Berlin!

Well Ive been back a couple of weeks now but Ive had a great break in the wonderful city of Berlin, if you havent been, go! Go Now!

The main reason to go was to see Crowded House on their world tour, but it extended into a mini break with my mate Dave who has been a few times before and knows his way round (always handy). By pure chance, Rufus Wainwright happened to be playing on the day we arrived, so as he is current weapon of choice in terms of listening for both Dave and I, it had to be done really! 

A late night Wednesday for me turned into an early Thursday and a drive up to Stansted, so not the greatest start as I was a bit overtired as was Dave by coincidence, but travelling to Germany was no problem save a train strike but we managed to get into the City centre without too many problems. We arrived at the hotel mid morning (can i recommend the Hotel Bleibtreu, Bleibtreu Strasse, Berlin) and went out for lunch at a very nice restaurant, (you may find that a continuing theme). A short walk followed by catching up on a bit of sleep went down a  treat, before heading out to the Rufus Wainwright concert.

Rufus 

Which was, Quite Possibly, The Best Gig Ive Ever Been To. Aside from Pink Floyd, who are legends, this concert was absolutely stunning. The man has such a voice, such a presence and being quite the showman too was an amazing combination. Showman doesnt really do it justice, because he is quite clearly being himself and sits well equally with the ostentatious moments as well as heart rendering performances with just him and the piano. I have never heard such mastery and range of voice as his, and the piano performance was outstanding. The band were great, I really cant speak highly enough of the whole evening which was based in the Volksbuhne (Peoples Theatre), an East German faded grandeur building and a very intimate setting.  Highlights were The Art Teacher, Tulsa, Leaving For Paris, 14th Street, actually too many to mention. even if youre not a fan, I urge to to go and see him to experience vocal and musical excellence. Go now. 

The City

Is fantastic. We walked back late at night from one side of the city to the other. What an amazing place, the people are the friendliest Ive come across on my travels, and the architecture and structure of the City is superb. Much of it is in rebuild, after the war, there are still many buildings that carry the scars or the place being flattened in the forties. I did have a strange vision in my head of Eastern Bloc concrete, depressed building types, and to an extent, you do get the feeling of State conformty and uniform architecture, but I find it fascinating, almost a romantic notion about it (im sure there are many that would disagree, with good cause) but the difference between East and West wasnt all that jarring, you can walk accross the place without much notice of crossing some line or other. Heres the TV tower which I thought was amzaing, and dominates the skyline (didnt get a chance to go up it im afraid, but next time):

The whole place is completely non threatening and walking around at the dead of night is no problem at all I found. 

The next day was spent on foot exploring the place, and I could post numerous photos that would not do justice to the City. We went to Ka De We, an amazing department store, one floor dedicated to delicatessans and food for example, where I bought some fine pipe tobacco called Sans Souci, (bit of a Rufus connection but its the name of a park in Potsdam that we visited on the Sunday - incredible place)

We ate very well at the The Opera House and in a near euphoric state of well eaten-ness and a stein of beer or two nearly bought tickets for a performance there that evening. Luckily we came to our senses, because neither Dave or I like ballet or would have a clue what its all about, plus its not the kind of thing you go to with your mate. Sorry 'Giselle', maybe next time. Or not.

Sans Souci

Is an amazing park in Potsdam. Potsdam itself is nice, a little place with some contrasting architecture but its mainly pedestrianised which is nice. 

The park itself is incredible, and we spent the best part of the afternoon there though could have wandered round much more. Built for Frederick the Great with palaces, follies, lakes, tea houses, gardens and a windmill (!) covering the area its a really nice place. Theres only so much you can say, other than saying go there! Here are some pics.

Crowded House

Sorry, Im going on a bit here arent I! Anyway we went to see Crowded House in the evening who were great, I was really suprised by the venue which was in effect some kind of church hall sized place! Great! There must have been only about  3 to 4 hundred people only, we stood next to the sound and lighting guys which added an extra interest for me, plus I blagged the setlist from the lighting guy so I have a souvenir! Cherry Ghost were supporting and they were good, thats twice Ive seen them too, I like them.  CH were great themselves, very slick, did what they did very well, a bit of banter, and there was some good singing from the crowd going on, which Neil Finn started harmonising to, and said we were in fine voice! So technically Ive sung with Neil Finn. Or something like that. Definitely worth going to see and topped off a great weekend. Out of the two, and its not fair to compare though because they do different things, Rufus wins. 

Last Day

Felt a bit dodge all day which marred it slightly but had a nice lunch (or is it dinner?) and wander around before heading to the airport. A few delays on the way back and hitting England was a bit miserable mainly becuase of the way it is and everyone in it. Thats a bit sweeping, it was the usual end of a trip thing but also everyone seems that much ruder and things seem that much harder. Plus id left my interior light on in my car like a muppet (Kermit I think) so had the AA out to get me going again.. by the time got home at 2 am was definitely ready for sleep.. but all in all a fantastic trip with brilliant company, cracking gigs, so viva Berlin, I thoroughly recommend it!

Any more?

House things going well, am repairing my fire and getting the chimney swept next week so it will finally give me heat and a warm glow about the place! How much dancing there is during the sweeping process remains to be seen.. Step in time!

I have wonderful and exciting news..

..and those of you who know me know it anyway, but suffice to say she's really wonderful and I am very, very happy, and we both feel the same. Hooray!

And finally..

after this mammoth post (sorry) im telling myself to shut up so Ill head off here, in brief have been to a beer festival, am looking forward to seeing Carl Heather and Abbey next weekend, works ok, just work, and will soon be Christmas! Right, time to go...