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.

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.

West vs East

These signs were a familiar sight to anyone who grew up in West Berlin. These days, you mainly see them at history exhibits like this one at a shopping center on Potsdamer Platz that showed photos and memorabilia from the divided days. It is quite an interesting display and it comes back from time to time. If you'd like to see more signs, take a look at Signs, Signs.

A phoenix in Berlin

Look closely and you'll see a Phoenix rising above the Berliner Philharmonie building in the middle of Berlin's Kulturforum. 

The bird was designed by Berlin native Hans Uhlmann and represents how the city of Berlin arose from the ashes of WWII and once again became a bright and vibrant city. The Kulturforum is just a short walk from Potsdamer Platz, which itself is a symbol of the reunification of East and West.

A tree grows on Potsdamer Platz

A look at both old and new reflected in a small pool on Potsdamer Platz. It's finally Friday again, do you have any big plans for the weekend? You know where to find me! I've got to make the most of this nice fall weather and get some golfing in while I can. If you like reflections, you'll find more at Weekend Reflections.

Geometry

This the entrance to the casino where Friday's slot machine bear stands guard. I just love all the steel and glass you find on Potsdamer Platz. I hope you agree this one is perfect in black and white.

Slot bear

A buddy bear with a built-in slot machine. Bonus reflections of the buildings on Potsdamer Platz in the window behind him. Friday has rolled around again, thank goodness! Do you have any big plans for the weekend? I'll be on the golf, but only early as it's going to be HOT! Don't forget to check Weekend Reflections for more reflective shots.

July theme day: Upside down

I have to admit, I really had to go hunting to find something good for today's theme. I had a few other ideas, but they seemed too easy. I wanted something more unexpected. So here is today's shot - it's an upward angle into a light concentrator in the Potsdamer Platz train station.

When Potsdamer Platz was rebuilt after German Reunification, everything was supposed to be ultra-modern and futuristic. Someone had the idea that these concentrators could be used to bring natural light into the S-Bahn station. Basically the concentrator is a long tube with a mirror, the mirror brings the light in and then it travels down the tube to the station. At least that's how it's supposed to work. In reality, it just makes a little circle of light on the ground, but it's still a neat idea.

It seems crazy we're already halfway through the summer. Where did June go? I am still waiting to hear back from my job interviews. Waiting is so hard, but I have a good feeling. Don't forget to check out the other CDP bloggers participating in today's theme, just click here.

PS: Happy Canada Day!!!

Blue skies above

The Sony Center at Potsdamer Platz is so photogenic. Especially when there's a blue sky! I hope you have some big plans for the weekend. Mine will include some golf, although I hope the weather warms up a little. For more skies, take a look at Skywatch.

PS: There's more of beautiful Vienna on my travel blog.

Work in progress

On my way to the Neue Nationalgalerie last December, I came across these artists working on a memorial mural for WWI. The piece is entitled Flanders Fields after one of the biggest battle sites of the war. I should definitely get back that way to see if the finished work is still there. 

This sign was posted to give people some background on the project. It speaks of Irene Curie (daughter of Marie Curie) who worked as a nurse during the war at the battle site of Flanders Fields. Click here for more information on the project in English and don't forget to visit Monday Mural for more murals!

Colorful tree

There is certainly no shortage of decoration around town at this time of year. I found this beautifully decorated tree on Potsdamer Platz. I especially like all the color! I can hardly believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve. All my shopping is done - how about yours?

Golden days

I have actually featured this scene back in 2010 on my travel blog. The decorations don't change much over the years, but why should they when they're so gorgeous! Hope you are having a great weekend. We are making the last preparations for our move on Monday, including painting the walls. Hope we can get it all done in time.

Decorative reflections

The Arkaden shopping center at Potsdamer Platz always goes all out with their Christmas decorations. I'll show you inside tomorrow! Until then, take a look at Weekend Reflections.

Letting go

I got an excellent spot last night to see the Lichtgrenze fly away! I was right under a balloon - sorry it's not totally in focus, but you can see how they flew up to the sky. It was a really nice and moving way to celebrate such a big event. I feel so lucky to live in a city with so much history.

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.

Easter benches

Some of the posts I had scheduled to run during my time off didn't publish. So here is another look at the Arcades shopping center on Potsdamer Platz. The Easter decorations were fabulous, including loads of real flowers from the Sans Souci gardens. 

I've got suitcases to unpack and clothes to wash, but I am happy to say I'm back from vacation fully relaxed and rested. Now it's time to put my full energies into the apartment renovation and job search. And of course, I'll be back to regular blogging too!

Happy Easter!

The Arcades in Potsdamer Platz always go all out when decorating for the season, whether it be Christmas or Easter or anything in between! I found this beautifully painted egg in the shopping center a few weeks ago. There were also many beautiful plants on display, like these hydrangeas, that were from the gardens of Sans Souci.

I will be boarding the cruise ship today and sailing back from the New World to the Old. It should be alot of fun and very relaxing. If I ever get over my lazy-itis, I may post some shots on my travel blog. Until then, I hope you have a fantastic Easter and that the Easter bunny brings you lots of chocolate and yummy treats.

April theme day: Triangles

Potsdamer Platz is one of my favorite areas of Berlin to photograph. Although it hasn't really taken off as the city centre planners had hoped for, I still think it's a great area to walk around and enjoy, especially if you are interested in modern architecture.

A new month is upon us and the theme for April is triangles. I hope you enjoy this triangular building on Potsdamer Platz. For more interpretations of this month's theme, click here.

Potsdamer platz station

During the "Divided Years", Potsdamer Platz would have been found in East Berlin. Since reunification, it has been built out and up and has become an important part of the city. It's hard to imagine (at least for me) that a little more than twenty years ago, there was almost nothing here. Now it's one of my favorite places to walk around and take in the city.