Upstairs at Eric's

2012-01-29T18:32:00.001+01:00

Electric Guest - "American Daydream" Video from stereogum on Vimeo.

2012-01-29T12:27:00.001+01:00

Berlin sunday

2012-01-29T11:49:00.001+01:00

Berlin today

2012-01-29T11:48:00.001+01:00

The power of the coffee machine

2012-01-29T11:47:00.002+01:00

Did you notice how important is a coffe machine in the company. How strategic It is placed in the building ? did you notice the moves from and to this machine are ? very interesting. Please have a look. Everyone is meeting at the coffee machine. It’s the place to be to have informal meetings, saying what you think to a colleague, flirting with potential next boyfriend (can’t believe how many couples meet at work) and ultimately, having coffee. But that’s for tomorrow. Today is lazy day with snow and sun.

I love Calvin

2012-01-25T22:01:00.001+01:00

2012-01-21T16:15:00.001+01:00

Hello from ant1mat3rie on Vimeo.

Un

2012-01-18T19:52:00.003+01:00

It seems like I will always be unhappy. It's like that. Get over it.

2012

2012-01-15T19:58:00.002+01:00

la reconquête du corps

2012-01-11T19:20:00.001+01:00

2012-01-06T17:51:00.001+01:00

Paris morning streets

2012-01-06T17:50:00.005+01:00

In 1976, French film director Claude Lelouch strapped a 35mm film camera to the front of a car, and 'someone', drove the car at speeds of up to 200kph through the early morning streets of Paris, without any permission from authorities. During the 8 min film, at least two pedestrians come within feet of being hit, cars are narrowly missed, and 18 red lights are run. The whole thing was completely illegal.

2012-01-06T17:39:00.002+01:00

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-05T18:32:00.003+01:00

Last week was busy. On holiday but busy. Like everyone, I just returned from Christmas dinner that I have to think about the Sylvester’s one. In the meantime, I had to meet friends who come to their family for the celebration. It started Tuesday night. I went to this new bar in Mitte, Bar3. Though I used to live years ago around the corner, I am not a big fan anymore to go back there, too many tourists, too crowdie, too much money, no flair anymore. But a friend has been there so I wanted to give a (second) try, and not alone. I confirm it’s a nice bar and the concept is simple but efficient. No tables, no chairs. Just a huge black round bar where you “fight” to get a stool. Small glasses, not expensive (wine is 2,-€) but it means that you drink faster and probably more. You have no choice but to make contact. Yes, because if you arrive when the bar is fully occupied, the only way to get something to drink is to disturb someone sitting. Not bad. Because if you go alone, you are pretty sure to start a conversation at any time. You only need to find a receptive one. Most of the people there comes from the neighborhood and is quite friendly. Service is perfect and the music is entertaining, played with vinyl, and not boring like this lounge music you here almost everywhere now. Because I was on holiday, I could go out at night, to party. And if there is one I won’t miss if I’m not working on Friday, is “Chantal’s house of shame” made at the cowboy disco Bassy Club. It just a very good party with a great mix of people, age, whatever. A friend came with and we decided to meet each other at Betty F., small talk with some guys we know and then, under the rain, go to party. It was a chance we went there early. Soon after one hour being opened, the wardrobe was full that they had to open in emergency a second one, which they did behind the counter in plastic bags. Meaning that with the rain, when you will take back your coat, it will be still soaked, wet, and cold. Pleasure. Chantal was there, as usual, the show started late, as usual, I could recognize faces I saw years ago, as usual, and many young and even more tourists. After getting out around 4:30 a.m., Chantal was also outside, trying to convince the waiting crowd that they had to go to party somewhere else because the location was so full, they could not let anyone coming in. Friday evening very easy at Kirk, to celebrate with close friends our last evening together before 2012. The bar was also crowded with tourists, but this time brought by acquaintance living not far away from the place. At some point, following the turn-over of friends, we noticed that the Germans were under-numbered. That felt strange somehow, but I was quite happy about it and we had a great laugh. At Kirk, we always have a good time. I guess because the sofa is comfortable, the fireplace is warm and the Pinot together with the service is good. Starting to feel tired on Saturday, we decided to play it cool and easy. No big fiesta but light dinner with friends in Schöneberg, where I hardly go. That evening was the choice of using the public transportation obvious, even I don’t like it very much. 15 minutes before Midnight, the big great firework starts and everyone is outside, from kids to Grandparents, from restaurant clientele to simple friends and we all play with petards and fireworks. It can last 2 hours until you can’t see a thing through the fog anymore and then just simply go to the bar next door until the morning. It’s then time to go back home. Happy new Year everyone !

2012-01-01T14:47:00.002+01:00

Enjoying my holiday

2011-12-29T10:16:00.001+01:00

2011-12-28T17:43:00.001+01:00

Mayor of the bar

2011-12-28T12:11:00.001+01:00

This week, I checked 3 times in a row inthe same bar. Do I drink too much and/or do I go out too many ? Tuesday becauseI was stressed from work, Wednesday because I wanted to celebrate the fact thatI am alone for a week (my boyfriend is on holidays to his family for Christmas)and Thursday because I met my neighbor on the street and we decided to catchup. Actually, it was funny because we didn’t end up the two of us but 6 as wemet some other people we know. The advantage to (very often) go at the same barround the corner is that ye start to know people. The waiter knows you and yourdrink, the place where you like to sit, the people you meet there. Thanks to mymobile phone and the app Foursquare, I just discovered that I am the mayor of Bariton because I’m the one who checked the most. Not saying I have the mostchecked points because probably no one else does., or not that many. This iswhy this evening, I am not going at the same bar ! I’m going to join a friend(who’s in town for Christmas with his family) at Golden Finish. Tonight themotto is regenerate drinking against the Christmas’ stress. I like the idea asI have no stress at all for this period of the year that I spend most of thetime alone, having all my time for me. The city is nearly empty because theyall left for their family until next week. I miss the snow though. Because ofthis climate changes, where we used to have snow from October to April, thisyear, not a snowflake. But rain and grey light without end. So I’m notsurprised when one is saying that no one was ready for Christmas this yearbecause we don’t have the feeling at all. No rush for presents, no snow, eventhe Christmas markets were not in the mood, so this year will not be ahighlight. It makes no difference for me anyway. Maybe I will cook and bakemore, that’s all. For me.

WORLD WIDE

2011-12-27T16:41:00.000+01:00

WORLD WIDE

Can't help it

2011-12-27T11:06:00.001+01:00

2011-12-24T17:05:00.000+01:00

Lights

2011-12-18T22:43:00.001+01:00

I know it is in many countries the same : Christmas decoration all over the city, on every house, on every balcony, on every tree, every year the same and even more and more each year. I remember having been in L.A. some years ago and lost with the car in Beverley Hills and then saw all those big houses completely decorated with lights, the same in Miami, the same in Karlsruhe, the same in Berlin. If you were leaving near my place, you wouild notice this balcony. Why ? because Isince I live in my flat, I take this picture every year, the same. But there is always a difference every year. There are more and more decorations, more Santas, also with lights, and they move, balancing their head from right to left. This year, the novelty are those lines of lights coming from one floor up. Don't ask me how they manage to do this but It seems very popular this year. Looking at this and many others every day, almost on every window in the city, sometimes nice, sometimes not, I can't help thinking how much it must cost, can't imagine the increase of the electricity invoice raising up for one month. Furthermore, if you think further, how much energy It costs to produce, for nothing actually, because I still wonder why families do that. I am not even sure the kids are thrilled about those illuminations all night long. I understand the city of Berlin does no effort to decorate the city, the citizens do it themselves all over the place. I think only on Ku'dam, you can find something but I didn't go this year, and with the wind, not sure it survives. Go to Paris to see the difference where the department stores are or on the Champs Elysées. This is very nice. So I am happy that here in the city some put all their efforts in some lighting for this time of the year, waiting now that we had the view, for the noise, that will come next week with New Year's Eve and all their petard everywhere. I wish you all a Merry Christmas.

You'd better have a good story ...

2011-12-18T21:43:00.000+01:00

Weinachstfeier

2011-12-18T01:04:00.001+01:00

So it was again yesterday the Christmas party of the company to celebrate its employees. 4 hours of speech and then dinner with open bar. Until midnight. But during this time, we all love each other when at the office we hardly say good morning. It's every year the same, more people maybe as the company is growing, more young people as I am getting older, same speech, same wine, same food, same place, same rain. One detail changes every time. I have noticed I go away earlier. Either I'm drunk earlier or I get bored after having done what I call my "public relations". We never know. After that ? I need a drink of course and that's when the party really starts. I came back this morning, not really fresh I must say, and this evening, though invited at friends' place for dinner, not a drop of wine nor one cigarette. And this is interesting because I noticed that 1) when you are a non smoker, I understand smoke disturbs you and irritates your throat and 2) when people starts to get drunk, you are not in the mood and only wants to go home. When you look at your friends having fun and laughing for nothing, you just behave trying to understand the words they try to articulate, not with really much success. Then you say goodnight. Goodnight.

Why hurry ? take your time Baby, take yout time

2011-12-16T16:45:00.001+01:00

Stairs 1

2011-12-13T22:27:00.002+01:00

Well, this is it : I have to talk about my stairs. The one in my edroom. I(ve waited 3 years to have it. I had such a precise idea of what I wanted (and I have now) that the most difficult part of all, was to find someone who would be able to build it. I found beginning of the year. It took almost a year to have it, just put it in the room yesterday, but I am now so happy. To be continued.

Birds

2011-12-11T19:32:00.001+01:00

2011-12-11T19:00:00.001+01:00

Green

2011-12-11T18:35:00.001+01:00

I love my flat. It costs me a fortune but I just love it. It's the reason why I didn't go far away on holidays since two years, no sun, no sea (I miss that so much) but hey, no risk no fun. And I have many. It's my choice and I'm not complaining. On the contrary, I feel myself lucky to have a roof above my head. Anyway, It has 3 rooms and one I used to have as a bedroom. But I did some renovation and since then my bedroom is somewhere else. So I have a spare room that friends use when they come to visit but most of the time It is empty. I did move the computer room and my desk also somewhere else in the flat. So I figure out I could rent it. Not for long term but for week-ends or a week or two when tourists or business (wo)men are in town. So I started to renovate it. The furniture are all here so no bigy but the initial colour I put when I moved in, well, It's easy, I don't like it anymore. It's a light beige but I'm more in dark colours, I feel It goes better with the flat. The other colours you will find in my place are bright red, some darg grey, a marine blue, a bordeaux and a mix of all those I used to paint my bedroom. So let's say I don't like white walls. Of course to put life on the walls, you will also find a lot of pictures, paintings, drawings, maps, mirrors, so you could say I live in a modern museum. But It looks like me. But, how can I design a room that belongs to my flat where I live but is for people I don't know and they will have to pay (a little) to rent it (if ever) ? The marine blue I used for the corridor is nice but too strong. I decided to have a dark green, so I can try to make it. I went to the store and bought some bright and gold yellow. I did it this afternoon. Actually, I think I like it but I can't be sure for now. The colour is not dry yet and It's dark outside now so, with only the lights on, I can't judge. Let's say I'll talk about it another time. It's time for dinner and relax.

2011-12-10T11:53:00.001+01:00

Know-How

2011-12-10T11:52:00.001+01:00

This is a fact : there are a lot of things I don't know or can't do. But drink and smoke, I can and do.

It's always time for a cocktail

2011-12-08T11:28:00.001+01:00

2011-12-07T14:51:00.001+01:00

2011-12-06T10:07:00.001+01:00

Can otitis be added with the flew ?

Brain

2011-12-05T13:08:00.001+01:00

It's a little game that likes to play this little boy from time to time : "where is my brain ?" until now, he lost.

Meds

2011-12-04T09:35:00.001+01:00

I'm drugged up on meds and does not feel funtional at all

2011-12-03T12:46:00.001+01:00

Art.Gerecht, the day after

2011-12-03T11:35:00.001+01:00

So it was really unexpected. When you see Art.Gerecht from outside, it looks like a small coffee bar. The door is even in paper. You don't expect such a cosy place nor a concert location. Ok, all acoustic but what a pleasure to discover new artists live, round the corner with good atmosphere. We had the time to taste the very good coffee and later on, the tea. I was not in the mood for wine that evening but I heard it tastes good. Then you access the room where the artist will perform. Comfortably sat in chairs or sofas, your glass on the coffee table, facing the stage, you wait for the performance to begin. Before that, the artists display their merchandising, fair enough. There was no tickets to buy. In the middle of the concert, the owner of the bar gave us a basket to donate money. That is good because you don't feel struggle with the price of a concert, nowadays rarely affordable for me. The surprise came from the first part. Because there was one. Phia. Also from Merlbourne, Australia, living in Berlin since 7 months and having a good time, so she says, and performing often in the city. Yesterday she came with electronic devices that she pushes with her feet, connected with an african instrument called Kalimba that she plays with her hands. Amazing and entertaining. I bought her CD because I thought it was a good thing to do and also because I was thrilled by her creative talent. Coby Grant was enjoying the music. With each song, we had a little story about the process or the story about it and we felt like connected. After the performance, Coby Grant started hers. She is also staying in Berlin for the time being. She explained that she is recording next week her next album in the city. A few songs you can already listen on her website. The mood was really good and I appreciate very much when the artist puts a connection with the audience. I think that, where big concerts with thousands of people give you energy, the acoustic ones in bars or small locations simply give you happiness, the feeling that you're having a privilieged moment. And that's what happened. I also bought the CD but not for me. A friend of mine wanted to be with us but could not make it, being away from the city. That will be his Christmas present with a special word and signature from Coby Grant. I hope he will be thrilled with the music and word as we all were.

2011-12-02T12:54:00.001+01:00

Art Gerecht

2011-12-02T12:52:00.001+01:00

This evening we try something new. Art Gerecht. Live will play Coby Grant. I noticed the place a few months ago and I thought first it is only a (good) coffee bar, only open during day time. But it happens to be much more than that, very much more. On the rear there is a concert room where coms artists who play acoustic music. Last month I found no time to go but I book my evening and wants to go. This is what is said about the artist (from the main page of Art Gerecht) : "Australia’s sweetheart of acoustic pop, Coby Grant is a woman of many talents. Fiercely independent, she is a free spirit, savvy business woman and most fittingly, a genuine artist. The popular single, “A Song About Me” has been used on television commercials around the world, revealing new supporters in the most surprising places, such as Scandinavia! Having performed over 170 shows in the past year throughout Australia, Denmark, Sweden, Czech Republic, Germany, the UK and the USA and securing a number of stellar support slots alongsideinternational artists such as Don McLean (USA), Newton Faulkner (UK #1 Artist) and Toni Childs (USA), Coby’s soaring vocals and candid lyrical style continues to win the hearts of Australianaudiences and now, she’s going global. This year, Coby Grant will embark on her most epic journey yet, with tours planned through Europe, Canada and the USA." I quite interested I must say. I never had the idea such a place was so nearby and I am already a fan on Facebook. I might go more often at concerts. They also give singing and other art lessons.

2011-12-01T20:20:00.001+01:00

2011-12-01T20:18:00.001+01:00

World AIDS Day

2011-12-01T20:03:00.001+01:00

Please don't forget that today December 1st, is World Aids day. It is sad to remember but there is still so much work to do. Of course medication exists but not anyone does have the access to it. I heard that before 2015, we want to eradicate the disease transmitted from mother to child. I'd like also that my fellow LGBT friends, this community always very prompt and active for a cause, and most of the time has access to doctors and medication, probably feeling safe in the city, and mostly the young ones who don't have nearby someone dead from AIDS, stops to think that they can cure with meds and they can carry on sucking dicks all night long and be fucked or fucked without protection. It's for life, you will never get rid of it. I also think that it is the duty of the oldest ones, me for example, to explain this matter. But believe it or not, I'm not listened. Worse : people of my age start to take advantage of the so-called innocence of the youngs. Not sure it really gets better.

Get married

2011-11-26T18:44:00.001+01:00

when my gay canadian friend says to me he will get married, at first I laugh. then I remember he can

2011-11-24T21:59:00.001+01:00

Kumpelnest 3000

2011-11-24T20:54:00.001+01:00

After a very nice concert evening at the Philarmonie lastSaturday (I just love the Mozart's requiem, everytime I listen to it, I'm shivering), my boyfriend asked the right question: where is the bar? It’s notthat I don’t like Potsdamer Platz, I know very well the cocktail bar of theMandala hotel and I used to go from its opening at the Victoria Bar but It’s not my favorite outside theirschool of drunkenness (see website) but that, I can do on my own. Because we didn’t want to travel throughthe city to find something to drink (though it’s no big deal in this city),because we wanted to stay in the neighborhood and not going back to East, wefigured out what the options were … walking down west on the Potsdamer Straße. Onthis street, you will find dance and drink clubs and all look like a red lightdistrict with neon color lights inside, men with black suits and hair gel, withdoorkeepers and luxury cars at the entrance, girls with so short dress thatevery man on the planet is their gynecologist. In the middle of that, you alsowill find the Wintergarten. Iremember a few months ago the place became famous because of the gay parties insidewhich was abandoned because there was too much noise. Anyway, opposite ofthis legendary theater, there is a darkroad, the Lützowstraße and at the number 23 please open the door and get intoKumpelnest 3000. You will not believe it. Well, you will. After one or twodrinks or more. If you are used to go out with me or follow my links, you certainly knowthe Roses in Oranienstraße, this tacky bar with walls covered with plush andkitschy taste. Coming in, Kumpelnest has been entirely decorated by art students, usingold scraps of carpet and broken mirror, but the bar – in all of its crumpledglory – is still one of the stalwarts of the deep down and dirty Berlin club scene ofyore. The crowd is as chaotic as the interior is, getting going to disco danceanthems into the extra-early mornings, as this place often stays open past 5am,and even later on weekends. Gay or straight, you're welcome here. All that'sasked is that you enjoy a kinky good time in what used to be a brothel. Thiscrowded and chaotic place is really a bar now. Berliners often show up here forearly-morning fun after they've exhausted the action at the other hot spots. Thislurid bat cave is sensuous, kooky and kitschy enough to feature in a 1940s Shanghai noir thriller. Atrue classic, famous for its wild, debauched all-nighters, it attracts a hugelyvaried public, from 20’s students to 70’s retired (but the lady with leatherjacket please) without forgetting the 30’s mid something straight guy, feelingnot so comfortable, sharing a beer with his so-called straight married friend (searh for thering). You could also have the opportunity to chat with a black wigged woman or with theblond legged transexual. Some say the doorkeeper,arrived late, is not as friendly as he seems, maybe true but didn’t have tocomplain that evening. Don’t be surprised if your bar keeper is not thereanymore, service changes. Once my friend Axel comes back to work in Berlin, he will have totaste aperitif there (he’s not working far from the place and I’m sure it is onhis way home). Latest advice: forget the wine, any color.

Friday

2011-11-18T17:36:00.001+01:00

Today my horoscope said : "Daydreaming will bring your downfall. Do not count on others to do your work. If you run from a situation, it will follow you in the worst possible way". How can I survive the day ? I looked at tv series all day, tried to paint the guest room but the colour does not match my desire and I think I'll go to the bar to end all this.

2011-11-16T10:52:00.001+01:00

Doubt

2011-11-16T10:35:00.001+01:00

Not sure again I've made the right choice. It looked right at first but then, like everytime, my personality takes over everything. I mean, what's the point of having a relationship if I'm not happy ?

2011-11-12T21:43:00.001+01:00

CSS (Cansei de Ser Sexy) - Hits Me Like a Rock von BlastroNetworks

One lazy afternoon in Berlin, in Autumn

2011-11-06T17:48:00.002+01:00

2011-11-06T17:42:00.001+01:00

Tante Horst

2011-10-31T21:48:00.003+01:00

Always on the thirst to investigate new bars,I was appointed 2 weeks ago on Saturday evening at Tante Horst, inOranienstraße, Kreuzberg. I talked with friends about it after mywild night and this understated and modestly-priced café happened to be famous,that I didn’t know before. Anyway, when the meeting was set up, I liked spontaneouslythe name of the bar : Tante means aunt and Horst is a male name. So I wonderedwhat kind of bar could be named with a male aunt ? Well, I was not disappointed: It’s a queer bar, meaning all kind of people can meet there and It’s nocliché : LGBT welcome and hetero friendly, let’s say. When I saw those boyswith full make up and silver dress, I thought “they’re going to a partyafterwards” but no, the party was meeting friends at the bar. Oups. When thestudents request free seats at our table, I thought “there is a birthday partyupstairs” but no they sat next to us and ordered beers. When the DJ playedlouder the music, the mood really rises and changes from a nice and gentle startsipping caperihna to dance floor, which was good because after that we had to join alesbian party called “mermaids” (didn’t see many, really, but It is anotherstory). For the record, the bar, where like Bloona you can stay at the bar, is located on theless-trod side of the Oranienstraße, near Moritzplatz where Prinzessingartenis, closed now for winter : don’t forget to make yourself a note for nextspring to go there (and It’s again another story). Drawing its entirely mixed crowd, TanteHorst prides itself on being a Likörchenkollektiv, which translates asa schnapps collective, offering an array of liquor that includes, but luckily isnot limited to, sheep’s milk schnapps.With a rotating display of artwork byvarious local artists, the café creates a comfy atmosphere, ideal forunaffected cups of tea or glasses of beer. Every Sunday, Tante Horst hosts avegan/vegetarian brunch buffet (12:00-16:00), whereas every Saturday night a DJspins the crowd into a tizzy. We couldn’t stay too long and moved on to GoldenFinish before visiting the Mermaids (still makes me laugh) but I went back lastTuesday for apéritif. It’s of course quieter but you will appreciate the goodmood of the bar to make a good start in the week.. I also read they are linkedwith other “Kollektiv” like Silver Future in Neukölln, but this one I knowalready. Didn’t I write about it? OK, next time then. (But it’s another story).

Bloona

2011-10-30T23:28:00.004+01:00

I thought I knew every bar in myneighborhood but no, there are still some I have to discover. Coming back fromdrinks at Place Clichy the other day, we wanted to have the “one for the road”drink. I didn’t have the bike so walking through Boxhagener Platz, I noticedthat between Schlecker and the Ampelman shop, there was a bar, with nicelights, a real big wood bar with stools. And people were smoking inside. Mykind of place. They have also a very nice room behind the big tables for a morecomfy living room atmosphere. But It’s also the room where you can book tolaunch your private party. OK, if you’re at the bar and want to go to thetoilets, you will have to cross the crowd of screaming girls and boys withstrange hats maybe but It’s part of the fun and you can make niceacquaintances. They have everything you like to drink from beer to wine andRicard to Absinthe, I guess they also can make cocktails but I’ll stick withthe standard, though the Riesling was a bit sour. During the week, It’s ofcourse quieter but there is a big chance that you’ll meet the barfly. I wasthere twice this week and he was twice there. I wouldn’t say It is acoincidence because he talks a lot with the (nice and smiley) waitress andalways tries to make conversation with the others sitting next to him, samechair, same place, same drink, same attitude.You want to be at Bloona's because you like it. Simple as that.

2011-10-26T08:24:00.002+02:00

Need a drink

2011-10-23T12:19:00.001+02:00

Honey, I ordered you a gimlet. I know you don't drink in the afternoon but you will eventually so why not starting now ?

Bit Rebels – 20 Captivating Photos Shot At Exactly The Right…

2011-10-20T18:14:00.000+02:00

Bit Rebels – 20 Captivating Photos Shot At Exactly The Right…

Call me daddy

2011-10-19T14:56:00.000+02:00

Those new ways of communication are truly a blessing

2011-10-18T17:24:00.001+02:00

2011-10-15T09:54:00.001+02:00

How I met my boyfriend

2011-10-14T19:25:00.000+02:00

2011-10-11T17:55:00.001+02:00

Instantanés

2011-10-11T17:52:00.000+02:00

2011-10-11T17:45:00.002+02:00

Today at work I felt sexy and attractive with the perfect match with my clothes. It simply makes happy and spend a good day with your colleagues and boss and appointments and presentation and deadlines and lunch break and coffee break and breakfast break and no cig break and you just wonder when you will be able to switch off your computer to go back to normal life again safely at home.

2011-10-10T19:01:00.003+02:00

So I'm back from all the family thing and today is the first day I put the heating system on. It's definitely the start of the cold season. Need a cig.

2011-09-17T17:29:00.001+02:00

RIP

2011-09-17T17:27:00.001+02:00

My grandmother just died. The mother of my father. It is sad and it is not. She was for me and my parents long time ago not from our world anymore as she was a vegetable, not capable of doing anything by herself. So it is not sad and even a relief, probably for her and certainly for my parents who do not have to pay a fortune to keep her alive in this antechamber of death where she lived the last years. It is sad because the last time I saw her was I think two years ago when visiting my parents and friends in Paris, I went with my mother to see her. As the time before she did not recognize me when she is the one who raised me because my parents worked a lot. I remember our breakfast paying cards together, our scrabble play on lazy Wednesday afternoons, our adventures in Paris well dressed to go shopping, the care she had for her beauty skin and nails, her impeccable way of wearing her dress, handbag and gloves, the whole body perching on high heels, she was to me a true lady that I admire and loved very deep in my heart. So it is sad to think that whatever you achieve in life, you’ll end sadly in a bedroom, dark, alone without even having a thinking or memory of it. Tears are rolling again on my face just by writing those lines but I truly wish she finds a new way to be happy where she flies now. I remember how many wonderful stories she told me, having had the privilege to watch the 20th century. Her father was a pioneer with airplanes in the East Europe, she spent her youth always in the move, traveling from country to another, having to adapt herself where her parents brought her. Approximate school years that she would eventually notice back to Paris where she had to re-adapt with a controlled scheduled, the little expat girl with her memory already full of images and faces, the children of her age would never probably have in their entire life. Then another unstable life, the second world war, met my grandfather, my father was born and 20 years later, here I was. I remember her preparing her trunk for holidays that she would make deliver to her holiday home in Brittany on the island. She always traveled “light”, a handbag and a magazine, my grandfather following religiously with his cig glued on his lips, and where they would stay 4 months. When they returned, there was always one present, of course, but also many new stories and It was the time of going back to school. And it went on and on for years until I made my own way. She kept her house as long as she could, long after my Grandfather's death but it came one day she fell and could not stand up anymore. Living alone inher house was not an option anymore and we had to place her in a house, you know, the one you wish never to go, where only people like you live. Though it is a nice one, very expensive, with caring and competent service, I know she spent almost the last years isolated. It's like my hamster who was used to live in the house free of cage. One day he made a big mistake and we had to put in in the cage and he died a few days later. I guess when you don't have any will to live anymore or no stimulation for your spirit and body, the only thing you want is to lie Earth as quick as you can. The last time I saw she did not even recognise me, thinking that I was a burglar coming to steal her jewelry. That hurt. Any way, I'm flying to Paris tomorrow, will stay a week, having the time after the ceremony to go and meet my best friends that i miss a lot. I think also what disturbs me is the fact that for the ceremony I will have to face people I didn't meet for more than 15 years. And the feeling that will come with it. I guess as usual I’ll be as closed as an oyster.My father asked me to do a speech, which I try to work on since two days without a big success. But I'll do my best, for you Grandma. So you know you will always be in my heart. Adieu, dear Grandmother.

Tremolo

2011-09-07T18:46:00.001+02:00

Out of stock ...

2011-09-06T17:21:00.001+02:00

Where was the bar ?

2011-09-05T18:33:00.001+02:00

In a week, our beloved Kiki Blofeld will beclosed forever. Unlike its fashionable neighbor ex-Bar25 - new KaterHolzig - whichinformed year after year thatit-is-the-last-time-ever-come-celebrate-the-party-of-the-year (it finally happenedlast year), Kiki just made a note on its website confirming the news we hadread in the daily paper. Some investor I guess bought this exclusive part ofthe land and probably next year, where we had until last night our feet in thesand near the fireplace watching the boats passing or stopping by, will stand anew empty offices’ skyscraper. The day had been beautiful, warm and sunny, areal summer day. We had so few this season. It was obvious we had to enjoy lookingat the stars and Kiki Blofeld was the only choice possible. For a short moment,I suggested going to the lake but no, the lake will be there next year when KikiBlofeld won’t. We arrived right on time to enjoy sunset and listening to theconcert it was playing on the roof terrace. We quickly moved for a morecomfortable place on the beach near the fireplace for the next drink listeningthis time a concert of Balkan music by Fanfare Kalashnikov. When the music stopped, people assembled nearus because when the stars shined that night, the firework exploded. It was veryintense. The time to finish the (x biiiiiiiip) drink and It was time to takeour way to the boat garage where the party started. A mix of North African andBalkan music awaited us played together with live instruments by Dj Barış Cengiz und Dj Gypsy Aldi, comfy in our redvelvet sofa, we felt the urge to share our sadness about this great location’scoming to an end and we will miss it. Now only a place in our mind. Anotherpart of the Berlin,the one that made its name and reputation, is going away against profitablegain and with it a part as well of our energy to keep it alive as it welcomedus years ago. Another great step of what is called now in the city “Gentrifizierung”:I really start to understand the meaning of it.

Instantanés

2011-09-04T01:05:00.000+02:00

Thank you's

2011-09-04T00:57:00.002+02:00

for the comments I receive.

It is much appreciated.
If you have any ideas of what you wish to see in this blog, feel free to share.
To Susan : happy that my photographs bring you (hopefully nice) memories.
But between you and me, Berlin's wall is still up, in a way.

Money again

2011-09-04T00:57:00.001+02:00

No money in the pocket, can't withdraw, I feel alone and abandonned but alive and free. Strange sensation.

Harry Potter, the last one

2011-09-04T00:55:00.004+02:00

I just saw yesterday evening the last HarryPotter. It’s like living someone you met years ago and say him growing and knowthat you will never see him again. I didn’t read the books, probably neverwill, but fans expect always that the director puts in images what they readand what their imagination created. In fact, I heard It is the fact, maybeoutside the previous episode which was very disappointing (prince of something,can’t remember). Anyway, the first part of the last episode, unfortunately, Icompletely passed in theatres and watched it on my computer screen, which wasok but not very thrilling. So I wanted to see this very last movie in goodconditions, in 3D (It’s trendy today), booked my seat well situated, far fromscreen, high, bought my ice cream and lemonade, not too late in the evening soI can still focus and here we go ! It’s disturbing in a way because we goimmediately in the story when I was expecting a few seconds of the previousone, just as reminder, but not at all. Of course, Harry can’t die, of coursethe angry one will disappear, of course my beloved cute Ron will not have sexwith me (I have a little something for red head) but will kiss Hermine (sincethe time we are awaiting) and everything is going to be ok. In the end, nosurprise, I liked the 3D because it was not a following of images bouncing inyour eyes but more something like reliefs. And we noticed that we all grew upand there were no children in the theatre but only people our age. It’s notthat I was expecting an action movie but Ron and Hermine kissing in the middleof the battle or waiting calmly down the stairs that Harry comes back issurprising. Furthermore, I had the feeling that everyone fights when the threeof them have really something else to do (is also true). When the story iscompleted, suddenly we make a jump 19 years forward and we the story carries onwith the children of them all departing on the platform kissing goodbye theirparents awaiting the last advice (Ron, yes, you look fine with the beard).Anytime soon, I’m sure, they will do a Harry Potter 2, the son of his father.

Kjosk

2011-08-29T18:21:00.003+02:00

No, I didn’t make any mistake. It is really written Kjosk. After going to Katerholzig and the wind blowing, we decided to take the bicycles and drive in another place, outside if possible but protected from the cold. Our friend Silke knew something that we heard of but never went and so here we go heading in our favorite place in Kreuzberg, Oranienstrasse. At the corner of Görlitzer Bahnhof, there is a former garbage dump that has been reinvented as an urban oasis, as said my friend Axel, with umbrellas, benches, cages for lamps hanging on the trees, also a ping pong table. The idea is to find there anything you need from the coffee to bretzel and apple as well as wine, champagne or beer. The homemade cakes look delicious and the service is really friendly. What makes the place funny is that this shop is located backyards in a 1970s (I guess) BVG Doppeldecker bus. Don’t forget in all this assortment the cigs, magazines, and many other surprises. You also can sit upstairs if the view suits you but it’s a bit narrow of course. It’s my kinda place, the one you go alone or to meet friends, for a coffee after work or a last glass of wine in the night. Don’t miss it.

KaterHolzig

2011-08-28T14:42:00.003+02:00

Always on the search (and sometimes on the urge) of finding new places in the city, as soon as the rumor comes to our ears, we take the bike and go straight away. Friday evening in the Berlin, chilly wind in the air, will soon gets colder, so not sure staying outside in the right choice. Nevertheless, still early, let’s try the new place to be: KaterHolzig. This is no mystery: this is the follower of the anthology bar25 which kept Berlin busy every summer night. I remember having eaten there a few times, cost a fortune for 2 asparagus and a scallop but everyone was happy to be there, the sun was shining, and we could enjoy the view on the river Spree without having to face 1) the entrance fee and 2) the arrogance of the door keeper and 3) you could still enjoy the approximate toilets before the night rush. At Katerholzig, once you are in Michaelkirche strasse, It’s just near the bridge. And once you entered the filed, you might be disappointed finding a bar on the river, pretty small, with a deck and furniture and a bar … and nobody if you’re too early. Of couuuurse, daaaaaaaarling, you are at the wrong place. Some lucky guys could meet the first place at the entrance on the left, directly on the river and like many other before me, some other people went to the wrong place. Surprised but believing it was there, I was ready to wait for my friends but lucky me, turning my head, I noticed they were arriving and we carried on walking until the end of the field where the real entrance of Katerholzig is. No fee to pay at 8:00 p.m. and rather empty but I guess later on, it will be packed and almost impossible to get in. I think also with so much expectations, people can’t come so easily inside, It’s part of the game. At least we can play the tourists and investigate. One thing which came up very quickly. They built the new Katerholzig with the ancient Bar25. Obvious. You find the same fabric and colors, the design with its attractive wooden decking that you could sit on and look out over the river, and I agree, they made a real good job there and It’s full of nice ideas, like the lighting bulbs on wood when you walk, or the little parcels under the tree to stay comfy with your friends (or not). Kater Holzig is bigger and has more different places to be in both wet and dry weather. So overall, I think that it is actually better than Bar 25. There is a restaurant as well. You can have access to it thanks to the special entrance and the (cute) doorman checking your name on the list or also via the other building’s entrance, third floor, and the roof terrace’s where the restaurant is outside. We had two drinks, but unfortunately the wind was too strong and chilly so we didn’t stay too long.

Amsterdam, a click on the pic away

2011-08-27T11:58:00.001+02:00

Amsterdam

2011-08-27T11:50:00.002+02:00

Because I traveled so much and worked abroad for years, I am lucky enough to have friends in other countries. They are few but important in my life, even if It is only via a message on my facebook’s profile. At least it’s either sincere or funny. Of course, the bad point with the friendship is that we don’t meet often: the everyday’s issues, the work, the life by itself, the comfort of staying (finally) home, make that I didn’t go to Amsterdam meeting my friend who live there with his wife. Actually, even if we are often in contact, we didn’t meet since we worked together in Barcelona. Funny how years go without noticing: 4 years gone but we knew when we’ll meet again, It will be as if we had a drink together the day before. And It happened as thought. I arrived at Schipol airport (one of the biggest I know with Hong Kong) Friday evening on time, went home and went directly for dinner. One thing I was very surprised with is that we must have dinner early in the city otherwise It is difficult to get any, in a nice restaurant I mean. Of course, you will always find something but if you wish to go in the nice city centre to enjoy a meal, with the good energy of a Friday evening and people enjoying good company, be ready to start at the latest 7:00 p.m. The restaurant my friend chose is perfectly the type I like. It’s called De Reiger. Wood bar, small and crowdie, good vibes, smells of good food, people smiling, you sit at he bar and order the first glass of wine. I was surprised we didn’t order the bottle but the explanation is very simple: The price of the bottle is always more expensive than ordering a glass after another. And my friend explained to me that the more glasses you order, the fullest the glass is. And it’s true: we had 3 during the meal and the latest one was the fullest. In most restaurants of city center, you will notice a cat comfortably sat on a chair, not even disturbed by the customers and don’t it’s there to give a house warmly touch at the place. The cat in Amsterdam, in public places, has a job: he hunts the mice and rats. And even with the cat indoors, don’t scream when you see a mouse. Just call the cat. Anyway, It was not very late after dinner to go to a wine bar we had noticed on the way in but unfortunately already closed. Because all bars are closed before 2:00 a.m. Carrying on walking we heard some noise on the street on our left and always curious, headed there : big surprise : 2 bars facing one another, nobody inside and everyone outside making the junction between the two bars. We did as all did, meaning going from one to the other to order drinks. I like this way of enjoying. I find the Dutch people sometimes difficult at work, because most of the time, they will only think for themselves, but in private, I find them very nice and friendly. But we made a big mistake and mix white wine and red and even my friend in the end took a bier and it was fatal. We took a taxi and I remember the driver asking me to leave the glass outside as I am not authorized to dink in the vehicle (!) and from there I only remember waking up the next morning with a mega headache. Breakfast with the family, happy to be there, me and my aspirin, my friend trying to survive the night and after a few coffees, orange juice and croissants, we decided to go outside for a refreshing walk … under the rain. Because it rained. A lot. They’re living on an island (let’s say there are many in Amsterdam), so we couldn’t go very far outside swimming. So after a while, we decided to take the street car and going in the center where we could enjoy the view from the sky lounge of the Mint hotel. Me drinking tea, my friend drinking sparkling water, we were chatting waiting the arrival of his wife, gone shopping. Shame it rained so much otherwise we would have enjoyed the roof terrace. Next time. After a strong coffee, we went for dinner, table was booked for 7:00 p.m. Another friend we used to work with in Barcelona, opened a restaurant in Amsterdam, called Fondue & Fondue. The concept is simple, not more than 3 starters and 3 types of fondue (meat, fish, cheese), every time served with vegetables and bread, and the dessert with ice cream, chocolate cake or of course chocolate fondue. In the end, you can order a specialty coffee. Good food, good wine, be prepared to spend some hours inside this non-touristy atmosphere because don’t forget, you’re your own cook ! When all guests gone and restaurant closed, we started our own evening enjoying the wine and the company, until 4 am when we decided to call the taxi, this time without glass in my hand, to go back home. A good night sleep and the same on the way back: airport, flight, Berlin, rain ….

Instantanés

2011-08-27T11:41:00.000+02:00

Last summer evening

2011-08-25T18:25:00.002+02:00

Probably, so this evening I will meet friends at Möbel Olfe. Thursday evening is always interesting to go there as you can meet people from each horizon in the city. This is fun and I like it. From 8:00 p.m. The weather is sunny enough to stay outside but not enough to go for a swim in the lake so the choice was not difficult to take.

Vienna, August 2011. click to watch album

2011-08-15T23:47:00.002+02:00

2011-08-15T23:00:00.001+02:00

Instantanés

2011-08-15T22:59:00.000+02:00

Vienna

2011-08-15T22:43:00.003+02:00

My man works in Vienna all month of August and he asked me to join him for the week-end. I liked the idea; never been to this city, heard only good things and I have a friend living there. So I booked the flight, took a day off and Austria, here I am! The flight conditions were not the best ones: maybe I am too sensitive but I had the feeling the speakers were too loud, the baby never stopped crying and when usually I sleep the entire journey to rest, couldn’t close an eye. Then you don’t find it easy to reach the city from the airport, even if you speak the language (well, sort of) and people not really keen on helping: Maybe I was too tired and touchy. Once reached the city centre, the good idea was to have a drink, weather is nice and warm, what a change compared to Berlin where it’s still cold and rainy. But second surprise: terraces close at 11:00 p.m. ! When you arrived at 22:45, of course the barkeeper tends to say, please sit inside. But the one we met was nice enough to let us having a table outside, I must have looked so done that I am not sure I would have accepted another disappointment for the day. Then a walk through the beautiful park to have a view at all the museums and nice buildings and went to bed. The next day I had an appointment for lunch time with my friend who specially took a day off to stay with me and to make me enjoy his city. After the delicious club sandwich in the museum area, we headed under the sun in the city center where you can find all those beautiful buildings. They made the reputation of the Vienna because they are magnificent and also recently renovated. It’s not that I am not interested in visiting exhibitions but the weather was so nice and I didn’t see the sun for so long that I wanted to stay outside. So we did. We walked until the Danube which has been restructured, so to say, because of the flood. Looking at the stream from the bridge, I was very surprised how fast It goes. That is why the city opened 2 other “streets” to allow the river not to go on streets and houses. Following the way, we headed east until the other side of the bank. Just before that, my friend showed me A building left from second world war, a bunker built by Nazis to fire planes flying the Austrian sky. He said to me that the building is so strong with concrete that It is too difficult (time and money) to destroy it. So they use it as a mountain for the ones who like to climb or nice point of view. You can find a few left in the city. Starting to get thirsty, and always so warm outside, we went on the Danube Canal, and stopped at Tel Aviv Beach, the newest hit on the Vienna out door summer scene that opened May 1st at Herminengasse – just on the edge of the old Jewish Quarter in the 2nd District of Leopoldstadt. With its white plastic chairs and tables ankle deep in beach-sand and Vienna’s jeunesse dorée in casual chic lolling to the sounds of Israeli chill-out pop blending with the aroma of Shishas spiraling up from ornate water pipes, this could almost be Tel-Aviv, I thought. Sipping on my ice tea.. People have taken on the soul of the city in a whole new way, I thought. It was a beautiful sight. Toward the farther end of the beach was perhaps the strangest sight of all: a four poster with furled curtains surrounding twin mattresses made up like a bridal bed. A handsome couple, fully clothed, was stretched out full length, propped up on an elbow or two sipping something fruity and gazing out at the water. Reservations required? No, first arrived, first served. Carrying on, we followed the bank und ended up at the right time for the aperitif in the Hermann’s Strand bar which is also famous.Take your shoes off, when you come to Strandbar Hermann or you’ll ruin them. Sand, canvas chairs and people are everywhere. If you want to get a free chair you better come before working hours are over. This is the place to be in the summer, so expect a lot of young, well-dressed men and women after work as well as not that well-dressed students and even tops free for men. In the evenings there are often some DJ’s helping out with taking our troubles away and letting us forget out sorrows until we are back at work. Voted second best bar in the world by Condé Nast Traveler in 2006, the Herrmann gets its name from its location in the canal-side Herrmannpark, which commemorates Emanuel Herrmann (1839-1902), inventor of the picture postcard. And it's a bit like being beside the seaside here. The promontory where the Wien river enters the Danube Canal has been covered with sand and strewn with deckchairs. No bathing but plenty of sunbathing, eating and chilling to great sounds until 2am. After two drinks, a lot of sun and heat, we needed a rest before going for dinner and decided to go back home for a while. After that, my friend knows a Turkish restaurant near where we stayed and we could go walking, which is a good option, only 10 minutes walk. The restaurant is called Kent and is located in the street where you find a marked every day (outside Sunday) Even when we arrived around 10:00 p.m, the market was still there and very living. Once there, you have the feeling It is only a small place where they serve Dönner. But looking at the restaurant’s sign, I noticed “by warm weather, the garden is opened” The garden? We entered, followed a pretty long corridor, saw a woman changing her baby’s clothes and then discovered the beautiful place behind the building. It was amazing, like an oasis in the city. But we arrived too late. The city law is very strict with the noise and because the garden must be closed at the latest 11:00 p.m, there is no possibility to get a table after 10:00 p.m. Nevertheless, we were lucky enough to be able to enjoy the winter garden before they close all doors. I even regret not have taken the big portion as I found mine too light (but I was very hungry). And for the price, there is no hesitation to have. After that, we had a drink further down on the street where you can find bars next to another but not really interesting to notice. My friend decided to go back home as he knew we wanted to carry on going out in the gay area but again here, forget, nothing to see, hard to find and no friendly gay people, only bored and starved men awaiting new flesh in unfriendly expensive bars. Not interested. I was warned but I wanted to see by myself : I did. Done. Thank you. Next. The next came as a big surprise the next day. Of course we were not in the best shape after the night we had to do a lot and we wanted to stay outside, again. Because of the nice weather. What is very easy in Vienna is the use of the public transports. And my boyfriend wanted to show me the Danube island, just a few metro stations away. From there, rent a bike, per hour as you wish, and start the tour of both islands. There is a third little one that we could not visit because It is a pool area and there is a fee to pay. But keep in mind that at the Danube banks, all is made for your comfort and you easily can go for a swim directly there. Only by the sight of well preserved water and grass, I wanted to dive to refresh myself. After a few ices eaten at the place, we gave back the bicycles and took back the metro, this time to the Prater, worldwide known amusement park. I don’t like that so we didn’t spend much time there but It’s worth a visit, even short, because of the ancient merry-go-round not yet destroyed. After that, It was time today for aperitif and we decided to meet at café Savoy which I recomend. This traditional Viennese coffeehouse dates back to the imperial era – quite obvious in the plush furnishings and stucco. On Saturdays, when an eclectic flea market takes place on the adjacent Naschmarkt, the Savoy also opens in the morning. Soaring frescoed ceilings and a smoke-stained beaux-arts decor that evokes the grand Imperial days of the Habsburgs make this cruisy cafe/bar an appealing setting. Café Savoy is an established gay haunt that has a more traditional cafe feel to it. The clientele is generally very mixed on a Saturday – mainly due to the proximity of the Naschmarkt – but at other times it’s filled with men of all ages (but not only). Enjoy the flee market opposite and have a coffee afterwards. I guess one of the only bar also you can smoke inside. But after all that, we were starting to feel tired and headed back home and enjoy the last moments of the day and start of the night, sipping white wine in the center of the city, sitting on the stairs at the café Oben. The entrance is both ways : if you’re courageous enough, climb the stairs until the end, if not, like me, take the elevator which is located in the metro station, just a few steps away. Everything was perfect there : the wine, the company, the view, the noise of the city, the lights, the warmth of the summer breeze. Time to bed before leaving the city the next day, the head full of beautiful images.

Instantanés

2011-08-04T06:40:00.000+02:00

Wien

2011-08-04T06:34:00.002+02:00

Am away in Vienna for the week-end, never been before. It says It is a beatiful city with much to discover. Can't wait. Lucky me, I have a friend there so he can àshow me things I'd never saw by myself, for sure ! Maybe drink wiener chocolate in a wiener café with wiener people who eat wiener schnitzel ... interesting !

Instantanés

2011-07-31T22:07:00.000+02:00

45

2011-07-29T07:25:00.001+02:00

Today is my birthday. I'm 45. Half of my life some would say, though I'm not sure It will last so long.
Have I done the right things ? ...

Fuchs Elster

2011-07-26T10:17:00.006+02:00

The other saturday, we went to see a movie that was only playing this day in original version (movie and me in German, forget it) south of the city, in the new area to be Neuköln. After a 25 minutes drive with the bicycle (we drove very slowly, saturday evening, we must be careful and I like to enjoy the view crossing the park and looking at the people on the street, I know, not recommended when you're on two wheels, anyway ...) and arrived safely, watched the movie and It was already late when we went out out of the cinema. On the way back from another place two weeks before we spotted a bar that a friend talked to us about. She's lesbian so I expected a lesbian bar but she said that it's a nice friendly bar, plus a smoking one which is for me a criteria, even if It is in separate rooms : in summer (sorry, what ?) we can stay outside if we are very quiet (neighborhood complains) but in winter you're happy to have your smoke inside when It's snowing and freezing cold. So because It was on the way back, we stopped in Weserstrasse, a few steps from Hermannplatz (best cheese department ever in the Karstadt store), and entered the Silver Future bar. A lot of people inside (and outside), two separate rooms, smokers and non-smokers, lesbian oriented but a mix of all kind of people there so o problem, we try to find a table. None free. Even at the bar. Hmmm, what do we do ? Well, next to Silver Future, there is another bar ! why not try this one, we'll come back to the first after. I had say to friends I'd be there but they didn't show up and had no answer to my messages, so let's go wild in the adventure. And It was. Surprisingly, next door, the ones who have bags were asked to open it for check. Huu ? what's that ? never happened before. OK, a lot of Americans inside so I guess It's part of the policy. But when you open your bag, they ask if you have any alcohol. Of course not, if I want to go in a bar, It's to order alcohol, not to sell it or drink it from my bag ! Going inside, It's smoking free. Aouch, that hurts, bad start. Not a party mood inside, seems people are waiting for something else, second part of the night ? Again, no table free unless staying at the bar that we said ok because I despertaley wanted to drink my glass of wine now. But taking the chair in the hand, the barkeeper said, "no sorry, we're closing". At midnight ? in Berlin ? a saturday evening ? in a trendy street ? Showin us surprised, she quickly answered : "we're closing the bar but if you wish, you can go in the second room, take the stairs on the left and go down. It will be open in a few minutes. What "it" ? Ready for the adventure (and we were not the only ones), we went down in the very tiny stairway. First door, nothing, second door : surprise : big room with nice lights, sofas and chairs, two bars with one dedicated for fruits cocktails (so funny this idea), and music of the late 20's and 30's. The guy at the desk told us to go in because in a few moments, "It will be packed. Reserve your place because in a few moments, you won't be able to sit anymore". So we did. Two sofas facing each other invited us and I went to the bar ordering the drinks. Waiting for them, I spotted another door that opens frequently to let in dressed people fitting the music. Returning at the people, I shared the info and we decided to stay for a while, waiting for the next event. Maybe a concert ? a circus show ? the wine is good, unfortunately, always non smoking here but hey, I can do an effort from time to time and I still can do the way back outside in case of emergency. The guy was right. In maybe 30 minutes, people were queueing at the entrance and It was packed in the same time. The second room opened and most of the people with no sit went in to ... dance ! The dj this evening played rock music but the one you enjoy to listen : 50's, 60's, not later. He was so happy to share with everyine of us, we could see him smile. And there are fans in the place. We even with big surprise met friends there we never expected to see in such a place. Again, a secret information. We had such a good time, very pleasant place. Music : good, people : good, drinks : good. Weserstrasse 207 in Neukölln.

14th July

2011-07-26T07:40:00.003+02:00

Soooooo we had the 14^th of July already, National day for France with all its demonstrations, army lovers, country strength, firemen bal (can’t miss it if you are in Paris), fireworks everywhere (and most beautifuk by the Eiffel tower), France celebrating its Grande Nation ! yep … not here. Forget it.

Instantanés

2011-07-26T07:40:00.000+02:00

Summer in the city

2011-07-24T13:48:00.000+02:00

I don’t really understand the weather, It’s like seasons do not exist anymore. Following the calendar, we definitely are in summer season end of July but It’s like we are not. I still wear my jumper everyday and It rains since days without break. Or I guess the Earth may have changed its way and we are more on the Asian monsoon side. Anyway, It’s 8:30 a.m and It’s dark outside, I need the office light to be able to see anything and my colleagues agree to say that we had 2 beautiful days of summer last week. We all dream of sun and warmth when we haven’t decide yet to re-start the heating system: We hardly go to the bar lately, not even speaking of terraces and prefer to bake cakes instead or welcoming friends at home for soup dinner. The wind screams at every window, you get the feeling you’re watching a vampire movie and I can’t sleep at night because of the noise of the rain against the roof windows. It’s not summer in the city, It’s singing in the rain.

2011-07-23T14:18:00.001+02:00

2011-07-22T08:12:00.001+02:00

Présentation de l'exposition Calder au Centre... von centrepompidou

Calder

2011-07-22T08:04:00.002+02:00

Today is the 113th anniversary of Calder. He was an American sculptor and artist most famous for inventing the mobile sculptures. In addition to mobile and stable sculpture, Alexander Calder also created paintings, lithographs, toys; tapestry; jewelry and household objects.

All what we've been waiting for

2011-07-21T20:20:00.001+02:00

2011-07-20T07:54:00.001+02:00

Instantanés

2011-07-20T07:46:00.000+02:00

Hacked

2011-07-20T07:24:00.002+02:00

Once you have been used to use all those internet and email things, you believe It's for the best for ever and ever. You forgot a tiny thing : those things are vicious. Once you trust them, they hack your account and block it without any chance to retrieve it. Of course with all your files inside and what counts in your life like the address book of family and friends, the email you keep "just in case', your next borading card for the flight, the datas you need for whichever purpose, you know, all the details you live with without noticing you might lose them one day. It just happened to me a few days ago with hotmail. For an unknown reason, the system says someone tried to many times to use my account, but who would like to do that, really ?, and so It is blocked. If I want to re-open it, I need to do the complete process with the password renewed, bla bla bla. Ok, I'll do it. I sure say that after 4 days, It still not works. In the end, the only thing you have in mind is to lose forever what was inside and open a new email address. What a shame. Just in case, save somewhere else what you might use one day. Someone there is spying on you. Big Brother is not very far.

Where is the bar ?

2011-07-17T20:17:00.004+02:00

There is a place I guess only a few know in the city. We had the surprise to discover it by chance last year when we came back from the lake one week-end. It's true It's not in an area we ever thought to visit in the city but once you've been there, you only want to go there. The only (but also the main) problem with it, is that you can rent the place and It is often booked. Also the opening times are never the same, so you need absolutely to check the programm on the web before : bar im Waserturm in Hohenschönhauser. But in another way, It makes the bar even more exclusive. Though It is not far from where we live, reachable with the bike within 15 minutes, everyone enjoys the quietness, the peacefulness, the warmth of the place ... and the cocktails. I stay with my Pernod that they serve there very nicely compared to other places in the city. My advice would be not to go too early, have something to eat before (no kitchen there), because you just don't want to leave the place once you sit. The view with beautiful houses, especially the one built by Mies van der Rohe and full of the most exclusive pieces of design ever created, or simply looking at the duck searching for food in the lake, or maybe the mosquitoes which are a bit too agressive past 11:00 p.m. make this place uncomparable. Everyone says It is the secret place where you will find no tourists, possibly only people living in the neighborhood or like us, who know the place. And once you found you had enough of this peaceful solitude, It's time for you to go back "downtown" or maybe pass by the lake Weissensee, nearby, but It's another bar ...