Line drawing

Remember I showed you some of the Berlin in Lights show a few weeks ago, well here is more! I really liked the way this effect makes the Berliner Dom looks like it was drawn onto the skyline with a pencil! 

In other news, Berlin Heute will be on hiatus until mid-January. I will be traveling through Southeast Asia for a few months. I am definitely ready for the adventure! Please check Halcyon Travels and my Facebook site for updates. In the meantime, I hope everyone has a great holiday season and see you in the New Year!

Fall color at its finest

We have been having the most beautiful fall here in Berlin. Here's just a small example of some of the color that I've found in my neighborhood. Plus there's a bonus fence! You'll find more of them at Good Fences. 

PS: I am posting more regularly on my travel blog at the moment, please stop by Halcyon Travels for more of beautiful Lisbon. 

November theme day: Out of focus

This was a tough theme day for me as I usually delete all my out-of-focus shots right away! I thought it would be fun to play with the idea of focus, so I focused on the window frame and left the beautiful, fall-colored trees outside a bit blurry. Hope you enjoy my take on the theme and you'll find more examples from all over the world here.

Ghostly columns

The columns surrounding the Pergamon Museum take on a different look at night. I wouldn't be surprised to find some ghosts and goblins wandering through the arches this evening. Hope you have a happy Halloween filled with treats and maybe a few tricks too!

PS: I am posting more regularly on my travel blog at the moment, please stop by Halcyon Travels for more of beautiful Lisbon. 

Blue sky bear

Another bear from my visit on German Unity Day. This one is from the state of Saarland. He's got plenty going on from his head to his toes!

PS: I am posting more regularly on my travel blog at the moment, please stop by Halcyon Travels for more of beautiful Lisbon.

Sony Center from above

This is a different view on the Sony Center than what I usually post! I found a secret cafe up in the rafters last summer with a nice terrace that gives onto the main space. If any of you are ever in Berlin, I recommend a visit! 

PS: Take a look at Halcyon Travels for more of beautiful Lisbon.

Colorful boat

Here's a look back at one of the colorful boats that was docked at the Tegelersee back when I did the tour on the Moby Dick. The water was so smooth and made some very nice reflections, you'll find more of them at Weekend Reflections.

PS: Don't forget to take a look at Halcyon Travels for more from beautiful Lisbon.

Celebrating Hessen

To celebrate German Unity Day, the houses of the different German Bundesländer were open to the public. There was food and music typical to each of the states as well as stands showing off the best sites and tourist attractions. It was fun to see inside all of the different buildings and I was happy to snap some new Buddy Bears. This one is from the state of Hessen.

PS: I'm posting more regularly on my travel blog, Halcyon Travels. You can find it here.

Konzert Haus, beleuchtet

Here's another look at one of the buildings taking part in this year's Festival of Lights. This is the beautiful Konzerthaus which stands in the middle of the Gendarmenmarkt. It's a beautiful building any time of the year, but especially so during this special spectacle! I hope you're enjoying the highlights.

Remembered

This is a memorial to Georg Elser, the lesser-known attempted assassin of Adolf Hitler. A German biopic on Elser came out a few years ago and I recently watched it. I had heard of the man before, but his attempt on Hitler's life has just never been as widely publicized as von Stauffenburg.

This message can be found just steps away from Elser's profile. It reads, "that the conditions in Germany could only be changed by eliminating the current leader." True words... More signs can be found at Signs, Signs.

Berliner Dom, beleuchtet

This week is a special time in Berlin, many monuments and important buildings are lit up with lights and animations. I braved the cold and caught a few last night. I'd like to get back and see some more before it's over this weekend, but it depends on the weather. For more special things from around the world, take a look at Tuesday Treasures.

A rainbow

I recently found this mural while wandering through the streets of Kreuzberg. I love the message and the bright smiles on the children's faces. It makes me smile too! It's Monday again and you'll find more murals at Monday Mural.

Sunset over Berlin

I caught this beautiful sky on German Unity Day. There was a special festival set up on the "fan mile" which leads up to the Brandenburg Gate. The weather was fantastic and it was fun to be out and about celebrating with others. You'll find more skies at Skywatch.

Thank goodness it's Friday! These past few weeks have been tough, but now I can breathe easy. I've got a few rounds of golf planned for the weekend, I just hope the weather holds. Hope you've got some fun ahead of you too!

Sunny days

Sadly, it seems the sunny days have come to an end. It's been cold and rainy here in Berlin and there's more autumnal weather forecast for the weekend. This shot was taken just this past Monday on German Unity Day. The weather was gorgeous and it was nice to see so many people out and about, both on boats and on land. I got this wonderful view of the Spree and the city skyline on the famous Kronprinzen Brücke (known locally as the dragon bridge) in Tiergarten. 

In other news, today was my last day on the job. Unfortunately, the company didn't have the financial means to extend my contract. It's a bit frustrating to know that I'll have to start over with my job search, but the dh and I have some big travel plans to look forward to in the meantime.

Moby Dick

The Moby Dick is one of the better-known boats on the tour circuit in and around Berlin. The dh and I gave it a whirl awhile back when we did a tour of the lakes and canals just north of the city. It was a relaxing afternoon/early evening and now I can say I've finally been on the famous Moby Dick! If you want to see the view form the inside of the boat, take a look here.

And for more signs, visit Signs, Signs.

Victoria building

Here's a look at the former headquarters of Victoria Versicherung in Berlin. How fantastic it must have been to walk through such a stately doorway on your way to work back in the old days.

Here's a closer look at the details. They just don't make them like this anymore! It's Tuesday, and you'll find more treasures here.

Tag der Deutschen Einheit

Today is German Unity Day, and I don't think there's any better way to celebrate on this blog than with a look at some of the artwork from the East Side Gallery. When the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, international artists were invited to come paint messages of peace on this piece of inner wall which remains on the border of Kreuzberg/Friedrichshein. The section that was painted is the actual "East" side of the wall. In the divided days, no one on that side would have been able to get close enough to touch the wall, let alone paint it. The murals are now a protected landmark and some of them are undergoing refurbishment. As always, you'll find more murals at Monday Mural.

October theme day: Abandonned

You often see lost hats or lovies when you walk the streets of the city, but I was surprised to see this lonely puppet waiting for someone to claim him on a street pole. I can't believe October is already here. I do love the fall season, but it's always sad to say good-bye to summer. If you're interested in seeing more interpretations of this month's theme take a look here.

A fine day

It was a beautiful autumn day to be out on the water. I love seeing the city from the vantage point of the Spree!

Signs of the old days

I was passing through Checkpoint Charlie with my camera recently and snapped these signs.

It's hard to imagine two Germanys and two Berlins, but it really wasn't so long ago. Take a look at Signs, Signs for more signs from around the world.

View from the Spree

Here's a look at the German Reichstag as seen from my recent river trip along the Spree. I love that glass dome that was added after reunification - the combination of old and new work well together. This is the building where the German parliament meets; it is open to visitors, but you have to sign up in advance for a time slot. It's definitely worth it to walk along the roof and inside the glass dome, you can see some other views from my visits here and here.

Please stop by Tuesday Treasures for a look at more old and beautiful places.

Deep thoughts

I found this mural inside the Prinzenstrasse U-Bahn station. I love the style and it definitely got me thinking! Sorry I've been away lately, things have been stressful in my real life but hopefully things are evening out a bit now. A new week has started and you'll find more murals at Monday Mural.

Natural frame

My boat tour around the lakes had very interesting windows. They were perfect for capturing other boats passing by!

Summer lovin'

Earlier this summer, I was lucky enough to get tickets to the Gelato Festival right here in Berlin. One ticket got you a scoop of 8 - 10 different gelato flavors. Once you had tasted them all, you could vote for your favorite flavor. The festival made a tour of several European cities and the big winner will be announced soon. I would definitely go back next year! More signs can be found at Signs, Signs.

Bode in black and white

I had a visitor in from out of town last weekend, so I actually got out and about and did some touristy things, like a boat ride on the Spree. I caught this shot of the Bode Museum during the ride. I love the architecture and hope you agree it's perfect in black and white. More treasures can be found at Tuesday Treasures.

Golden hour

There was a beautiful golden light on the Havel as we pulled back into the dock. The days are getting shorter, but I'm enjoying every last bit of summer that I can! You'll find more skies at Skywatch and more reflections at Weekend Reflections.

I am so glad the weekend is finally here. I'll be spending most of it on the golf course, the weather is supposed to be sunny and warm here in Berlin. What about you? Do you have any big plans? I hope so!

Smooth sailing

Just look at the beautiful, smooth waters of the Havel River. Just a few hundred meters ahead is the place where Berlin's major rivers, the Havel and the Spree meet up. We were lucky to have such nice weather the day we went on this boat cruise through Tegel and Spandau. I wish the summer didn't have to end!

Berlin calling

I know this isn't really a sign, but I saw this German-themed pillow recently and thought it was so cute and unique! Unfortunately, it's a one-of-a-kind piece, but perhaps I can convince someone to make me something similar. To get your Wednesday fix of signs, take a look at Signs, Signs.

Monochrome treasures

A familiar sight in Kreuzberg. Beautiful, old buildings marred by graffiti. More treasures are to be found at Tuesday Treasures.

Human rights

 

The entire Declaration of Human Rights is displayed here on the walls of the Westhafen U-Bahn Station. 

 

I love the way some of the sections are traditional "text" shapes while others take on a more whimsical look. I've never had time to read the whole thing, but maybe I'll do that one of these days! Stop by Monday Mural for more.

Reflecting on ice cream

I actually took a picture of this window so I would remember this shop the next time I'm craving ice cream. But it turned out to be a good reflection too! You'll find more of them at Weekend Reflections.

Happy Friday! Hope you've got big plans for the weekend ahead. I can't believe it's September already, time really does fly.

Confidential to my brother: happy birthday!!!

September theme day: Library

These Book Boxes are popping up all over Berlin. I have already featured two on my blog: this one on the square near my home and another one near the S-Bahn station Grunewald. Here's a new one for you at Leon Jessel Platz. It's heartening to see that these boxes are so popular. Every time I pass one by there is at least one person digging through the selection or waiting to add a few new titles to the pile. I guess reading hasn't gone out of style yet!

I can't believe September is upon us already. Where did the summer go? You'll find more interpretations of today's theme here.

Please take a seat

There is a free outdoor cinema taking place right now at the Kranzler Eck just off the Ku'damm. Anyone is welcome to enjoy the entertainment. Beer and snacks are available for those who want them, and they even rent blankets in case it gets cold! I've thought about staying late after work, but most of the movies I've seen already. Maybe I'll have to take another look at the schedule. 

It's Wednesday again. You'll find more signs at Signs, Signs.

Open gate

I found this fantastic doorway on a recent walk through my neighborhood. I love how the slightly open gate seems to just invite one in. What really caught my eye is the face and the other intricate details just above the door. A real treasure, and you'll find more at Tuesday Treasures.

Bike n' box

I found this painted utility box on a recent walk in Schoneberg. There weren't any schools nearby, so not sure why the naive, childlike style, but I like it! More murals can be found at Monday Mural. Hope your week is off to a good start!

Colorful blossom

I found this beautiful dahlia on my way to work. Hope you've got an exciting weekend planned. It's going to be a hot one in Berlin, but you know where I'll be - on the golf course!

Molecule Man

I really like this sculpture, Molecule Man, from American sculptor Jonathan Borofsky. You'll find the three guys hanging out on the Spree just near the Oberbaumbrücke.

Potsdamer Platz

I love the Sony Center on Potsdamer Platz. I often head over there to go to the movies and I always have to take a picture of the futuristic architecture. I never get tired of it! It's Wednesday again and you'll find more signs at Signs, Signs.

Hydrangea season

The hydrangea season has passed, but I still have memories of all the beautiful plants and bushes I passed on my way to and from work. This white beauty really flowered nicely. Sometimes I miss having my own garden, but it certainly is nice to enjoy someone else's green thumb!

Durchfahren

It was fun zipping through the U-Bahn stations on the open train. I got a funny reflection of us passing through Richard Wagner Platz. For more take a look at Weekend Reflections. Happy Friday!

Under the arches

It was such fun exploring underground. The architecture of the tunnels is really fascinating, it's just a shame most people never get to see this side of the city.

Tunnel Tour

I finally got to do the U-Bahn Tunnel Tour back in June after waiting a bit more than two years! You have to sign up early in the year to get booked as they are limited in space and only run a few months of the year. I was actually scheduled to go last October, but due to technical difficulties, it was cancelled (the first time that ever happened to a Tunnel Tour, apparently).

In any case, it was worth the wait. You ride through the U-Bahn tunnels on this open train. It was so much fun! I took a lot of pictures, but not many are actually worth showing, but hopefully I can dig out a few. Don't forget to check out Signs, Signs for your Wednesday fix.

On the Spree

I'm not sure what the significance of this old boat is, but it makes a nice focal point out on the Spree. I can't believe August is already halfway over. I don't want the summer to end yet! You'll find more treasures at Tuesday Treasures.

The people's thread

I recently found this craft shop with its colorful facade and funny name. Unfortunately, it was closed when I stopped by, but I hope to get back and see inside. Hope you had a great weekend. Don't forget to stop by Mural Monday! 

August theme day: City skyline

Here's a look at one of the icons of Berlin's skyline, the Fernsehturm, affectionately known to Berliners as the Telespargel. In the foreground you also have the lovely Oberbaumbrücke and if you look carefully between the two towers of the bridge, you can also see the Rotes Rathaus, Berlin's main City Hall. 

Of course there are other Skyline views of Berlin that are popular, such as the Brandenburg Gate or a look out over the city from the Reichstag, but I find this view especially nice as it's right over the Spree river. And I was lucky to catch some paddlers making their way westward into the city.

I can't believe another month has rolled around. I don't want the summer to end! Hope you've been enjoying your sunny days as much as I have. For more interpretations of this month's theme, take a look here.

Cool dude

Perhaps this is a self-portrait of the artist who painted this mural? He at least appears to be friendly with his big smile.

Here's a better look at the wall, it's really quite a large area! This one is on the side of a building near an S-Bahn station in Schoneberg. More murals can be found at Mural Monday. 

PS: I'm posting more regularly on Halcyon Travels. Please stop by and take a look.