We love being here
We’ve had a weekend in Berlin. The main purpose was to follow through on our intention to go to a concert in the Philharmonie, but of course, we just love being in the city and any excuse will do!
I have blogged about being here so many times previously, rather than go into detail, I’ll simply share a few photographs of things that amused/interested us this time.
First, arriving at our “usual” hotel, we were surprised by the noise level and the number of people waiting to check in. This time, our visit coincided with a weekend conference of P&G Alumni and that usually calm and peaceful lobby was a racket!
We feared the worst when we stepped outside too, though once beyond those roadworks barriers…
all was quiet. In fact, there were few people about all weekend.
Our favourite table was open just across the road.
With plenty of space in the sunshine, if we wanted.
The shopping centre across the road had been decorated with a “Graphic Rewilding” project.
My photo taken on one of the few occasions when no one was sitting on a bench.
We buzzed about by tram, U bahn and S bahn,
almost always finding a seat in an uncrowded carriage.
Though on one S bahn journey, I think my Hero and I were the only ones without a bicycle!
Running errands on our list took us into new, unfamiliar areas
where the pavements bore the memory of those who’d been here previously. Such a sombre corner there, right outside H&M Home, where the Saturday morning business was brisk and these five small brass markers were highlighted by the sunshine.
In this bright, modern street, I happened to look across the road just in time to see this beauty standing on the opposite side.
Our mission was to the new, Birkenstock store where we had a list beginning with the smallest…
With everyone’s wishes fulfilled, refreshment was needed.
Admiring the architecture and fine brickwork back at the Hackeschmark station, a conversation followed with our friend Ilja, author of The Lost Termini of Berlin (with maps drawn by my Hero 😉 ) With WhatsApp and mobile networks, we find ourselves chatting as we go, whether it’s which size and which colour of Birkenstock sandal or whether this station is included or not (it is, but under its previous name)
Another day, we explore the Charlottenburg neighbourhood and whilst I step inside my favourite DM for a couple of bits and pieces, my Hero sits on a bench outside.
There on the bench is a key, lost by someone, found by someone else and placed here in the hope of the owner’s return.
A little further up the street, we come across this little waterfilled toy which we think our button-pressing Grandson might enjoy. For now, it’s Grandma who can’t resist giving it a try.
After a few stops in bookshops and craft shops and noting the closure of the large Kaufhof department store in this main shopping street, we return the way we’d come. Yes, of course we checked…the key was still there.
We changed trains in the Hauptbahnhof, from the S bahn at the top, to the U bahn down below. We just had to stop and marvel at the engineering masterpiece here though, that allows thousands of people to move about on their journey.
Everywhere, there were people, on their way to somewhere.
With the imagine of Richard Scarry’s Busy Busy World in my mind, and that of Philippe Dupasquier’s The Railway Station (a favourite of Edward’s) in my Hero’s, we enjoyed a few minutes simply standing and staring.
The scene at Potsdamer Platz was rather different!
Returning to our hotel one evening, we enjoyed a particular feature of German life that we don’t have at home: the Eiscafé. This one, just along from the Paulanerstube seemed to be busy at all times of the day and evening with families and groups of friends of all ages. As we sat enjoying our enormous desserts, we were amused by the group of young men standing in the background of my photo, chatting and having fun with a small, very bouncy ball. In turns, one would set the ball off up high into the air and one of the others would run and catch. Simple pleasures, bothering no one and a surprisingly sweet pastime for such a bunch of lads.
But of course, much as we love being here for all of those reasons, our visit did have a particular purpose this time: we had tickets for the Philharmonie. The concert on Saturday evening included a particular favourite of ours and we looked forward to hearing it played in this spectacular location. Our seats, as can be seen from the photo above, were amongst the best in the house, with a fine view of the stage and the soloists.
To say that we enjoyed it would be an understatement. We both agreed that it was probably the best live concert we have heard, both in terms of programme and performance. The orchestra were on top form, the conductor working so wonderfully with them to create the most magical dynamic range with pin sharp precision. European audiences don't stand and whoop, but remain seated to applaud a great performance. But not on this occasion. This German audience were on their feet, whooping and shouting like we've never heard here and every bit of it was richly deserved by the orchestra, conductor and soloists alike.
Wow.
We can't wait to watch the recording on the digitalconcerthall when it appears later this week and of course, to peruse the 2025-26 programme and choose what we'll come and hear next!
What lucky ducks we are.
