Good year for the roses

I'm back from Paris! I hope to have the time (and inclination) to post some shots from my week in the City of Lights over at Halcyon Travels. Despite the gray, rainy skies and a serious bout of food poisoning, I had a wonderful time. It was nice to see my old city again and even nicer to meet up with old friends. I hope to be back again soon! 

Until then, I've got some blogging to catch up on...

Bin, bench, flowers and reflection

Another look at the fountain in the Spargelhof, this time in Reflection! Hope you have a happy weekend planned. For more reflections, take a look at Weekend Reflections.

New use for an old thing

I found this old wagon at the Spargelhof. I think it's a great way to show off some pretty flower boxes. For more old stuff, take a look at Rubbish Tuesday.

Brick in the wall

There are "commemorative" sections of wall up all around town - this particular piece is near Potsdamer Platz. Most of these pieces are painted by well-known artists, as you can see this one was done by French artist Thierry Noir. You can see more of his work at the East Side Gallery where a whole stretch of wall remains intact. And you can see more murals at Monday Mural.

Spargelhof fountain

I was looking through some of my archives recently and realized I've looked over a lot of nice shots. This one was taken back in May at the height of the Spargel (asparagus) season. You can visit the farms and purchase fresh-picked asparagus directly from the growers. Some of the bigger concerns, like this one, also have a restaurant and play areas for the kids. These farms are only about a 25 minute drive out of the city, so a lot of families come out on the weekend to enjoy a nice meal in the countryside. 

TV Tower bear

It's another one of those cute Berlin Buddy Bears! I found this guy in the lobby of the TV Tower and when he gets tired, he can always take a seat on that bright bench!

Der Berliner Dom und der Spree

As in any city with a river running through it, one of the best ways to see the main sites is by boat. There is no shortage of boat tour companies here in Berlin and scenes like this are quite common in the summer months. 

As you probably guessed, the big church in the background is the Berliner Dom. Visitors can climb to the top to get some nice views over the city (I've shown some previously here and here). To the left, construction continues on the somewhat controversial City Schloss project. A replica of the old city castle is being built here, it will house a museum and is tied to the Humboldt University.

It's the weekend again and that means time to relax! I will be in Paris next week, but I have scheduled a few posts on auto-pilot. See you soon! And don't forget to take a look at other skies on Skywatch.

Saint Hedwig

A look up at the dome of Saint Hedwig's cathedral. It's one of the few remaining Catholic parishes in Berlin.

Funny bench

An interesting styled bench stands in front of the Bornholmer Strasse S-Bahn station. With all those tags, I'm not sure if anyone would dare to sit on it! For more signs, visit Signs, Signs.

Old water pump

You can still find a few old water pumps around the city, if you really look. I thought the alligator spout on this one was particularly unusual! For more old stuff, take a look at Rubbish Tuesday.

Luther's chair

Luther's chair sits in front of a mural of sorts. You'll see it is also represented in the painting. Hope you have enjoyed this tour through the Luther House. I will definitely have to go back to the city for the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation in 2017. Until then, you can find more murals at Monday Mural.

More benches from Wittenberg

I also didn't see any people using these benches, but it was a little cool for sitting outside on the day I visited. As you have probably guessed, that's another likeness of Luther. I hope that bench on the left gets repaired before the 500th Anniversary rolls around.

Plenty of seating

There are lots of places to sit inside the Martin Luther House. 

Although none of these benches in the portrait gallery were occupied when I visited back in May.

Teaching tool

I believe this was a podium used by Luther to teach his seminars on theology at the University of Wittenberg.

Luther in marble

Something about this bust of Luther really appealed to me. His contemporaries say he was a harsh, but eloquent man. I guess you would have to be quite stubborn to effect such a tremendous change as the Protestant Reformation. Even if you are not religious, this reformation made a big impact on society that can still be felt today.

Protestant or otherwise, I still can't decide whether I like Luther better in color or black and white. What do you think?

Luther's robe and bible

More artifacts from the Martin Luther house in Wittenberg.

Come inside

As I said yesterday, I recently made a short trip outside Berlin to Wittenberg, the town made famous by Martin Luther. Luther spent most of his career as a professor of theology at the University of Wittenberg and the city became the center of his Protestant Reformation. Visitors can tour the Martin Luther home, although the church where he nailed up his famous Ninety-Five Theses is closed for restoration in preparation for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017.

 

Now to the age-old question. Do you like color or black and white? For more old stuff, take a look at Rubbish Tuesday.

A mural in Wittenberg

I have no idea what this mural means, but it certainly is a contrast to the other things I saw in Wittenberg. I'll be showing more of the city tomorrow. Until then, you can see more murals at Monday Mural.

Bluebells

More flowers from my MiL's garden. Enjoy!

Wine fountain

This fountain is on the plaza where the Wine Festival takes place. It has been under renovation for so long, that I was surprised to see it open and full of water the last time I was there. Apparently the statue lost its head (either through vandalism or old age, I'm not sure), but he's now looking fit and I'm sure he enjoys his own reflection in the water. For more reflections, head to Weekend Reflections.

Take away part 2

As promised, here's another look at the Wine Festival in full swing. As you can see, it's very popular and it's sometimes a challenge to find an empty seat at the picnic tables.

The tents were recently put up so people can still enjoy the Festival when it rains (we've been having a lot of storms lately). What do you think - does take away wine look better in black and white or color?

Underground

A look at the inside of the Märkisches Museum station. I love the art on the walls and the lamps! For more signs, head to Signs, Signs.

Ludwig's church

Ludwigskirche was completed in 1897 and is one of the few remaining Catholic churches in Berlin - most were converted to Lutheran parishes after the Protestant Reformation. I liked the way the light was shining on this particular afternoon. The facade almost seems like it's glowing! You can see more old stuff at Rubbish Tuesday.

A painted hut

I found this cute painted mini-building near a school in Karlshorst. Luckily this work was signed by the artist - Lars Orschatz - he is a professional muralist and you can see more of his works here.

Here's a closer look at the scene on the other side of the building. That little hedgehog badger certainly is cute! It's Monday again and you'll find more murals at Mural Monday.

From the garden

A beautiful rose from my MiL's garden. Happy weekend!

August theme day: Take-away

Here's a look at a unique take-away hut where you can pick up your take-away wine and then either drink it at one of the many picnic tables or walk a little further to the beautiful flower-lined plaza and enjoy it there. Either way, you're bound to have a fabulous time at the summer Wine Festival. I got this shot before opening one day, I'll have to get back another evening to show you things in full swing. 

It's the first of the month again and August's theme is take-away shops. I hope you have enjoyed my contribution, you can see more take-away shops here.