Naked in the Park

  Berlin, Germany
Wednesday, August 11, 2004

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August 2004

Day one

A side trip to Berlin.
'Oh my life, are those shorts/trousers for real?'
German fashion sense takes some getting used to. The guy with purple raincoat draped over his shoulder or the man next to him exposing himself in lycra pants.
We were staying in Kreuzberg near to the old border between East and West and this turned out to be the most distinctive feature of the city. The old divide is a fascination and the architectural culture clash is something to behold, the currywurst was also good.







Day two

Berlin has a serious wasp problem. The wasps are also much more aggressive than the affable English variety. I took the 'if you don't harm them, they won't harm you' stance until one flew into my shoe and caused me to hop around the hof screaming obscenities and looking like a total loon. I eventually got my shoe off and gave that damn insect a good pasting.
The Jewish museum was an incredible work of design and sombre. It is the type of place that makes you think and talk and then worry a bit.

Day three


The remnants of the wall are now decorated with art work and at Checkpoint Charlie next to the American tourists posing for photos in Russian hats is a great little museum all about escaping the old east Germany for a 'better' life in the west. The pictures of the wal eventually being torn down are heart wrenching.

Day four

The Pergamon Museum is gorgeous; the walk down to the Brandenburg gate historic. Found out a bit more about the NAZI party....evil. Coming to Berlin, you can't avoid the war, but then again maybe you shouldn't...
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