Berlin, the Ampelmann and a Hat in Brussels

Approaching the Brandenburg Gate - Strasse des 17 Juni

Our recent travels have taken us to two of our next door neighbors' capital cities. Germany's premiere city, Berlin, finally made it on our "done" list, and of course any reason to visit the beautiful capital of Belgium is a good one! Berlin had long eluded us, but now it has officially been ticked off our list. We found a deal too good to pass up, hopped on a plane and spent the better part of a week exploring a city with an intriguing past and an even more alluring future. 

As we all know, the German capital was moved back to Berlin during the 1990 reunification. Nearly 25 years later Berlin's duality can still be seen everywhere. This contrast can certainly be seen, but I, for one, felt as if the scar left from the Soviet era Wall has healed over quite well. The growth sparked with the prosperity of a unified Germany has created a unique cityscape. Hip bohemians have been buying up capital real estate and turning the drab East into a cultural and creative oasis along slide the traditional galleries and museums that predate the Iron Curtain. Evidence of the resurrection is everywhere. The skyline is absolutely crammed with construction cranes, and there is scarcely a street that isn't under public works renovation.

Just a typical scene along the Spree River…can you make out the name on that old dingy?

The ad-hoc symbol of reunification is the Brandenburg Gate, so why not start here with our virtual post card. The historic entrance to Old Town Berlin languished just behind the Wall for decades. It was heavily damaged during WWII and wasn't fully restored until 2002. It was just in front of the Brandenburg Gate that the first section of the Berlin Wall was removed in 1989. It was here the Chancellor of West Germany and the East German Prime Minister met to shake hands bring together a people divided for over 40 years!

Other 'to do' sights in Berlin include the Bundestag (formerly the Reichstag), Museum Island, Checkpoint Charlie…yadda, yadda, yadda. Of course we stopped by all of these historic spaces, but the real fun began when we rented some bikes and headed out into the hinterlands. For instance, there's a restaurant in Berlin that has been open continuously since 1621! Supposedly Napoleon even ate there…wonder how that went ;)

The German Bundestag...

...Museum Island...

…and of course Checkpoint Charlie. Please note the Golden Arches. 

Then we got our wheels…just like the feeling of freedom felt back in '89 (I'm sure).

The 'Original' Berlin wall…the one that circles the Old Town.

Charlottenburg Castle

Zur Letzen Instanz - the oldest restaurant in Berlin

Where they serve dark beer…in Germany!

Berlin is definitely quirky and the people there are truly warm and welcoming. Second only to the food scene in Berlin, our favorite part was the Ampelmann. Apparently the former East German capital was having quite a problem with traffic safety. To deal with the seemingly callous attitude of their motorists the city commissioned the design of the Ampelmann crossing signal. This idiosyncratic little man is rather fun, and reminds us that not everything behind the Iron Curtain had to be gray and dreary.

BTW…did I mention all the great food in Berlin?

Like this full American breakfast with veggie bacon and sausage!

Or, this 'Pancake'...

Some of the old train trestles have been converted into restaurant spaces.

And, as always, we found a Burrito shack. When in Berlin, dine at Dolores'

After our trip to Berlin, Jeni and I had a few days respite before heading up to Brussels (again) along with a handful of my teammates for an Ultimate Frisbee tournament. This time it was the XL Hat…which is to say they throw everyone''s name into a hat, draw out names, and we all play for the glory of a five liter glass of Belgian Beer! 

The Ultimate deLux contingent - (left to right) Ole, Swantje, me, Gregor and Michele 

My makeshift squad - "Armside"

….and here's how I spent the better part of a weekend. Chasing a stupid plastic disc up and down a  perfectly good field.

The Sof Keeps Rollin' On...

Perhaps the most American thing in all of Luxembourg occurred on our patio last weekend. Jeni and I threw an American style Bar-B-Cue for a bevy of international friends. Needless to say the Red Cups were a big hit! 

This is Jeni grilling Mediterranean cheese, Haloumi…Ok so that's not 100% American.

…and here's Jeni with our little neighbor, Alicia.

We certainly had a wonderful time, and our guests seemed to enjoy themselves. For some reason, Europeans have this notion that all drinks at parties in the US are served in plastic Solo cups…and who were we to disappoint. I must (for the sake of truth in pseudo-journalism and to keep Jeni from deleting this post) say that we did provide proper glasses to all the attendees :)

In between our mini-excursions and our visiting friends, Jeni and I have continued to make the most out of our Summer of Fun. Let's see….there was the 20th edition of Luxembourg's Blues and Jazz Rallye, a visit to the historic Chateau Larochette, the Color Run and of course the run-of-the-mill hikes in the woods with our boys, Toby and Jonas.

Jojo meeting his French cousin in the Park.

This was my second Rallye in Luxembourg. As always it was a great excuse to get out and party with friends while the weather is fine and dry. We did pre-game a bit with Michele and his new roomie, Tamara (who, by the way, is a hoot!). We had a blast listening to all the great music and mingling with 25,000 other partygoers. Folks really do make the most of summer here in the Ville.

2014 Blues and Jazz Rallye - Luxembourg

The crowds along the Rives of Clausen...

Pre-gaming at Tamara and Michele's place...

…yes, they have a pool!

Next there was the Color Run out at Lake Echternach. 

This was Luxembourg's second time hosting the charitable event which is held in cities all over the world to raise money in an effort to reduce poverty. The event is a Fun Run based on the Hindu Festival of Holi in which participants are doused in bright colors as they make their way along a 5 km course. We had a great time, and it certainly makes for some fun photographs!

There's even a party with DJ's afterwards...

…Tamara leading the way.

Everyone who's anyone was there. Including our friend Natalia...

…and Your's Truly.

Weirdo.

And, of course, Jeni and I make the most out of the short but beautiful Northern European summer. Our mantra is, "If the sun is shining, get out and do something!" Because you're never guaranteed a bright sunny day here in the Grand Duchy (scroll down to SoF - Bruges) it is important that we seize the moment and go explore the local environs. Luxembourg is truly an idyllic country. Even if we go for a walk in the woods or drive a short distance to the ruins of a local castle, the time we have here is certainly precious. We do love our adoptive home…even if it is quirky at times. Stay tuned. There's plenty more SoF ahead. Next up is our trip to Berlin, and there's some Ultimate Frisbee in the offing! 

The approach to Chateau Larochette…

…click here to read more. 

Ahhh…a nice sunny afternoon in the pastoral countryside of Luxembourg. Just chillin' in the orchards.