"kein zweibel" was one of the first German phrases that I learned. Don't like raw onions. Cooked are fine though.

 

Don't dig the radishes either. Nor those bright pink pickled things they often hav in the kebab places.

 

@Telemark Phat Was Mustafas around when you were here? Many deride it as over hyped tourist food but I've had it a couple of times and it was spectac. Worth the1 hour queue.

 

There are some things about DE that one cannot argue with. Yes, that's the price for a sixie. And yes the single cans are 29c.

 

Pretty awful events last night. We had planned to go to the Xmas market in Charlottenburg for a feed after work, but canned it as we had too much to do before flying to Aus. Initial reports made it seem very inoccuous. Its not like a bomb blast where everyone instinctively runs. Live feeds from the scene showed most people unaware of the significance of what had taken place. We had friends in town a few weeks ago and we took them to the markets that were hit, as well as the most famous ones in Gendarmenmarkt. We even discussed how the Xmas markets would be a prime target for terrorists. Crazy.

 

To clarify. I wasn't meant to be at the markets that were hit. We were intending to go to Schloss Charlottenburg markets which are supposed to be one of the nicest ones. My wife is a bit of a xmas-markets-phile. Loves them. I've seen enough to last a lifetime. They are cool to experience once or twice a year. The Kudamm ones where this attack occured are quite unimpressive. They're just placed to capitalise on foot traffic as Kudamm is the main shopping strip.

Very eerie feeling today. All Xmas markets across Germany are closed. This was the scene at Alexanderplatz opposite my gym. That's the TV tower enveloped in fog.

Viel Spaß means "lots of fun".

 

Not quite. It's a mark of respect, not closure due to fear.

 

Got a whole bank of stuff to add to this thread but my memory was jogged yesterday when I saw this piece of outdoor advertising.

 

Election advertising. German style.

 

Valentines day, Deutch style.

 

Been a while since I updated this thread. I have to say that the longer we live here in Berlin, the less likely it is that I think we'd ever want to leave.

During our 9 years in London, there was always the feeling that it wasn't the final destination and that we'd eventually move over to Australia for the good life. Not so, anymore. I still love and miss my family and friends in Aus, but my lust for Sydney has waned. In my first 8 years living in Europe, I used to get yearnings for a hit of Sydney beach life and sunshine. Maybe after 10+ years doing the same annual Christmas pilgrammage to Sydney I've grown jaded, but I genuinely don't feel the pull anymore. Sure - I appreciate the lifestyle joys of being able to enjoy the beach a few days a week but other lifestyle factors seem more important now. My skin's probably enjoying the respite from the Aussie sun anyway.

Berlin needs to get its airports sorted out. Hopefully by 2020, the new one will be functioning. Flight connections are painful compared with London. Few choices when it comes to airlines and flight times, and notable gaps too. For example no direct flights to Innsbruck in winter. London was a better base for snowboarding, than Berlin is.

As a city, Berlin is growing rapidly. Its becoming more and more multinational by the month. The Brexit factor is definitely working to the city's advantage, although those who are negatively affected by gentrification are likely to be less enthusiastic. For us, its great. Food and entertainment options get better all the time. Our slightly too expensive rent (by Berlin standards) that we secured in 2016, is now super competitive. Its one of the fastest growing property markets in the world.

Mein Deutsch ist noch schlecht, aber es verbessert.

 

There does seem to have been a shift. A decade ago, most Aussies I met over here, had the intent to move back eventually.

Interesting comments on Euro travellers to Aus. I've met many who preferred nz but almost all who I've met, spoke in glowing terms about their time down under. Many can't believe I choose to live here.

 

Its just something that must never be mentioned

 

What a goal! This little guys support paid dividends!!



Although apparently the Hoff had it all under control anyway

 

Flew back from Mallorca yesterday but kinda wish we'd stayed the extra night! Apparently the island (which is known as the "17th State" of DE) went ballistic after the goal