The sound of clinking dishes has become synonymous with realizing I am in a neighboorhood. A place with families, routines and household duties. As I stroll through my adopted area and hear the now familiar sound it makes me feel comfortable. Clinking dishes-an everyday and familiar sound to everyone. It reminds me that I am in a neighboorhood where people are living out their daily lives. So much more to learn than in a hotel and tourist area. Introducing myself to the local coffee shop owner. Hearing about his family and his thoughts on sites I have visited. Eating breakfast at an outdoor cafe and an elderly lady sharing my table as she waits for the bus. She had just bought fresh strawberries from the stand around the corner. Guess what I did after breakfast? The strawberries were delicious! Walking past the French Congregation cemetery and noticing family and friends are gathering for a funeral. Discovering that the Ballhaus (dance hall) four doors down has been entertaining customers for over eighty years. I have not visited the dance hall yet but I will. Yes, clinking dishes.....the sound leads to so much more.
My breakfast table mate getting on the bus. We did not speak each other's language but I know we wished each other a good day.
Frequently there are nice cars outside the building. I think this one has been the prettiest one yet!
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My mother's cousin's grandson was in Berlin for two days as he travels through Europe. It was fun having company. This restaurant changes their beer prices based on the kind ordered. The more the beer is enjoyed the lower the price. There are Wall Street style electronic boards displaying the minute to minute pricing. Their German potato salad tasted just like mom's!
Those buildings are gorgeous and those fruit stands look inviting. Too funny that there's electronic posting on changing beer prices. Bet your cousin got a kick out of that.
ReplyDeleteThose cars are definitely cool. German engineering--a real source of pride!
You will have to let us know how the dance hall is. Might be fun to give it a whirl.
So neat that you have really settled into your surroundings and have such an appreciation of all aspects of their society. It seems you have chosen an ideal location with a lot of variety and also commonality.
Safe and enjoyable travels this weekend.
You really make a point to assimilate into your environment. Those strawberries looked so good!! How did they compare to our americano ones?? And what a treat to meet up with a relative!
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