Seasons Greetings 2012

A Very Happy Christmas To All 

A Very Good Hair Day In Berlin

Every year Berlin Sassoon salon ensures that all have a taste of Christmas fun on the last Saturday pre Christmas .
It never ceases to amaze me how creative these people are and it's a pleasure to go down and join in plus being allowed to film .
So it wasn't too difficult getting up at 7 am, then going out in bitterly cold weather to be there at 8-30am. En route it felt like Christmas , once there even more so and upon  Ieaving, the snow was falling . It still is and what can I say other than :-
"A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS" to all who read this blog or chance upon it. 

A Day Return to Milan .

City hopping once a month with Air Berlin is proving more fun than expected .
It's my reward system for overcoming sweet stuff and where others take mini  breaks , I view my monthly journey  as a 'bite size healthy diet'. Cheaper too .
I get to cities never visited , indulge my passion for photography and undertake lots of exercise packing in as much as one can prior to the return flight .Perhaps the greatest plus is that constant reminder as to how friendly and helpful ordinary people are . Forget the media ... there is a lot of hope for our world .

GNYBERLIN Visits Manchester .

This film by 'Luci West' has made my day.
A superb YouTube film maker, she too lives in Berlin and I subscribe to her channel.
Since embedding was enabled on the video I opted to share on my blog .
Luci's hallmark is the ability to produce sensational movies each one minute long .This is no easy task .
Manchester is my home city and it's a truth that  :-
"You can take the girl out of Manchester but you can't take Manchester out of the girl "
Her work here  is as good as any Christmas present in my eyes.
I hope you enjoy viewing what is a superb city and then why not view more of Luci's work at GNYBerlin on YouTube . You will enjoy the experience.
Thank you Luci for taking me home in just one minute.

Thought For Today

It's that time of year again. Frantic shopping and what to do next. It needn't be . Don't wait for New Year try this rule of thumb. There's no better time.

"Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again."

Og Mandino

An Advent Greeting From Berlin

This is from Otto Hamborg and the Viertakter to all viewers and isteners . The most famous German Christmas Carol in blues form . Enjoy and may your advent be full of happiness .Look forward with hope to what is our world and make sure each and every one of us in what ever small fashion makes sure it stays so .For it is not the property of the powerful, or the rich it is everyone's. It is 'ours' minus nationality or politics .

An International Start To Advent 2012

 

 

This weekend coming is the start of Advent and you can celebrate it in truly international style should you wish .Forget cooking ,stress etc . :-) Above you see details from the Swedish Church who are having a two day fete. It promises to be lively. The Anglican Church will treat you to 'A Very British Christmas' with much on offer. After both these events on Saturday I'll be off at night to the Gendarmenmarkt where as well as more goods,food and drink there's entertainment. Saturday 19:30 Acki Hoffmann will be playing. A weekend of fun where you may well be able to get some of your presents not to mention good food. No pushing a shopping trolley around the supermarket. Let's hear it for Sweden, Britain and Germany and most of all for Christmas.

Stuttgart For The Day

This day trip special treat surpassed my expectations. Stuttgart is a fascinating city. Here are but a few images linked using Picasa editor . An iMovie of the amazing Glocken Museum will follow. Already I wish to return to see so much more. For example :- Friedrich Hundertwasser architecture , Theodor Heuss Museum , The Otto Dix Exhibition to name but three. A tip. Good walking shoes are a must in Stuttgart . The transport is excellent but the roads steep , oh so steep . 

Christmas in The Air .

On a delightful cold and misty day, to be well wrapped up was a must
Down in the city Ka De We was busy creating a winter wonderland for Advent which is almost here . Their decorations are always exquisite and it was with joy that I discovered this snowdome. Having paid and about to leave, there before me, was yet another snowglobe, different but rather lovely. Something tells me this is a Christmas to look forward to .
For any Berlin readers why not visit  St George's Church, Preussen Allee ?
1st December at 15-18H . A Very British Christmas Fete will be in  full swing with lots to eat,drink,  buy and win. I'm already in the party mood .

How To Break An Addiction

The video says it all .Many of us battle with 'addictions'. There are some who would say eating lots of sweet things is not dangerous or detrimental to health. It can be and was very much so for me . Now I've got it taped. The simple method can be applied to any addiction. It has to be stressed that the foundation for success is a) a desire to stop and b) a technique which is simple and visual. This helps one stay focused. Good luck to any viewers who try this . I'm finding it great fun .

The rescue of Teufelsberg

Jazz Brunch In Berlin

Yes the weather's a lot cooler, days shorter but, a plus is the weekend Jazz Brunch scene has arrived. Die Eins was Sunday's venue and it's fair to say this terrific Charlie Parker number, a favourite of mine had feet a tapping. A great time was had by all.

Almost Midnight - Halloween 2012

 

A beautiful moon,clear sky, Halloween ,waiting for midnight and who knows,remarkable happenings. Some things never lose their magic.

Schlegel ... A Man Of Vision and Truth

Where there is politics or economics, there is no morality.
Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Schlegel 1772---1829

A very appropriate quotation especially as Berlin has just had a visitation from the very untruthful former premier of Britain. His warmongering activities with George Bush gave him such an appetite for presidential status. So much so he is now touring and advocating an elected president of Europe. No prizes for guessing who he is putting forward. HIMSELF. 
Something tells me that Schlegel must have nodded and turned in his grave as Berlin was tainted by a Blair visitation.

AIRBUS Look To The Future .

This video made by AIRBUS is on YouTube. Embedding is allowed so sharing possible. Beautiful concept and fabulous filming .It leaves me in awe at the techno.
Now we have 4D , what next I wonder ?
As for aircraft -- yes I love them too .

Berlin Festival Of Lights 2012 Begins.

When you begin your day by breaking a toe the prospect of a nights filming in the city seems daunting. Yet, wearing my most comfortable pair of boots off I went and, believe it or not was so entranced the dodgy strapped up toe was forgotton. Fantastic atmosphere, great music plus astonishing light effects, lots of 3D too - proved just the right medicine.
This little snippet movie made up of stills is but a taste .The real stuff will take time using iMovie and since there are lots of events yet to film , may take a while.  Best check the link You Tube and Helena.
The festival is on until October 21st and well worth a visit .

WHAT IS IT ?

"This is greater than God 

This is more evil than the Devil

The Poor Have it 

The Rich need it 

But if you eat it you die ."

WHAT IS IT ?

answers by email to helenafoxylady@googlemail.com

White Rocks Beach Northern Ireland

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A beautiful beach , one of many in this fantastic country .

Helena On The Move

Posting has been impossible due to having been very, very busy , due to fun and travel. Aerlingus flew me to Dublin from where Wicklow and Wexford , Limerick and Kerry were  visited .The sea providing superb swimming. At Dingle Bay the setting sun was breathtaking. Only a couple of light showers and these left wonderful rainbows. Next a drive to Belfast where the new speedy ferry took me over to Scotland. The drive to the north east coast was impressive due to the huge mountains and rolling mist.Why Scotland ? To witness a marriage of two very lovely people . Now back in Ireland I'm enjoying the northern coast and it's difficult to concentrate due to watching a sea with huge crashing white waves . Stormy--true, spectacular-- extremely!
Film editing will have to wait .

Berliner Gauklerfest 2012

After the opening day of IFA here we have snippets of the Berliner Gauklerfest final day. Colourful, magical and as ever,fascinating.  Music played by 'Otto's Viertakter' will be uploaded to YouTube in a few days.

IFA Berlin 2012 Opening Day.

Best Viewed Full Screen or in YouTube and Helena What better way to end August than with a visit to IFA. As usual it surpassed itself. These are bit snippets of what is to be seen and experienced. The exhibition is huge but there are shuttle buses. I was on the go for 8 hours without a break for a snack. Thanks therefore to Panasonic for the cookery. Forget the press with their gloom and doom, concentrate on how technology is making our world even more wonderful and a lot of fun. Not only did I meet some fascinating individuals there is now a rather unusual shopping list which reads as follows :- a)toothbrush b)new camera c)pillow d) towel robe with iPod pocket e)washing machine f) TV screen with apps .All but c and d are produced by, who else, but Panasonic ...

Fly With Dell At IFA Berlin 2012

The entire day was brilliant .I was really in my 7th heaven surrounded by the worlds greatest techno. This fun video made by Dell must suffice for now. Have only just this minute 'landed' for a refuelling and about to take off .More to follow .Stay tuned in for flight status ..

Berlin Police - Friends Not Foes

A plus factor for Berlin has to be the Berlin Polizei. In my opinion a terrific police force with social welfare a large part of their mission. Through out the year they provide a superb service coding bikes (for free) and entering the details on a data base. Cycle theft is big business and the public are supported by the police to combat this. This was filmed today. The event was superbly organized and very well attended. After 'the naming of my bike' for data purposes it was off to drink a toast and enjoy a special Frühstück .

Coming Shortly,The IFA Berlin Ball.

Make a note of the dates for your diary and visit IFA Berlin. It's the world's largest consumer electronics trade fair and not to be missed . A place where 'having a ball' is guaranteed .

Fasanenstrasse Festival Berlin

Sunday was an extremely sunny day with the temperature rising to 36°C  . In Fasanenstrasse it seemed more akin to Tel Aviv with so much food to choose from, freshly pressed orange or pomegranate juice and music to get you dancing . Madness in such heat but fun.As a venue to try out the new hands free bracket it was perfect.
Hands free for eating,drinking and picking items up to examine. Then filming as I 'danced' ....apologies for the voice over , one could never call it singing,but it's a fact that Helena Mikas enters into the spirit of things. Once out of the circle back to concentration on filming and awareness of the microphone .. YOU HAVE BE WARNED ADJUST THE VOLUME .

No Hands Filming Whilst Riding A Bike

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Today has been  like a second birthday . I received a super chain strap to go on a new handbag , ideal for when riding my bike. Then a parcel containing a fabulous gadget ( 2 actually ) for my Panasonic Lumix Camera .These fit on my camera , this one  on a strap which enables me to wear it round my neck. Simplicity itself ( as are most superb inventions ) this enbled me to trial run it on my journey home . Not at all bad for a first go .When driving a car both hands should be on the wheel . With a bike, both hands on the handle bars. Saves accidents, broken bones, camera and worse . Hope you enjoy the little tour of Charlottenburg .  Not only is Berlin a city of trees , it's a cyclist's paradise .
By the way the second gadget is for use when filming in bad weather .....  

Berlin Bath Time

VIEW FULL SCREEN OR IN YOU TUBE
Filmed early yesterday evening this isn't brilliant  but unusal and very noisy.It was unexpected astonishingly wild rain and hail coming in all directions. Care of the camera lens took priority.Today I discovered it was a localized happening ... Who knows it may have been in answer to my prayers. I enjoy rain and storms such as this. After days of heat and humidity here was a gift from on high. Never have the streets looked so clean and fresh .

Berlin Beethoven Barenboim

Berlin is a city vibrant with life and culture. Situated in Charlottenburg is the Waldbühne, an open air theatre built in 1936 and a copy of 'Epidaurus' 3rd century BC. It seats 25,000 and ranks as one of Europe's largest concert venues. A concert, plus picnic basket makes for a superb evening. Daniel Barenboim, world famous musician and conductor is no stranger to Berlin especially in the world of Opera.Here you see him before the concert returning to the stage after sorting the sound. As founder and conductor of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra ( assembled from young Israeli and Arab musicians) Barenboim has done much to use the power and passion of music to build bridges for peace.Sunday was just such an event when they played to a packed audience in the Waldbüne.The weather matched the music-perfect.As did the atmosphere ,again perfect. Beethoven's 3rd and 5th symphonies played with tremendous zest and superb accuracy.Something tells me that Beethoven would be more than pleased with our joy each and every time we hear his works .Sunday was no exception . Beethoven - Berlin and Barenboim share much .None are pretentious .They are timeless and most of all , 'themselves'. Quite an example. Now for my fun shot of the week.The picture on the right is that of the left but upside down .So clear is the reflectiion that on the R one is left wondering at the 'hole'

A Tiny Taste Of Northern Ireland

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The video says it all . 

A Year "Flies" By Into The Next

It's said that 'time flies' , even more so if you choose to spend time in flight on your actual birthday .
This time last week I was one year older but after being looked after by British Airways and British Midland it's true to say, felt younger .It was the start of a week taking in many places and most of all the north of Ireland, beautiful scenery and the freshest of air.
Magical moments to remember .Life is made up of millions of such . Priceless .

Golden Celebration For France and Germany.

2012, my Silver Jubilee , HM Queen Elizabeth II her Diamond Jubilee and now it's the turn of France and Germany. Their's is a very special Golden Birthday in the form of the Deutsch-Französisches Volksfest . Hard to believe but this action packed event sprang from a meeting  between General de Gaulle and Chancellor Konrad Adenauer .
Both men realized the importance of friendship and after their meeting the bonds between the countries got stronger .The very first Volksfest took place at Kurt Schumacher-Damm . After the allies left  in 1994 it was decided that the show must go on and so a permenant site was built .( same address ) If you have a 50th birthday this year between the 15th of June and 15th of July turn up with proof and a present of 50Euro  will be yours .On the 8th the actual birthday of the festival there is also a chance for all to try and win an iPhone being raffled . This video made from still shows a few of the rides . I did film on the Roller Coaster and the Frizbee but for some reason it didnt save .If you have never been here , try it . Let your hair down or sit watching the entertainment in the French Village whilst eating rather wonderful food .
**Now the video edited from live HD  digitalvideo Best viewed ful screen :
Sound is live from moment of filming.

Music Makes Berlin Go Round

Here are a few reasons for my recent lack of posting. Life has been pretty hectic with some astonishing musical events.Top of the list has to be West Side Story. If you're in Berlin  try and see it . Spectacular, it left me breathless and dancing . No wonder I needed to relax with a Buddy Bear in the middle of the Kudamm on Thursday. He even obliged by coordinating with my shoes . That's Berlin for you.

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Flying to Luxemburg is always pleasant and especially so with Swiss Air . Last week I left Berlin and this little video makes the Zurich - Lux stretch in record time .What was to follow was rather unusual and all I can say is 'Watch This Space '

The Queen's Jubilee Music in Berlin June 3rd 2012

Sunday in Berlin was an exceptional day for those attending St George's Anglican Church. Trinity Sunday,two baptisms and The Embassy Singers with their director Andrew Sims, who treated us to a programme of music used at the Coronation. As if that weren't enough  at the end of service, a sing along  rather akin to Last Night Of The Proms.I've to confess that due to standing and filming, silence would have been my best option. Mission impossible though when God Save the Queen, Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory are to be enjoyed .
My profound apologies,but it's not so often you get such a chance to let your 'British hair down'. Too good to be missed.
An interesting fact. The drape over the organ balcony was part of the decorations within Westminster Abbey  for the 1953 Coronation. It was sent as part of an exhibition and was later purchased for the church.
After coffee it was ride the bike time when my singing  didn't do a thing save clear the traffic !

Diamond Jubilee Of Queen Elizabeth ll

Three of my greatest treasures . A coronation glass , a mug to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee and then another to commemorate this, her Diamond Jubilee. The items from her Silver Jubilee were lost in transit when I moved from UK to Germany where Her Majesty
is much admired. Whilst having coffee this week came the question ,'had I ever considered changing my citizenship ? ' .  You can guess the answer :-
A very firm 'no'. As long as Britain has a monarchy , I'm proud to be British. For me they put the  'Great' in  Britain'. Queen Elizabeth continues to work for her country 60 years after her accession. A cause indeed to celebrate .

          LONG LIVE THE QUEEN .

My Silver Jubilee Music

2012 marks my arrival twenty five years ago in Berlin. No great pagentry planned but a lot of happy reflections and meetings with those people the years have brought me into contact with . Plus I've now adopted the Cornish Floral Dance as my Anthem ( call it what you will). It seems very apt .
In December 1987 alone here and still new to the city I heard the Berlin Police Orchestra playing this at the Advent Market Europa Centre . The tears fell, but suddenly I felt fine and connected . Fast forward to this  Whit Sunday where, at a brunch a Danish band were playing . On walking forward to make at least one film what should they play but The Cornish Floral Dance .
Was it an amazing coincidence or from elsewhere ? Once again tears of happiness and a sense of full circle .The band were great and liked the story .They gave their permission to use on the internet. This week in Berlin there will be music to mark the Queen's Diamond  Jubilee . I've had mine ... it was lovely .

Carnival Of Culture Berlin 2012

The holiday weekend fun began on Friday in Kreuzberg.On Saturday more peeople arrived to taste the foods on offer and enjoy the music etc . Next  the 'caravan ' will move through the streets .This will be a display of floats and amazing costumes .
The mix is perfect and the atmosphere electric . Another Berlin  event I can recommend .

A Weekend in A Minute +13

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This is a film made for GNY Berlin a YouTube film maker . She is the tops and last month was the anniversary of her 200th Berlin videos .One per week and each exactly 1 minute !
Believe me that is superb editing on her part .Now in Brooklyn she makes 1 minute movies  as well as having many other projects . Here's  my tribute to her. Hope she enjoys and that you do . My time here is always full , never dull and yet never stressed . Why ?
'Das ist Berlin' 

My Kind Of Guy

                                     QUOTE FOR TODAY


Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.

Elbert Hubbard ( writer , publisher , artist and philospher )
June 19th 1856 ----May 7th 1915.
It's fascinating to read about this man's life and his quotations are absolutely spot on.

Elbert Hubbard and his wife  died when travelling on the Lusitania when it sank off the coast of Ireland after being hit by a German submarine .

Birds Of A Feather

Spotted yesterday at the open air swimming pool .This pair of Mallard ducks were swimming across the diving pool as I walked in.By the time I got my camera ready they were hopping out, preening and settling for a siesta. Or maybe viewing we humans as entertainment. Their absolute contentment with life was wonderful to obverse. I left them snoozing side by side .

Tegel Airport Saves Berlin Again

Best Viewed Full Screen and Turn Volume Low .

No sound track save for the wind and jet engines. (music to my ears ) any time .
This was made last Saturday. June the 3rd and closure day was looming large for this delightful , efficient hexagonal user friendly airport ---- I interviewed many staff at Tegel and found none were for closure .Today the news as ever BBI will NOT open as planned for the umpteenth time .This announcement coming at the last minute will cost airlines and firms a great deal of money. If the powers that be go ahead and ever close Tegel then as sure as eggs are eggs the world has gone crazy .More info on the history of Flughafen Tegel on YouTube. Meanwhile thanks again Tegel for saving Berlin . Built by professionals, maintained by professionals,run by professionals this airport has always presented the best image of what is best about Germany .It did not cost a fortune to do so.

The Speed Of Lightning

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After days of extremely hot and humid weather we had a night storm . It began at midnight and meant little sleep for me. Instead out on the balcony with a drink and Panasonic . Missed a lot of great flashes but was lucky with others . When a child in UK my parents said that thunder was God moving around in heaven. They never did have a story for lightning so let's say he was fixing the fuses .Or even re-wiring who knows ? Best of all maybe it's a reminder to us that we do have a truly spectacular world .

Tip Toe Through The Tulips

Once again Britzer Garten made sure we knew it was Spring .Each year the display of tulips is sensational. Some are left to grow wild like meadow flowers, others are set in displays to best show off their tones and forms.Over and over one is astonished at the varieties of Tulip. Britzer Garten is huge, well worth a visit and in August hosts open air classical music concerts . Make a note. Whilst walking around today the overwhelming sound was that of bird song. Their's was a Spring Symphony like no other .

May Day In Berlin Is Hot & Steamy

What a fabulous May Day. Down to Ostbahnhof and the Flea Market held there. Shade was much needed but hard to find. Later off to the Olympic Open Air Swimming Pool. My favourite spot in summer. It was no surprise when  a call came telling all to get out of the water. For rain alone,no problem .When there is thunder and lightening it's a must . The storm lasted and in the end I decided to have a pseudo swim on my bike . Riding home was something else. The rain was lovely and warm , I got a second shower. For this Brit a rather perfect May Day. 

Let's Hear It For Honesty , Culture and Style

Last night I deleted my video Nanny State Britannia from here and from YouTube .The reason being it had been taken and  used by a very nasty American warmongering group and not only that but as their own work .So having asked for help from YouTube, I decided to delete and reload plus write this explanation. Quite a few people had seen it and many found it very funny. So it's back on YouTube. It's a sign of the times when creepy groups sink so low, but having done my home work on them they are the pitz .

Let's hope UK cease emulating USA .We do have a history ,culture and style . Let's not throw such away in the rush to get rich quick by any means. Meanwhile Ms V fights back against the slimeball thieves .

Modern Art and Architecture In Luxemburg

Last week I flew to Luxemburg and had a fantastic time . The first day was hectic but what I really did enjoy was the ultra modern architecture and art to be found around the Philharmonie.This film gives you some idea . The MUDAM is a museum I could spend hours in. Designed by sino-american architect I.M Pei  this building, layout, exhibits can only be described as spectacular.
Not only does the  MUDAM house works it also displays the actual city, old and new through the most unusual use of glass and carefully placed massive windows which 'frame' that which is outside ..........

Aer Lingus Win The Easter Sunday Egg.

It was a strange Easter Sunday .Began in Belfast where I had to catch a bus to Dublin Airport . Easy , but once on the motorway (fortunately near to Dublin ) a tyre blew 'big time' . The driver was great and handled all well .There we sat and waited until another bus came, parked with care as passengers plus luggage were safely moved. At terminal two more great food and then the Berlin flight left promptly . The weather was lovely as was sun down ,arriving early at SXL at 20-40hrs. This was a bonus as the next leg of the journey was by train where due to work on the track there was more swapping and changing and many confused visitors. Therefore the prize for smooth journey , problem free goes to Aer Lingus .Second goes to the Irish Bus Company .

Bushmills Coleraine Port Rush To Walk With Giants.

The above shows an action packed day around the Antrim Coast enjoying that which can be found here , sun , sea , sand ,fine whiskey , fine food and so much fun. When in Giant Country it tends to be ultra special.

Berlin ,Belfast ,Bushmills ,Rathlin Island

If you wish to go across the sea , go to Ireland , and what better route than this. Each may have a different starting point but once you reach Belfast and travel north , believe me the nearer you are to 'paradise found'. Only one way to find out --- try it .
AerLingus fly to Belfast from London .However should you fly to Dublin with them take the train or bus up to Belfast .
Warning .Antrim is so magical it keeps drawing one back .You have been warned .

Frederick The Great & The Titanic Centre .

Frederick the Great was born in Berlin and this year the Germans are marking the 300th birthday of this astonishing man. All over the city one sees such posters advertising the huge exhibition at the German Historical Museum.( 21st March -29th July) See above. They read Frederick the Great - respected, revered, reviled.

If you are in Berlin try to couple this with a visit to Sans Souci ,Potsdamm.

Then over the waters to Belfast where the Titanic Centre opens to the public on March 31st to mark the 100years since this ship, built in Belfast and deemed unsinkable , set sail to encounter an iceberg. To give you some idea look at the interactive site by visiting :-

www.titanicbelfast.com

It will have you rushing to book a flight and your entrance fee.

Both cities are spectacular,offer much and are ultra friendly. Likewise they have superb transport services. No prizes for guessing who is off to both events as soon as possible.

'Stars' and Planets

Berlin was like high summer today and the skies those one sees in a travel brochure . Blue was the colour but one couldn't have been 'blue' . The Echo awards were to be held at night and my favourite landmark took on a radiant blue to light up the night sky. The crowds waiting to see those whose names meant very little to me were many and very lively . I managed but a few photographs ,enjoying the atmosphere & most of all the buzz of two planets (Venus and Jupiter) visible to the naked eye and able to be filmed .Thus said my awards go to the Funkturm which has been a shining light for many a year and these two planets (see second video) even longer. Can one measure such time? The 'beautiful 'people come and go but planets remain and long may the Funkturm .

Saint Patrick's Day , Berlin 2012

Great weather , terrific costumes , fun, indeed all you could wish for on this day which was the focal point of The St Patrick's Festival Berlin 2012.Organized by the Irish community it was as lively as a sack full of leprechauns....... Enjoy the pictures.

ITB Berlin Day 1 For The Public

Well was it worth visiting ? Yes for sure. Did I see everything ? No way .With so many countries present just too much in a day.
It was simply wonderful and great to see how much Germany is doing to promote all it has to offer in tourism .
Britain and Ireland were excellent, though I have to say how surprised I was that there was no mention of the Olympic games and The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
Wandering with certain countries as 'must sees' was my solution and it worked. Tomorrow is the closing day , so a last chance for any one reading this to go and see, savour and sip the best of many destinations. Confession, I sipped quite a lot .
*the music track for this film is a little short but :- .a) sunny is asscociated with holidays and Sunnyside Of The Street is a favourite number of mine. So no apologies .Merely one word - ENJOY

Berlin ITB 2012

 

This years ITB began this week . Here you see the Messe Berlin decked out in all it's glory . Will I be going ? Sincerely hope so . Open to the publc Saturday and Sunday this week if it's like previous years it will make for a fascinating day out . Let's see.

Crazy Upside Down House In Germany .

If your Saturday has been as strange as mine then 'Lucky You '. Miss V, Helena Mikas merged into an 'Alice in Wonderland' figure at this amazing Upside Down House in Trassenheide ,Usedom Germany . As you'll see from the video, all things were possible and never has cleaning been so much fun ! Washing hair and jumping around were curious if not bizarre . What fun. Herr Paul who helped design this place is amazing and his eye for detail and illusion is superb. For a superb experience it takes some beating.

Route 66 With Otto Hamborg and The 5pezielleTakter

Route 66 is a very well known number but this rendition takes some beating . Heard at Die Eins on Sunday it gave me and many more a buzz.
My tip :- If you are planning a Berlin City break do try and combine with a live performance .

The BVG Strike 18th February 2012

Yesterday the BVG went on strike from early morning until 19:00hr .As usual fair warning was given and the SBahn kept on working since this is a part of the DB .
Q) Do I support such action ? A )100% yes. Q) Why my support ? A) The workers at the BVG are not just good, they are excellent and provide a round the clock punctual service, with I may add ,intelligence, courtesy and manners .
Q) So what's special about this ? A) They make it possible to live minus a car and even the most elderly,incapacitated person can get out and about . They also deal effeciently with the undesirables who at times seek to upset other passengers.
Q) So why is this so wonderful ? A) It's wonderful to travel home in the early hours on public transport with no sense of danger .As a matter of fact when I made a list of reasons as to why I should make Berlin my home , BVG was number one reason .They take pride in their work and represent what is good about Germany.I have no need to run a car.
Q) Do I know what they earn ? A) No but whatever it's not a fortune with expenses , and golden handshakes .
Q) Why talk of golden handshakes ? A) This strike on the 18th came one day after the resignation of the German President .
It took this man long enough to depart and for sure he was not representing the best of Germany . His enormous salary had amazing perks and privilege. What is more , this post is such that even when no longer President the lavish salary and perks continue for the individual's life .
Could one BVG worker say such ? Indeed could any ordinary employee ? As has been seen, many disgraced politicians have little to fear .They get an even better paid position within the EU plus wondrous perks. Today I had to laugh on hearing a song entitled 'Money's Getting Cheaper', played at a Jazz Brunch
Q) So what am I saying here ? A) That minus the people who vote, no government can be in power. That should read No government can serve . Sadly few even consider the public once they are elected . save to tell them there is no money and they must do without . My point is, as long as those at the top get such payments ( for life ) expenses and goods , then all have the right to strike for a decent wage .In reality best that all are paid as the public and once no longer in the post , no more payment . Those disgraced should go immediately as indeed ordinary people have to . On no account should tarnished politicians or public figures be appointed to the EU. Who knows, such measures could increase the value of money.

62nd International Film Festival Berlin.

Having missed the first week of the flim festival it was great to be able to get tickets for five films .
The images above show which. I enjoyed all save for the last. Un Mundo Secreto ,made in Mexico was extremely repetitive and featured so much indiscriminate sex it had one yawning .
The others were all excellent and I for one am hoping DVD's will be available . My favourite? Wandeukyi ( Punch). Made in Korea this film has the lot and I can recommend . Superb casting , life and humour it's a winner .
So if any one has wondered why I haven't been posting here's the answer . Getting tickets, fitting into one's routine then criss crossing the city between the cinemas is time consuming but enormous fun . February is not a wonderful month weather wise so why not make a note to visit the Berlin Ineternational Film Festival next year .

Dr Feelgood in Berlin 2012. (German tour)

Thursday night was 'Dr Feelgood' night and oh did they bring 'heat' to a bitterly cold city when they played to a packed house at Quasimodo.The event was made even more of such by John 'The Big Figure Martin' on drums .A fact not taken up by the rolling credits. So let's hear it for John . Take a look at their link on my blog. These guys are on the road so much it's absolutely astonishing how they find the energy. Sadly Germany only gets to see them every two years. France, Switzerland etc are luckier . Final words :-

When I see Dr Feelgood ,I feel good and proud to be British .They are the tops .

Breaking the Ice On the Spree

The coat does my figure no favours but it did keep me warm as I spent hours down along the River Spree which was so iced over that at regular intervals a boat came to break it up . When this happened huge slabs of ice came rolling along in a domino effect .I have called this an Icenami . I wouldn't have swapped these few hours for any warmer clime . Look at the sky , the sun, the beauty. It has the lot . Including deliberate spelling error .Can you spot it ?

Berlin's Big Freeze

The movie says it all and yes it was fun . I for one actually prefer this to sweltering summer . Spot the error and let me know . Now I know why Friedrich Hundertwasser had so much fun with this concept .

Vienna Sightseeing

City breaks are alwys popular and whilst it's low season an ideal time to get a bargain with most good airlines and hotels .
Vienna is a city I can recommend (even though it comes with a warning re not so good for none smokers). The amount of places to see and marvel at is astonishing. Culture is rich and although it's but week since I returned but I'm longing to return.

Viennese Snowglobes

Herr Perzy is the third generation of his family to carry on this wonderful historical workshop and museum in Vienna .Here you see him with his daughter at the astonishingly magical spot at Schumanngasse Strasse 87 Vienna . Talking with them was fascinating .
Seeing examples of their work and going around the museum on a 1 to 1 basis fulfilled my every dream.If you visit Vienna call in.
My filming was not it's best but this warrants a spot. Don't blame the Pansonic,I was akin to a snowglobe "All Shook Up "

A Viennese Vorspeisen.

This is but a starter so to speak.Vienna had much on offer and it gave my Panasonic Lumix plenty to do.
What can I say , except the journey there and back was excellent . My hotel likewise .Vienna public transport akin to Berlin ie cheap ,and first class. People are very friendly . The snowdome museum and factory owned and run by Herr Perzy ( 3rd generation) warrants it's own posting. For any visiting this place it's a must see.
Perhaps my most novel experience was being in Vienna and eating at Mc Donalds. Their NS policy saved me. Eating in smoke filled places makes me ill , plus stinky clothes are not my thing. Vienna flouts the EU rule big time. However as you'll see I made up for this once home in Berlin after a concert in Potsdamm. Would I return ? For sure . McDonalds is there and doing without too much food harms nobody .Seriously, there is so much yet to see .

Sanssouci Potsdamm

This must be the wettest winter on record for Berlin. However, today though very cold, was sunny so a trip to somewhere different was called for. Well clad ,out I went with Fred ,( Fred is my bike ) and where did we head for ? Why to Sans Souci / Sanssousi. This beautiful park and Schloss in Potsdamm was the favourite residence of Frederick the Great and even in winter is a rather wonderful day out . The short movie made up of stills shows but a few of the follies and temples set within the grounds . One is allowed to ride a bicycle around which considering the size of the park is a plus .On leaving the park a coffee was a 'must have' and since the cafe had home made chocolate cake with hazelnuts I felt duty bound to sample ... My finding ......Simply delicious !

Parking With A Difference .

Taken in a Berlin underground carpark this shot leaves me wondering are these places now catering for weary shoppers .Maybe those who cant recall which level they parked on and need a break before continuing the search ...... Tis but a thought .

To The European Parliament

'Any fool can make a rule and any fool will mind it '

Henry David Thoreau 1817-1862

Something tells me that Thoreau would have had much to say to the champion, overpaid rule makers of Brussels .

They who determine our lives with what can only be termed ridiculous legislation should be treated with contempt .

History shows us how those in power are so keen to make the maddest of laws which , sadly, many go along with .

I ask you :-

Do you know your EU MP ?

Can you meet them for their help?

Do you know what they earn ?

Do you know what expenses they claim ?

Do you know if they,like millions are subject to a pay freeze?

If you have answered YES to all the above then it is either a miracle or you are related .

If you have answered NO then now's the time to do research, ask questions and get the truth.

You have a right as you are paying these people .

One final question :-

In your opinion do debates on tractor seats and fruit dimensions warrant time,legislation and expenditure ?

So wake up all 'fat cats' of Brussels you may have to answer questions.

January 1st 2012

Last night , this morning, was spent along with many more up on Teufelsberg.

This 80 metre hill situated in Berlin provides an excellent viewing point of the city. It was astonishing and exciting to stand and film 360° whilst at the same time enjoying fireworks going off around and above one.The latter brought up by people who made sure the New Year greeting was colourful , noisy and fun packed . These two stills give an almost space quality( that on the left) whilst the right resembles an oil painting depicting the Russian Front ! Movie footage has yet to be edited ...No soundtrack will be needed at all. It is its own BIG BANG BOOGIE.So coming shortly at a blog you know ...is BBBB which is Berlin's Big Bang Boogie. Shorter than I thought , here it is ,

the very special boogie