Rock America

I wanted a cheap bike to go 'round, and so when an American gal offered to sell me hers for 40 euro, I took it. I took it to the bike shop to have it repaired, and the repairman asked me about the model. I said "I don't know" - and then the repairman, with a smirk, said "I-rock-America???" - I looked at the bike, and indeed, my bike is called IROK American. Not only that, it is bright orange. Now everyone knows this bike (Hey, Leigh, I saw Rock America the other day!). But several mysteries are now opened : Who the heck would carry this bike from the US to Europe - it is NOT a nice bike? Who would call a bike "IROK American"? What person would have the guts, or perhaps no sense of shame, to actually ride such a bike around town? (oh wait, that's me)

The Rolling Stones

I went to see The Rolling Stones at Olympia Stadium. It was amazing, as one might expect! I also had the opportunity to look around Olympia Stadium. Also great. I wore Douglas's T-Shirt - Thunderstorms had been forecast all week for Friday night, but I knew that nothing would happen - Douglas was looking out for me!

During Miss You, this big mouth came out of the stage. Awesome show - not sold out - do people know what they are missing??

Cafe Rosa

Last night I went to Cafe Rosa (www.cafe-rosa.com) - the best bar in Berlin (No biased opinions here....just because my friends own it....)!!

I met a friend, who brought along a Spanish guy he met online (http://www.travelhoo.com/dotnet/main.aspx) - travelers stay in the homes of other network members - problem was, the guy spoke no English and had no money. Problem solved, my friend called his Spanish speaking buddy, and the guy just started body painting on the Oranienburgerstr. to earn some cash! And a pic of his artistry

As always, a lovely evening at Cafe Rosa listening to the accordion and 2 girls playing the saw!

Play it, Sam

We went to Freiluftkino Kreuzberg (outdoor movie theater) to see Casablanca. The outdoor theater rocks! Plus, Casablanca is a wonderful movie. It was my first time to see it on the big screen! OmU - Original version with subtitles. I just can't imagine a dubbed Humphrey Bogart. Here are pictures of the screen as well as the church with the film projector. And of course, La Marseillaise http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Marseillaise.

The Great Outdoors

I rode my bike with the intention of getting over to Wannsee, but I ended up at Nikolassee instead, still about 20 km from my house. It was beautiful! I can't believe I can take such a trip from my house by bicycle. I rode to the lake and jumped in!

I was really reminded of Big Ridge and Tennessee, and then I saw this sign on the way home.

Love is.....

A giant banana? People in pink fuzzy underpants?

It's the Berlin Love Parade!

All in front of the Soviet War Memorial!

Where?

I was in France the past few days - thus no post. Not cool, exotic, romantic France - lame France. The Bombardier factory from 1850. Our hotel, however, was a dream - just amazing. I really had the impression I was on an English country estate in a Jane Austen novel. Here are pictures of a view out the window, and a view from the dining table in the courtyard. Also, a picture of the moon over Tempelhof airport. Amazing to step out of the plane onto the tarmac and walk inside an ancient airport.

Am I a turncoat?

I SWEAR - some Italian guy came to my house at 1 in the morning, then today kidnapped me and took me to an Italian restaurant - it really happened! HELP!!! Included is the incriminating parking photograph!! Not only that, he tried to shoe shop - I was held against my will, I tell you!!

World Cup Fieber!

Germany is Number 3 - I think we were all quite tired of games - we showed up at the bar 15 minutes in advance and by a miracle found a table - with a view of the screen. However, it did mean that lots of extra friends showed up in town, so somehow by a miracle we were able to organize ourselves in the same location! Here we are - right in the middle of excitement, somehow posing around my fabulous 40 euro bike. And of course, the giant soccer ball in front of Brandenburg gate, which housed the famous World Cup.

Fourth of July!

A little late, but I did my 4th of July BBQ this evening. It was a joint party with a friend, as it was his birthday, so he did the work actually buying the grill and supplies. 4th of July BBQ a success owing to German efficiency! Thank goodness for the World Cup - I was able to buy an American flag! Here are some posted picks - I expected 30, but had a few no-shows, so only 29. Dang it. Next year, we'll be at least 40!

Commuting

I ride my bike to work. It rocks - except when there's a bike traffic jam. Please please please summer last forever. I get to see these nice things on the way to work!

I think I will be less enthusiastic when the snow and dark come, but it is worth it to have a terrible winter in order to have amazing summers.

Vive la France!

Now France must beat Italy - I have faith! Go France! I watched the game at a bar across the street from my house. Therefore, it is my new favorite bar. I never bought a T-shirt that says France, so I wore a beret to support the team. I couldn't find my nice black beret, so I wore a funky knit one that cost $1 at the Garment District. Rock on!

Good thing this blogger has a spell check - I lost the ability to spell owing to my confusion with various languages - most embarassing, don't you know.

Italy Sucks

Semi-finals, Germany vs. Italy, I think that was the saddest game I have ever seen apart from 2003 Red Sox vs. Yankees. The 2 goals in the last minute were ridiculous. I really really wanted Germany to win, not just for the nation of Germany, but gee, for Ben and Amanda!!! OK, Go France! Beat Italy! Here are pics from festivities 2 weeks ago in Munich. Blandine, we made you wear the German jersey, but now we rely on your nation!!

Remains of the Weekend

Still recovering from fun weekend - what can I say - it's Monday!

Here are some pics from Saturday night at the Eiffel Tower and Sunday at Parc Florale!

Let's hope the weather stays this beautiful - riding the bike to and from work is a dream!

Day1

I decided to make a blog so that people can see what's going on. We'll see how long this lasts.

I had a great great weekend in Paris - 20th anniversary of my school, so I saw all my friends. Last night we had a picnic on Champ de Mars - totally cool because France beat Brasil (yeah!), and the town went crazy!

Today we went to Parc Florale for Paris jazz on Sundays. Then back to Charles de Gaulle and Berlin! I have that sad sad feeling that always happens at the end of a nice weekend - I just miss my friends again. Kind of hard, but that's life, I guess. I'll upload weekend pics later, but here are some pics for now.