Christmas in Berlin 2001

In 2001, New Years Eve, Berlin, I remember having to stand in front of the Brandenburger Tor, waiting for the fireworks and drinking this stuff to keep warm. I had to keep moving or push someone away from those heated stalls/tables (you know the kind - standing room only type of setting). Well, I was frozen, I literally felt those cold Siberian winds blowing down on me. My feet had lost feeling, and this was gradually moving up to my legs. I sorry, I said to Andreas, I have to go, I can't stand this cold anymore. Walked towards Potsdamer Platz, to catch the S-Bahn / U-bahn home (or his flat). Had to duck the firecrakers being thrown by the young 'crackers' who insisted on letting this fly, while people walked down stairs to get to their trains. Amazingly, I survived, however, crossing traffic in Rome may have proven to be a safer bet. They had absolutely no concern! They walk around with their big bottles of beer, drinking, laughing, and what's most distrubing, mein german sucks at that time, so I wouldn't know if they were saying anything rude to me. Get back to his quiet nicer area of Berlin, Zehlendorf, the former American zone of a divided berlin, to his flat. Once again, encountered more firecrakers. Another trip to avoid being hit.

One thing I noticed in Berlin, they have these neat blinds that come down 'outside the home'! That's a switch, and seems more logical to me. Their hotwater heater in the bathroom area, doubles as a tower drier (looks rather nicer compared to those ugly ancient ones here in my place.) I haven't seen them anywhere, and i am sure if I ever had a place that had those, I would inquire about upgrading. I wonder if they are more energy efficient? The germans are so good and conscientious towards the environment, its surprising that other nations (esp us nord americans) haven't adopted this? We've been recycling here since the late eighties, and I am surprised to come to the USA and not see it widely accepted. Ignorance, no regard to anyone else.

I read a post today, this woman, unfortunately lives on the west coast where are the fires are burning, and comments on 'what the world is coming to: 'mentioning, flooding, hurricanes and fires' - the fact that in her eyes, 'the world being referred to is her country, the US of Amerika. Interesting how differing the views are between Kanada and the US are. I would have said something, what is this country coming to, or in addition to the fires etc, I would have thrown some actually atrocities occuring outside the usa.

Okay, so I go a bit off topic, originally, I had intended to put this recipe but memories of my first christmas in berlin, I had to share... so, here's the recipe: From: www.dw-world.de - Culture & Lifestyle Deutsche Welle

As I prepare for my trip in December, I am trying to gather as much information as possible. und natürlich, ich habe keine zeit! Zu viel places to see, an so little time..So this recipe would be appropriate starting in the first day after of advent through to the 24th December. 'When the chill sets in, it's time for a hot drink. In Germany and Austria, one of the most popular beverages at this time of the year is Glühwein.

You will need: 1 bottle of red wine, 100 ml water (about 0.1 quart); 5 g of sugar (less than 2 ozs), 2 -3 cloves, 1/2 peeled lemon, 1 stick cinnamon.
Directions: Boil cinnamon, sugar, and cloves in water. Turn of heat. Strain the water after 25 -30 mins. Add wine to water. Heat wine - but don't boil (boiling removes the alcohol). Add lemon. And serve in a BIG mug!

the adventures of silas

silas goes to doggy daycare - okay, so he had the unfortunate experience of going under the knife whilst I walk to streets of Manhattan (along with two co-workers) for one incredibly short trip (not to mention hellish day with one of the most boring person I have ever met) of two days?! don't ask, I am still dealing with the disappointment of going with the two aquaintences, a lesson I have learned and a mistake not to be made again. So poor Silas, I don't know who faired better, me or him. He actually started daycare two weeks later. I thought it would be a good idea for him since he spent quite a bit of time alone. All day I kept wondering what is he up to? I wonder if he's being nice to the woman (helen). By the end of the day, I rushed out of work to quickly pick him up.. I walked into the storefront, looked over the counter (think of those old western movies - banks, with the bars in front, that's what this place looked like. I gazed past the wooden bars, to see silas barking and standing on his hind legs with the other dogs, who were much bigger than him! It was hilarious, and I don't think he recognised me at first. Not until he came out from behind. that night, he slept for the rest of the night, no problems whatsoever. this was brilliant, I should have done this sooner. he goes for a couple of days a week (when i think I can afford the five days, i may do this).
pictured above, here he is with his halloween hat, already for the end of the month...

winter in europe

I have booked a trip to germany (via amsterdam) this december. I don't know if I will enjoy the weather so much as the christkindl markets that happen all over germany and austria this time of the year. It will be something to leave kanada for even just a brief while, just to get away from what I call my miserable life.

I am majorly stressed from work. I am off for practically the whole month, and I don't care if someone else wanted to take time of. It sucks where I work, the people I work with sit on their brains, 'cause since i have been there, the place has not progressed. And no, it's not my fault, I can't be expected to do EVERYONE's job (its bad enough I already do about three people's). So mein freund is taking a few days off, so this will be good. I will then leave berlin, head south to wien (vienna) austria, stay for a couple of days, hop on the train to münchen (nürnberg) for some more festive treats, finally ending up in amsterdam for a few days before flying back to t.o.
total travel days = 4 / 16 days. not bad.

What I Did Over The Summer

gee, its been over a month since the last post. My niece and nephew both celebrated birthdays, my brother had an anniversary, and maybe a handful of friends have went on vacations. I did a few quick trips cross the border, including a short trip to NYC the weekend just past. Too short really, I am planning another one in late October - early November.

I am thinking of studying German again, I will be taking a vacation there in December, so I would like to have some german behind me to get by auf alone.

Flooding in N'awlins, really bad stuff. I don't know too much as i haven't been keeping up with the news.

Happy Birthday

Yesterday, I celebrated my 29th birthday (again). I wanted to have the day off, but as I am a slave to my job, I really didn't have a choice in the matter. I did, however, leave early, so it wasn't all bad. Birthday's suck. I got a call from my bro et al. and found out they are heading down to Virginia Beach on Saturday. I wish I had a car, I'd love to just take off out of the city for a little R&R. I think this is why I haven't went on vacation yet. I don't want to be stuck in this city, waste my days doing nothing but looking at this stinking city and these ugly faces. I am saving to go to Berlin over the Xmas, however, I may just go to experience Xmas markets that lead up to Christmas in December. A planned vacation from late November to 3rd week in December would be good. Oh, I don't know, maybe I should go to Spain or Bermuda over Christmas? I want to go somewhere hot! I'd love to go to Austria or Switzerland for a few days, and end up in Paris. Yes, I know, its not hot, but that would be fabuleux! Mach nicht, ich weiss nicht. Decisions, I hate having to make them, but I'd rather have a choice than no choice at all.

Karl Lagerfeld is A Genius!

Karl Lagerfeld is a Genius!

I have been an admirer of Gabrielle Coco Chanel since I was 10 years old. In '87, I began collecting advertisements (no, way could I every afford anything!) so ads are the next best thing. I have a lovely 4 - 5 page spread of some nice pix of Ines de la Fressenge (sp?). I used to love that name, the way it just elegantly rolls out like beautiful music. In 2001, I couldn't believe my eyes, while walking behind the Ritz (the same entrance that Princess Di and Dodi left that day back in '97) - came upon the Chanel shop, and g-d didn't this black Range Rover pull up and out pops that white hair + black glasses - Karl Lagerfeld walks right past my path, no more than a few steps in front of me, into the shop (entourage in tow). oh, it would have been great if I had the opportunity to meet him.

Silas (aka 'silly ass')
Here is my dog Silas doing what he does best - nosing around at everything and anything. I got Silas as an early xmas gift to myself last December 2004, from a breeder in Norland, Ontario. He is a purebred Pug, however, he seems to have long legs compared to other pugs I've seen. Not that it matters because he is the best thing that has happened to me in a long time. I've decided that right now I do not have time for a relationship, so natürlich, ich entschied einen Hund zu kaufen. Ja, ich muss auf Deutsch zu schreiben üben. But of course, I am using Babels' online translator along with a dictionary (PONS) and relying on my memory of one & 1/2 semesters of German language from Goethe Institute on King St. in Toronto. I had met a german guy from Berlin, a friendship. After two years, of using AIM, letters, postcards, and of course, emails, I finally got the nerve to travel by myself to Europe, with a special stop in Berlin to visit this guy. It was great. Any fears I had disappeared within minutes. Andreas is quite the character. I have learned many things by him. oh Berlin, I miss you very much.