Mural in the making

A few artists were hard at work on this mural exhibition in Steglitz. A new urban art gallery opened in Berlin just a few weeks ago. Perhaps this work was tied to that? More murals of all kinds can be found at Monday Mural.

Your photo with the Berliner Bear

This utility box is painted up like a photo booth. It's pretty cute, though I wonder how many tourists take a few turns around the thing before realizing it's just an illusion! It's Monday again and you'll find more murals here.

September theme day: Photographing the photographer

I caught my friend getting a picture of the chandelier in this green tea room at a local art gallery. Right away, I knew it was the perfect shot for the theme day. You'll find more variations on this month's theme here.

Book box and bass

I found another book box when I was out and about recently. How serendipitous that this man with a double bass just happened to walk through my shot! It's Wednesday and you'll find more signs at Signs, Signs.

Sweet, sweet coffee

There was something about this scene that caught my eye. I will have to go back and give Gizmo's a try the next time I'm in the neighborhood. It's Wednesday and more signs can be found here.

On the ice

We had such a long cold spell in Berlin this winter that some of the smaller lakes were frozen over. I took the opportunity, along with many other Berliners, to walk across the lake. Though I wish I had dug out my ice skates, the ice was nice and smooth for skating (and it's faster!). It's Friday and you'll find more skies at Skywatch.

March theme day: Black and white in color

A look inside the Bundespräsidialamt in Berlin. It's the working place of the German President (not to be confused with the German Chancellor) and his staff. I believe this shot lends itself quite well to this month's theme, a color shot that looks like black and white. For more interpretations, take a look here.

PS: I'm also posting more regularly on my travel blog. I recently took a three month adventure through Southeast Asia.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Chestnuts in bloom

I don't think the chestnuts have ever been prettier in Berlin. This one near Akazien Strasse is an especially fine example.

Sailing...

It was a beautiful day to be out on the water this past weekend. I caught these sailors from my view on the Wansee Ferry.

Checkpoint Kreuzberg

I found this mural on the side of a cinema in Kreuzberg. It's a shame that someone has added their own "artistic" touch, but I still like the overall feel of this mural. I'll show more from the front of this building next week.  For more fun, take a look at Monday Mural.

Spandau Citadel

As promised, this week we're taking a tour through the Spandau Citadel. It's always good to start with a full-frontal of the building itself. The Citadel was completed in 1594 and is built at the crossroads of the rivers Havel and Spree, making it a perfect defensive spot. Today the Citadel hosts a Heimatmuseum. I hope you'll stop by again tomorrow for a look inside.

April theme day: Beauty of simplicity

Though spring has officially started, it doesn't look or feel like it here in Berlin. Despite the low temperatures and cold wind, I have to admit there's a certain beauty in the bare branches of this tree and the gray sky. I just hope things will change soon, a bit of warmth and some blue skies can do wonders for your golf game.

A new month is upon us. For more examples of the Beauty of Simplicity, take a look here.

Ideas

Every good museum ends with a tour of the gift shop. But don't worry, our tour isn't over yet! I just wanted to showcase this quote from Humboldt himself for Signs, Signs.