Berlin, Germany - A wild NYE celebration

How do we top a white Christmas on the snowy Alps of Austria? Visit Berlin for New Years!! I know I have previously stated how much I loved Zell-am-see and Prague, and I know that it must sound like I just brag on everywhere I go; but, I also really, really loved Berlin… and for completely different reasons. It’s a bit of a concrete jungle in areas, with quirky backstreets and graffiti walls that surprise you with bursts of colour every now and then. At times, the streets were baron as the public holidays meant a lot of places were closed. But, it didn’t stop us from thoroughly enjoying what was on offer.

The one thing that I was insistent about doing was a walking tour through the streets of Berlin, despite the cold factor and the unwelcoming showers of rain that came in intervals. You can imagine the enormously wonderful history that was divulged on the tour, and I devoured every bit of it up, enthralled with how real it all was, how tangible the Berlin wall became. I was in awe and instantly became addicted to the history and rich culture that this city encompassed.

During our tour we were taken to the Memorial of the Murdered Jews. It was constructed of concrete block towers, all of differing heights, like a grid popping up out of a wavy floor. When walking amongst the blocks it is so easy for one to feel disorientated, lost, unsure and in search for someone or something familiar, guidance or a sign of the end. Whilst the memorial doesn’t have an explanation for its appearance, it’s open to interpretation. I felt moved and undone by these somewhat emotionless towers. Why? Maybe it was the knowledge of what it stood for. Maybe it was because it represented individuals, their unique lives, yet all destined for one fatal end. I still don’t know exactly what it was that managed to have such an impact, but I know I will never forget the site.

As well as this, we visited a section of the Berlin wall and were told incredibly unfathomable stories of people who managed to escape, as well as horrible instances of people who were not so successful. This concept of a wall dividing the entire city, the entire country, was just so vague and unbelievable, until I faced it myself and was able to envision the guards marching up and down the wall, readily available to shoot any escapists. What a different world I have known. We were so entranced by this that we actually went back to the flat and started watching documentaries on the Berlin wall.

If I wasn’t already completely full to the brim with historical facts and the tragedies of the past, we ended our tour on Museum Island… an island of museums! The stunning buildings were enough to take my breath away. However, it was a small cave-like memorial that managed to well up my eyes. It was dedicated to an unknown Jewish mother and an unknown German soldier whose bodies lay beneath the ground. On the surface a statue of a mother holding her child is displayed, with her robes loosely hugging her kneeling figure and falling in a crumble on the floor. It was very simple, yet again so moving and impacting.

The apartment we were staying in whilst in Berlin was just a gem. It was owned by an interior designer, who is also a mum of two young kids. Their place was on the top floor of a corner block, perfectly positioned to view the unending fireworks that were exploding for the entire three days we were there. Actually unending. A neighbouring apartment was setting them off out the window next to us. It was INSANE! This was just the lead up to New Years Eve…

We decided we couldn’t be in Berlin for New Years and not venture out to where everyone was gathering. We went to the Brandenburg Gate to join with the mass of crazy people awaiting the countdown to midnight. I know that it’s going to be impossible for me to adequately paint the scene for you, but to just give you a taster… there were people everywhere, drinking, dancing, laughing, and yes, setting off fireworks. I had one roll down to rest next to my foot, sizzling away as it threatened to explode and take me down with it. As you can imagine, the hysterical game of hopscotch I then started to play was a humorous sight; but unfortunately it did not grab any attention from the nearby party goers, as I was drowned out by the thousands of exploding noises and jolly celebrators. I kept both my legs in the incident, and the four of us kept moving on briskly, to find a good but safe spot to see the midnight sky show.

We just sat behind the memorial of concrete blocks and in awe (and in a little bit of fear for our lives) we watched the fireworks dance emotively across the sky. A kiss for my husband and a hug for my beloved friends, Johnny and Lauren, it was a New Years to remember. Not long after midnight (hmm, I exaggerate… immediately after midnight), we decided to head home for a cup of tea and some sleep. We were the cause of hysterical laughter from our taxi driver who questioned us about which party we were going to. He couldn’t believe that we were in Berlin for New Years and going home as soon as the party was starting.

It was a hard place to leave and definitely one to revisit. A Happy New Years, indeed!

Prague, Czech Republic - Part 2 of 3 in the winter bonanza

In the long, devastating absence of a riveting blog post, we are happy to report that there has been a buzzing busyness that has overcome us in good ol’ London town. And, although there really is no valid excuse for keeping you all in the dark shadows of anticipation, it means that this post comes with a hearty update to completely satisfy your appetite, until you are rolling away, full of good stories, a few chuckles here and there, and a virtual visit to the ever beautiful Prague. The wait was worth it. I promise.

 

Our last post left you under the enchanting snowflakes of the Austrian Alps, where we celebrated our first white Christmas. I realise that it is already 7 months into the New Year, so we have a lot to catch up on. In the New Year I started at a new school, where I took on the role of an English intervention teacher. In comparison to the high stress levels, long hours and challenging behaviour I encountered at my previous school, this was such a dream. The staff I worked with have become my close friends and the workload was welcomed with a sigh of relief. I undoubtedly have become a better teacher since being over here and working in diverse situations. However, I realised that I hadn’t come over to London to spin myself into a frenzy. Hence, my delight that came with this new position meant a more balanced lifestyle. After working there for six months, and falling in love with the culture and people, it has come to and end with the conclusion of the academic year. What an emotional whirlwind, to have to say goodbye to people I have come to love and an ideal workplace, knowing that my ‘goodbye’ might truly be for good. Yes, that’s right… our time in London is rapidly coming to an end as we make plans to head back home before Christmas. Like I said, what an emotional whirlwind!! There’s so much to look forward to, yet still reluctant to end this love affair with London.

 

Tim has been winning the hearts of many, as he has had a rush of enquiries with his photography and has the opportunity to shoot some stunning weddings, including one in Bath! Of course, his trust second photographer/wife accompanied him on this one. As well as that, his weekly work schedule photographing interiors has kept him on his toes, as the summer weather means longer work hours. He has worked tirelessly the entire time we have been here, and I know for him the end of this work season will bring him much relief and joy.

 

You may have noticed that I sneakily popped the words ‘summer weather’ into the previous paragraph. Your response might have been to laugh, and considered it wishful thinking. But no, London has indeed defeated all odds and for over two glorious weeks, we have enjoyed the head of 25-30 degree weather. I have a tan! It’s a miracle!! The hilarious thing is (a thing that I refuse to take part in, no matter how many giant beads of sweat from my hands lubricate the handrails on the tube) that everyone complains that it is never hot in London and then, whenever the sun makes an appearance the unending groans of the people can be heard upon the arrival of dawn. There are no air conditioned rooms to escape the “heat wave”, however, when the sun is out London really is one of the most beautiful places to be, with the luscious parks on every corner and the inviting streets for the adventurous wanderers.

 

As you can imagine, leaving London at this time has made it difficult. Yet, we do so very much look forward to arriving in Sydney and catching up on all the birthdays, celebrations, births and much needed family time. Not to mention the travel that we are embarking on before hand… just a bit of Athens, Santorini, Amalfi Coast, Florence, Cinque Terre, Verona, Venice, Rovinj, Nice, Bordeaux, Lisbon, New York, and the finale… a US road trip down Route 66 with Mark and Tez!!! Shivers… imagine all the blogging we will be doing!

 

But now, to catch up on Prague, Firstly, it must be told, the story of how we got to Prague. In researching trains, buses and flights to Prague from Austria, we worked out that it would be cheaper to hire a private car with a driver to take us over the border. It was a brilliant plan and all was going well with Timbo in the front seat talking the ear off the non-English speaking driver and the rest of us catching up on some shuteye, or trying. It started getting quite dark and the road turned into more of a dirt pathway through the forest-like trees. Tim was still all smiles, but glancing over to Tez, I saw the terror and fear in her eyes as she started seeing every horror movie replicate itself in the scenery around us. In her head, she was imagining this driver taking us all into the depth of a forest with no on around to hear us. Then all of the sudden, the driver spoke some of his very few English words, “so, this building on the left is where they filmed the horror movie ‘Hostel’.” Terri’s eyes instantly widened and then the clench of her hands tightened as her chest started filing up with a terrified inhale. I didn’t mean to laugh, but it couldn’t be helped, listening to Tim happily chat away to our unknown, mysterious driver, Johnny and Loz fast asleep in the back, Tez gripping onto Mark’s arm whilst we drive deeper into the darkness. The driver made his second, and last announcement, “We will be making a short stop at my boss’s house to change drivers.” I didn’t think it was possible for Terri’s eyes to widen any further. She actually started to laugh nervously, unknowing what else to do. There were no houses in sight, whatsoever.

 

However, there were no twists in the lot and we managed to change drivers and continue onwards to Prague. Our arrival to our stunning hotel was a joyous occasion, followed by a deliciously cheap meal – very joyous indeed! We quickly found out that we were going to eat like kind in this fine city, very inexpensively!

 

The next morning, our breakfast was thoroughly enjoyed in the hotel restaurant, which then equipped us for our day of exploring in the frosty streets of Prague. Oh my days! Prague is such a treasure. It was about a 30min walk to get us into the main square, but I didn’t even care for the puddles we had to avoid, whilst trekking in our big, puffy coats. It reminded me of a romantic love story; the flirtatious water boastfully reflecting the quaint and colourful buildings along the water, whilst the bridges gracefully dance their way over the glistening blanket, smiling cheekily, knowing quite well that everyone is looking on at them, charmed by the beauty of their perfectly matched companionship.

 

It was cold, but the sun made the colours warm and the tourists friendly. We strolled along the famous Charles Bridge, stopping for photos where there was a gap in the crowd, as well as hearing famous legends from the informed Mark and Tez, who had visited once before. By the time we crossed the bridge, we were keen for a hat chocolate, which was readily available from the stalls on the side of the streets. Men with big cauldrons were selling hot chocolate and mulled wine. The casual appearance of the shop fronts were deceptive to the unbelievably delicious goods they were providing. By far, it was one of the best hot chocs devoured yet!

 

Once we pulled out noses out of the cup and stopped licking the remains off the rim, we reached the main square; a complete picture of a magical European Christmas! There was a gigantic tree embellishing the square centre, and festive Christmas markets adorning the outskirts. Hot cinnamon scrolls were tasted along with chocolate covered fruit and milled wine.

 

After completing the winding wandering of the markets, we approached the legendary Astronomical Clock – a brilliant, masterful monument with intricate and stunning detail. The clock was first installed in 1410 and displays several astronomical features. It was the only one of its kind, and the third-oldest in the world; so, to avoid any copycats the Prague Councillors blinded the clockmaker so he could not repeat his work. However, it was unknown that the clockmaker had an apprentice who was then instructed to go and remove a tiny piece of the clock that would stop it from working. His revenge lasted for 100 years as the clock could not operate due to this spiteful act.

 

The tall tower beckoned us upon it, and we were up in the belly of the clock in no time, taking in the views of the old city. It was such a sight!! What a stunning city; a maze of terracotta rooftops and cobblestone streets enveloping the centre square filled with people and Christmas cheer.

 

The day could go on no longer without a hearty, wintery (and cheap) meal. Oh, the food! Soups, meat, stews, chips and beer were amongst the feast that was enjoyed. The pub, whilst positioned in a very touristy spot, still satisfied a ranging traveller with wooden beams to match the rustically characterised wooden chairs and tables. We stayed until our feet were warm once more and our tummies were too full.

 

With fear of overstaying my welcome in your homes, as a storyteller can often do, I will finish with the tale of our visit to the John Lennon wall. This wall, a monument of political statements, is colourfully decorated with graffiti and images that send the messages John Lennon’s songs often stood for… love and peace. When he died the people used this wall to spread Lennon’s heart; however, the police kept painting over the graffiti. Yet, again and again the graffiti kept appearing, in defiance towards those trying to cover up the wall, until eventually the police gave in. It is now one of the most visited sites in Prague and is famous for what it represents. It also makes for a brilliant background for photos.

 

I truly hope you enjoyed the catch up. We are indeed excited to be soon in the land of Oz, an cannot wait to see all our close friends and family. Until then, we will continue to update you on our travels with a comfy cushion under the toosh and a steaming cuppa (or a refreshing Pimms) in hand. Love and peace to you all… T&S x