, this will be their first viewing in person. I hope they like it, and will forgive us the stairs. <br />
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We'll be taking advantage of European adventuring taking trips to see my cousins in <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/09/a-weekend-in-swiss-alps-outside-of.html" target="_blank">Zurich</a>, our <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/thomas" target="_blank">foreign exchange student</a> studying in <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2007/12/catching-up.html" target="_blank">Frankfurt</a>, dodging into <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/France" target="_blank">France</a> for a bit and taking a trip for pottery into <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/poland" target="_blank">Poland</a>.And of course we'll be touring more of our favorite city - <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/in-love-with-berlin.html" target="_blank">BERLIN</a>! I will have to put together a comprehensive list of "Where to take your parents in Berlin" sometime, maybe for my new <a href="http://gogermany.about.com/" target="_blank">about.com job</a> or on <a href="http://texkourgan.blogexpat.com/blog/2014/01/29/america-week-at-a-berlin-grocery-store" target="_blank">EasyExpat</a>.<br />
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In any case, I have so enjoyed posting more useful stuff on this blog about places in the city and travel in Europe and will get away from this <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/about-how-we-came-to-be-porterballs.html" target="_blank">icky personal stuff</a> again soon. But for now, thanks for allowing me to announce all of our happenings.<br />
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If you want to see where these next few weeks take us, I'll be posting snippets on <a href="http://instagram.com/texkourgan" target="_blank">instagram</a>, check out the <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/texkourgan/back-to-berlinand-beyond-blog/" target="_blank">picture post archive</a> - ah! and have a slew of scheduled posts for <a href="http://gogermany.about.com/" target="_blank">about.com Germany Travel</a>. For now, we'll just keep <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/yourphotos?pid=5988454137388193026&oid=110874030135636057672" target="_blank">jumping</a>. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-79956781721867717292014-03-21T20:01:00.000+01:002014-03-24T09:09:35.530+01:00Day trip to Pfaueninsel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-670fP1RTUhM/Uyxq1rxfMoI/AAAAAAAAJpg/xShC2vFLmMw/s1600/DSC06673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Pfaueninsel (Peacock Island), Germany" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-670fP1RTUhM/Uyxq1rxfMoI/AAAAAAAAJpg/xShC2vFLmMw/s1600/DSC06673.jpg" height="400" title="Day Trip to Pfaueninsel" width="300" /></a>Our <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/07/our-berlin-orgin-story.html" target="_blank">first year in Berlin</a> we traveled all over <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/germany" target="_blank">Germany</a>. We loved <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/train" target="_blank">train travel</a> and getting to know small-town Germany. <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2010/11/back-in-berlin.html" target="_blank">This time around</a>, we have discovered the wonders of budget air travel and have been able able to <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/where-we-been-where-were-going.html" target="_blank">go a bit further afield</a> (but still just in Europe).<br />
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But a little bit of cash poor means that we have shrunk our circle of travel to <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/day%20trip%20from%20Berlin" target="_blank">day trips around Berlin</a>. This isn't a bad compromise considering there are hundreds of places within just a few hours of <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/in-love-with-berlin.html" target="_blank">Berlin</a>. We've been <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/06/getting-down-with-nature-just-outside.html" target="_blank">canoeing in the Spreewald</a>, to a "<a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/11/berlins-tropical-island-getting-naked.html" target="_blank">tropical island</a>" and a <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/10/visitng-berlin-gartenhaus.html" target="_blank">Berlin Garden House</a>. Next on the list: the rural attractions of Pfaueninsel.<br />
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In <a href="http://gogermany.about.com/bio/Erin-Porter-124692.htm" target="_blank">my new gig</a> as <a href="http://gogermany.about.com/" target="_blank">Germany Travel Guide for about.com</a>, I was disappointed to see<a href="http://gogermany.about.com/b/2013/04/25/a-trip-to-peacock-island.htm" target="_blank"> the site was already written</a> about by the previous guide. I need to make these fun times count people! But really, there was little to be disappointed in. The weather was brilliant, we were enjoying one of our last days with an <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/p/hello-expats.html" target="_blank">expat</a> couple that have become our best fiends abroad and Pfaueninsel was the perfect place for an almost springtime wander. <br />
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Once the romping grounds of King Friedrich Wilhelm II, this quiet island on Wannsee is a well-known warm weather getaway. We weren't alone as we struggled to find a parking space and make our way through the woods to the lake. I wondered what could attract all this people on one of the first nice days in the dwindling winter. <br />
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The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rustically preserved. The buildings are all random grandeur among the greens and peeling paint. It is an odd juxtaposition, strangely beautiful. <br />
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The island is named "Peacock Island" for the many that call the place home, but the only birds we saw were in the aviary. Several luminous peacocks made their terrible cat screams as chickens strutted around the yard. <br />
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What we saw more of is the working farm. Sheep, a couple ponies and gorgeous old barns were interspersed with the grand castles and temples.<br />
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The first signs of spring, of Berlin shaking off its winter coat, reminded me of <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2014/01/10-things-berlin-has-taught-me.html" target="_blank">why we love it here</a>. I wouldn't say Pfaueninsel is a must-see or an overly exciting day out, but it is lovely. It has the quiet grandiosity you see so many Berlin escapees looking for. <br />
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Information for Visiting Pfaueninsel</h3>
This royal island paradise is pristine with no dogs, cars or smoking allowed. Kids, however, are plentiful. <br />
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The site is reachable by car or S-Bahn & bus (about 1 hour journey either way). Take the train S1 or S7 towards Potsdam, get off at Wannsee station, and then take bus 218. <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/08/berlin-by-foot-by-bvg-by-bike-by-car-by.html" target="_blank">Guide to Berlin transport</a>.<br />
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To reach the island, a tiny ferry (<span class="st">€</span>3 return) takes you on a two minute journey across. It literally takes longer to buy the ticket. Operating hours of the ferry: November till February: Mon - Sun: 10am - 4pm; March and October: Mon - Sun: 9am - 6pm; April and September: Mon - Sun: 9am - 7pm; Mai and August: Mo - So: 8am - 9pm<br />
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<b>Pfaueninsel Adresse</b>: <span class="street-address">Am Ende der Pfaueninselchaussee, </span><span class="postal-code">14109</span> <span class="locality">
Berlin </span><br />
<span class="locality"><b>Pfaueninsel Website</b>: <a href="http://www.spsg.de/schloesser-gaerten/objekt/pfaueninsel/">http://www.spsg.de/schloesser-gaerten/objekt/pfaueninsel/</a></span><br />
<span class="locality">or <a href="http://www.visitberlin.de/en/spot/pfaueninsel-and-pfaueninsel-palace">http://www.visitberlin.de/en/spot/pfaueninsel-and-pfaueninsel-palace</a> (English)</span><br />
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For more history of the island, SlowBerlin's <a href="http://www.slowtravelberlin.com/a-trip-through-prussias-arcadia/" target="_blank">William Thirteen did a nice write-up</a>.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com0Pfaueninsel, 14109 Berlin, Germany52.4344902 13.13125330000002652.415129199999996 13.090912800000027 52.4538512 13.171593800000025tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9147884999043106013.post-41357854805630311502014-03-10T17:50:00.000+01:002014-03-11T18:46:59.215+01:00Berlin's Allied Museum<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We hadn't planned on visiting the Allied Museum. It is located by the American embassy all the way down in Dahlem and we had never even been that far south except on the <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2013/03/testing-out-u-blau.html">U3 Ublau</a>.<br /><br />But then a friend visited at <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/christmas">Christmas</a>, was <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dm8sx8DnLro&list=TLv246-OIRcC3f5KbqbgkiuX5XC73tQTwv">surprised by his wife</a> at the <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2012/08/berlin-by-foot-by-bvg-by-bike-by-car-by.html">airport</a>, and promptly lost his passport. It was a bit of a roller coaster.</div>
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Impromptu visit of the American Embassy at Christmas time!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>We walked up to the embassy a bit glum, but interested in checking out the embassy. I took a picture as we approached and was reprimanded by the guards. We got to the entrance before our friends were admitted and we were told we would have to wait outside. In the middle of nowhere. In Dahlem. So much for the friendly American attitude....<br />
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Luckily, Ian's knowledge of all things WWII is pretty terrifying and he guided us to the nearby Allied Museum. It being near Christmas, the place was deserted - ideal for Ian to get his war knowledge on.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXWmgZn9UQ8/Ux1yyFScXEI/AAAAAAAAJj0/fJoIGyqWSYU/s1600/DSC07083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Allied Museum in Germany plane" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXWmgZn9UQ8/Ux1yyFScXEI/AAAAAAAAJj0/fJoIGyqWSYU/s1600/DSC07083.JPG" height="640" title="Berlin Ian loves planes" width="428" /></a></div>
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The complex has a watchtower, piece of the <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/search/label/Berlin%20Wall" target="_blank">Berlin Wall</a>, a British plane and even the original Checkpoint Charlie station. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--4JhMhsX5KE/Ux1y0FQtYgI/AAAAAAAAJkE/7vgFVJ73PT4/s1600/DSC07084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Allied Museum watch tower in Berlin" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--4JhMhsX5KE/Ux1y0FQtYgI/AAAAAAAAJkE/7vgFVJ73PT4/s1600/DSC07084.JPG" height="640" title="Watchtower and Berlin Wall in Berlin" width="428" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w_jR_96VF-8/Ux1y1DlEPBI/AAAAAAAAJkY/HI97v1lmbYI/s1600/DSC07085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Checkpoint Charlie station at the Allied Museum" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w_jR_96VF-8/Ux1y1DlEPBI/AAAAAAAAJkY/HI97v1lmbYI/s1600/DSC07085.JPG" height="428" title="Original Checkpoint Charlie station" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Checkpoint Charlie station</td></tr>
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However, the real treasure lies inside. Located in an old American movie theater, the museum documents the roles of the Western Allies in Berlin between 1945 and 1994 with extensive displays and changing special exhibits. The focus is on the Berlin Airlift and the Cold War and the American perspective is a bit different from many museums in Berlin.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ik8RIqmwdMU/Ux1zPKfxMXI/AAAAAAAAJkk/fJY5gx0rrvY/s1600/DSC07070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Inside the Allied Museum in Berlin" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ik8RIqmwdMU/Ux1zPKfxMXI/AAAAAAAAJkk/fJY5gx0rrvY/s1600/DSC07070.jpg" height="428" title="Allied Museum " width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWYd-R3GeTc/Ux1y08ks34I/AAAAAAAAJkI/gqZ5eNdJBs4/s1600/DSC07088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Allied Museum in Germany propoganda " border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWYd-R3GeTc/Ux1y08ks34I/AAAAAAAAJkI/gqZ5eNdJBs4/s1600/DSC07088.JPG" height="428" title="Cold War Propaganda" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-noqCWDezTYM/Ux1y1j36GDI/AAAAAAAAJkc/UJ9Fgh3nGpE/s1600/DSC07100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="tunnel at Allied Museum in Germany" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-noqCWDezTYM/Ux1y1j36GDI/AAAAAAAAJkc/UJ9Fgh3nGpE/s1600/DSC07100.jpg" height="428" title="Recreation of tunnel escape in Berlin" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Display of tunnel escape </td></tr>
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Supposedly there are some plans to re-locate to <a href="http://ianandebe.blogspot.de/2011/09/perfect-summer-dayin-september.html" target="_blank">Tempelhof Park</a> where the Berlin Airlift Memorial is, but for now you have to make the trek to check out the museum.
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<span style="font-size: large;">AlliiertenMuseum <i>Berlin</i> - <i>Allied Museum</i> - Musée des Alliés</span></h3>
<b>Address</b>: Clayallee 135, 14195 Berlin<br />
<b>Tel</b>: 030 8181 ext. 990<br />
<b>Hours</b>: 10:00 - 18:00<br />
<b>Admission</b>: FREE <br />
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For more free museums in Berlin, </div>
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<a href="http://gogermany.about.com/od/sightsandattractions/fl/Best-Free-Museums-in-Berlin.htm" target="_blank"><span class="fn">Best Free Museums in Berlin</span></a></h1>
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<span class="fn"> </span></h1>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192879773898298306noreply@blogger.com0Allied Museum, Clayallee 135, 14195 Berlin, Germany52.455591 13.27260019999994326.933556499999998 -28.035993800000057 77.9776255 54.581194199999942