RIP

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

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Where was the bar ?

In a week, our beloved Kiki Blofeld will be closed forever. Unlike its fashionable neighbor ex-Bar25 - new KaterHolzig - which informed year after year that it-is-the-last-time-ever-come-celebrate-the-party-of-the-year (it finally happened last year), Kiki just made a note on its website confirming the news we had read in the daily paper. Some investor I guess bought this exclusive part of the land and probably next year, where we had until last night our feet in the sand near the fireplace watching the boats passing or stopping by, will stand a new empty offices’ skyscraper. The day had been beautiful, warm and sunny, a real summer day. We had so few this season. It was obvious we had to enjoy looking at 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 Kiki Blofeld won’t. We arrived right on time to enjoy sunset and listening to the concert it was playing on the roof terrace. We quickly moved for a more comfortable place on the beach near the fireplace for the next drink listening this time a concert of Balkan music by Fanfare Kalashnikov. When the music stopped, people assembled near us because when the stars shined that night, the firework exploded. It was very intense. The time to finish the (x biiiiiiiip) drink and It was time to take our way to the boat garage where the party started. A mix of North African and Balkan music awaited us played together with live instruments by Dj Barış Cengiz und Dj Gypsy Aldi, comfy in our red velvet sofa, we felt the urge to share our sadness about this great location’s coming to an end and we will miss it. Now only a place in our mind. Another part of the Berlin, the one that made its name and reputation, is going away against profitable gain and with it a part as well of our energy to keep it alive as it welcomed us years ago. Another great step of what is called now in the city “Gentrifizierung”: I really start to understand the meaning of it.

Instantanés

Thank you's

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

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

Harry Potter, the last one

I just saw yesterday evening the last Harry Potter. It’s like living someone you met years ago and say him growing and know that you will never see him again. I didn’t read the books, probably never will, but fans expect always that the director puts in images what they read and what their imagination created. In fact, I heard It is the fact, maybe outside the previous episode which was very disappointing (prince of something, can’t remember). Anyway, the first part of the last episode, unfortunately, I completely passed in theatres and watched it on my computer screen, which was ok but not very thrilling. So I wanted to see this very last movie in good conditions, in 3D (It’s trendy today), booked my seat well situated, far from screen, high, bought my ice cream and lemonade, not too late in the evening so I can still focus and here we go ! It’s disturbing in a way because we go immediately in the story when I was expecting a few seconds of the previous one, just as reminder, but not at all. Of course, Harry can’t die, of course the angry one will disappear, of course my beloved cute Ron will not have sex with me (I have a little something for red head) but will kiss Hermine (since the time we are awaiting) and everything is going to be ok. In the end, no surprise, I liked the 3D because it was not a following of images bouncing in your eyes but more something like reliefs. And we noticed that we all grew up and there were no children in the theatre but only people our age. It’s not that I was expecting an action movie but Ron and Hermine kissing in the middle of the battle or waiting calmly down the stairs that Harry comes back is surprising. Furthermore, I had the feeling that everyone fights when the three of them have really something else to do (is also true). When the story is completed, suddenly we make a jump 19 years forward and we the story carries on with the children of them all departing on the platform kissing goodbye their parents 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

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

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

Amsterdam

Amsterdam

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

Last summer evening

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

Instantanés

Vienna

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.