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

Best Viewed Full Screen.
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

BEST VIEWED FULL SCREEN .
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 .