Hollyhocks

A beautiful display of hollyhocks in Wannsee. I love the simplicity of these flowers, in German they're called farmers roses.

And a look at the hollyhock bicycle, which I featured here back in 2015. This bicycle had been parked in the same place for almost three years... just last week I saw that it was moved to another lamppost about 50 meters away. I wonder if it gets lonely now without its longtime hollyhock companion.

Salve

There is something I really like about this doorway - actually many things! The arches, the details surrounding the door, the small oval window... but especially the built in Latin welcome mat! 

Happy Friday! Hope you have a fantastic weekend ahead.

Blindfolded

I'm not sure who these people are and why their eyes have been "blindfolded", but it certainly gave me something to ponder when walking through my neighborhood recently. It's Monday again and you'll find more murals here.

Berlin crest

This mural showing the red bear from the Berlin city flag, was on the other side of the building where I found last week's mural. I do love that Berlin bear! It's Monday again and you'll find more murals here.

Knight in shining armor

I found this knight, ready and willing to protect children at the playground, during a recent stroll through my neighborhood. A brave fellow, indeed! It's Monday again and you'll find more murals here.

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. 

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.

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.

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!

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!

Floral bench

A look back at the beautiful rhododendrons in my neighborhood. I just love these small gardens you can find on almost every corner. It's a great way for the public to enjoy the beauties of nature.

Happy Independence Day to all my American readers!!!

Sad sign

These ghost bikes are everywhere these days. This one has a sign in memory of a 75-year-old woman who had a fatal accident at this intersection on 1 October 2015. Very sad. For more signs, take a look at Signs, Signs.

Patterns

I am definitely someone who likes to look up, but sometimes it pays off to look down. I love the patterns created by these cobblestones. And the specks of cherry snow make the scene even prettier. It's Tuesday again, don't forget to stop by Tuesday Treasures.

Looking up

Looking up into the blue skies from my vantage point on the cherry tree bench. Hope you have a great weekend. You'll find more skies of all kinds at Skywatch.

Cherry benches year three

The cherries on the square have not been nearly as beautiful as last year or the year before. But I suppose that's a byproduct of an unseasonably warm winter - these trees were almost in full bloom back in January! It's shame though, they can be really beautiful.

Everyday beauty

You can sometimes find the most amazing details in the most mundane of places. Take this art deco style chandelier found at the rather plain Bundesplatz S-Bahn station. From the outside, it looks very similar to yesterday's stop, lots of hulking concrete.

 

On the inside you're greeted by a long stretch of light that leads you right to the chandelier and up to the platforms on the left. The decorative brickwork on the ceiling and the upper walls is also a nice touch. Sometimes it pays to give a place a second look!

PS: Don't forget to stop by Halcyon Travels for of the beautiful Alsace.

Signs of spring

Although we haven't had much sun or warm weather, the crocus are coming out like mad! I love the sight of them in spring. For more signs of all kinds, take a look at Signs, Signs.

I'm going to be away on a break for a bit. I'll see you in April!

March theme day: Heimat

I must admit, I really struggled with this month's theme. I've moved around so much, it's hard for me to say exactly where I "belong", but one thing is for certain, wherever I am, I make it my home. Here's a look at the sofa where I do most of my blogging and knitting. I feel really happy resting and relaxing here, especially on a sunny, summer's day like this one back in July. 

I hope you had an easier time with the theme. I'll be looking forward to seeing other versions of Heimat. You can see more of them too, just click here.

Sweet stuff

The last stop on our cafe tour is the Süsskramdealer. It's a cute and quaint cafe/sweet shoppe located inside an old cigar shop. I've passed by many times and always wanted to give it a try, so I finally went for a visit recently with a friend.

 

In addition to hot drinks, they also serve cakes, sandwiches and salads. I guess you can already guess what I had... chocolate cake! 

I'm not very good at denying myself the little pleasures of life. I'd definitely come back to this cafe, it's not so far from my home and I really liked the unique atmosphere. I hope you've enjoyed this week of cafes from Berlin. Happy weekend!

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.