Summer skies

Looking at the Museum of Transportation from the canals in Kreuzberg. I just love the blue summer skies, you'll find more at Skywatch.

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.

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!

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.

Spy bridge

Here's a look at the Glienicke Bridge, also known as the Bridge of Spies. During the Cold War, spies were traded from East to West and vice versa right here above the Havel river. It's pretty amazing sometimes to live in a city with so much history.

Stripes on stripes

Serendipity! I was in the right place at the right time. This woman in the stripey sweater was crossing the bridge in Volkspark Wilmersdorf just as the sun was making those wonderful stripey shadows from the barrier rails. Hope you have been having a wonderful weekend. It's rainy and gray here, but I'm planning to visit the Kathe Kollwitz Museum later on. Hopefully they will allow photos and I can share my visit with you. Until then, you can see more shadows at Shadow Shot Sunday.  

Other side of the bridge

I showed you this bridge from the other side a few weeks ago. Now here's a look from the Insel der Jugend out across the Spree to the mainland. While you're on the island, you can enjoy a coffee or a snack here at the beachside cafe.

If you're feeling more sporty, you can rent a canoe or if you're really adventurous, maybe a paddleboard. For more signs, visit Signs, Signs.

Blues skies over the bridge

I recently made a trip out to Treptow and spent a lovely day walking through the Treptower Park and along the Spree. On my way, I came across the Insel der Jugend which was used by young people in the former East as a disco and meeting place. Today it houses a youth sporting club as well as a cafe and boat rentals. It looks like a fun place to hang out on a summer's day and I just might have to come back! For more sunny skies, take a look at Skywatch. And more reflections can be found at Weekend Reflections.

It's Friday again! Do you have any big plans for the weekend? There is a street festival in my neighborhood this weekend. I plan on seeing what they have to offer as well as playing a little golf. Hopefully the rain won't put a damper on those plans. Have fun, whatever you do!

Burning bridge

I was looking back through my photos from the Wannsee in Flammen tour a few weekends ago to see if there were any other shots worth showing. It's hard to see here, but this is the famous Glienicke Bridge (where spies were traded between the East and West in the Cold War days) lit up by a cascade of fireworks. It was really quite beautiful, I'm only sorry my photos don't really do it justice. Maybe I'll go back and do the tour again next year, but I'll come better prepared.

Bridge completed

Seen on a recent boat trip through the Regierungsviertel. The new government buildings are perfect for capturing lots of interesting reflections. 

Friday is here again, do you have any plans for the weekend? I'm taking a cruise through Berlin's waterways on Saturday night. The different palaces and castles on the water will be lit up for the occasion. I'm excited to see it and, of course, I'll be bringing my camera! For more reflections, take a look at Weekend Reflections. 

On the tracks

Looking across the railway bridge at the Gleisdreieck station. There's construction on the U2 at the moment, so I've been spending a lot of time at this station. I think the structure looks nice in black and white - I hope you agree!

PS: I have yet another phone interview with one of the "Big Bosses" in the US on Wednesday and if that goes well, there is only one more interview. Keep those fingers crossed and thumbs held. The positive energy is working!

Oberbaumbrücke

A view on the famous bridge from the Spree. If you've seen the movie Run Lola Run, you may remember it. I was lucky that a train happened to be driving by when I got this shot. I think it adds a lot to the photo.

Fancy bridge

I recently showed you the Oberbaumbrücke by night during the 25 year Mauerfall celebrations. Now here's a better look at the bridge in the daytime. It really is quite lovely, especially under a blue September sky.

PS: Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends! Eat some pumpkin pie for me. 

Oberbaumbrücke reflections

Reflections of the Lichtgrenze from the Oberbaumbrücke. The focus in this shot is not quite as good as I'd hoped, I was using a wall for a tripod but the bridge was still pretty far away. I hope you have enjoyed this look at the celebrations in Berlin. I'll be out of town next week - I'm off to Spain for a week of golf. For more reflections, visit Weekend Reflections.

Lock bridge

This beautiful, old bridge takes you right over the locks on the Spree river. I love the shiny bronze sign, it caught my photographer's eye. For more signs, please visit Signs, Signs.

PS: Sorry for all the Facebook begging, but I'm trying to get 100 "likes" for my page. If you like Berlin 365, just click here and show your love!d s

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.

Adlerbrucke

This ornate eagle can be found on the Weidendammbrucke not far from the Friederichstrasse U- and S-Bahn station. I was not the only person vying for a shot of this impressive bird, but luckily I was finally able to get this shot with no people in my way. Hope you enjoy!