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.