June 2016 Things

It's been an interesting month with rather strange weather as we advance into summer. A lot of hot humid hours followed by heavy rain and thunder/lightening. The same is forecast for the rest of the week and over the weekend. I enjoyed hot, sunny bits when I could sit on my balcony, read a book, sip a cup of tea or coffee and even snooze in the sun before I had to escape from a storm.

This afternoon I had the last lesson with my Tuesday Oldies. My lesson plan stayed on the table as they decided to relax with a few drinks, snacks and lots of talk covering many topics. My contribution was showing photos of my Dublin visit and talking about that. We also talked about their plans for summer. Very interesting and I look forward to meeting them again early September to hear about their adventures.

My Tuesday started as usual by meeting Maria in the classroom. We have a 'tandem' meeting, but most of the time we talk in English as she helps me with my Spanish homework, or tries to explain the language. Here is a photo of my helper. She said a camera does not like her, but I think this one did!

Who has a birthday in June 2016? Nicholas B. in Crosshills starts with his big day on the 3rd June. My iMac will be 9 years old on 6th June and it is still going strong except the some programmes cannot be updated and cannot open on some sites. Teresa P. in Berlin has her birthday on 23rd, Oldie Hermann will be 79 on the 25th and ends our birthday month. Cheers and happy birthday to each!

Not to forget a special couple on 19th June = my father would have been 104 and my mother 98 on that day. Interesting that they shared the same day but with six years between. I'm going to a special Baroque Concert in Potsdam with wine tasting on that day. Looking forward to that!

Haircut

I was tempted to start this blog post with the title 'aiya-ku' in case the Professor and Government Minister (see last post) were reading it. I decided on the standard word. We lads all need a haircut and usually once a month. Well, I do. And so it came to pass that A1 and little brother A2 had to be sheared.

I decided they needed a proper cut and not father running the shears over their heads in the manner of sheep shearing! We went to the Vietnamese Centre in the middle of the district where I live. Reason was low price. We met Daniel and went with him to his barber. New experience for me.

The boys had a clear idea about how they wanted a haircut so I translated for them. I liked the result in each case. A1 wanted it a little longer on top and A2 liked his shorter cut with the two lines on the side. It is apparently 'in' here!

During the haircuts my mind drifted back to the 1950s and my visits to John Lythe's barber shop. Yes, in Silsden near the 'beck' and what was then the local cinema. The barber shop is still there but of course with new owners. Must pay it a visit when I go there in July!

I always wondered what John L meant when the men paid in the 'private' area as you entered and he asked them, "Anything for the weekend, sir?" Most said, "Yes." It took many years before I realised what this all meant :-))

Importanterest

Been busy since my last post and the weather was warm and sunny. When not galloping about I listen to music on my internet radio or to BBC Radio 4. This was the flagship of English language use. I use the word 'was' because sadly that is all in the past.

I paid attention to use of the language during the evening news programme, and after I had received this photo. It came from a reader in Ozland. Perhaps it indicates how far use of language in different English speaking countries is drifting away from standard English.

On the Radio 4 programme in only ten minutes I heard the following from professional journalists, sports commentators, a Professor and a Government Minister.

"There wasn't no longer..." = yes, a double negative. "The Treasury are seen..", "The Brexit side are focussed..", "Manchester United are listed....", " M. United have to be at..."
So what is the problem here?  Yes, they don't know the singular from the plural.

Another one was, "A population who are.." Here the speaker does not know when to use the words 'who, which, that, nor the difference between singular and plural'.  Finally the use of around instead of about - "Facts and figures around immigration.....". I take it that the British Government has no facts and figures about immigration.

Now let's all go to a park and play around a roundabout !!! As you do so remember there are now only issues in the language and no problems. That is the 'importantertesteren' for you to remember:-))

Pommes

Now for some chip vocabulary for the Silsdeners. Pommes frites is French and means chips.  For the Amis it means French Fries. The Germans have taken over the French words and reduced them to Pommes. The German for fish and chips is Bratfisch mit Pommes. Key words in learning another language :-))

On Thursday afternoon I met my 'kids' outside the Refugee Home where they live. Papa was also there. I left a large bag of shoes and clothes for his wife with him, given by a nice lady in my Kerstin Gang. The kids asked to return to the nearby park on their bicycles. The family now has two full size bikes since our last tour.

The boys jumped onto the big bikes, sister P2 onto her little bike and off we went. I always cycle at the back with big brother A1 up front. That way I can keep an eye on them and make sure they are okay. We stopped at a nearby Aldi where I bought reserve cakes, biscuits, fruit drinks for the kids.

A1 remembered the way and we entered the park as the sun began to shine.  I shouted, "Stop" as we neared a snack bar where they had previously eaten ice cream. I asked them what they wanted to eat. It was interesting to hear them say ice cream then A2 asked me what Pommes means. I told him and he said he wanted that. The others immediately changed to Pommes. I joined them.

We played a little game as we waited for the Pommes. I asked them where I had been. They did not know. I asked them what/where Dublin is. They didn't know. I had paper and a pen so collectively we drew a map of Europe and added all the countries with their capitals. A2 knew more that his big brother and little sister. Interesting. And then four portions of Pommes arrived with ketchup.

They tucked in with great gusto. After, we went to the play area and I left them to enjoy what they wanted. It was great to sit back and just see them being kids. No cultural or language differences. They enjoyed it like all kids their age regardless of where in the world. I 'glowed' as I watched them play.

Then slowly back to the Home and return them to Papa. We have arranged to meet next Thursday when I shall take the boys for a haircut. It will be a new experience for both! Papa has always shaved their heads before = no money for a haircut. I'll let you know what happens!

Daniel the Designer

Daniel came for an English lesson this morning. The topic was plus and minus about going to another country for a year as a young person. He wrote a good initial text which we improved after a round of tea, cake and something special.

Yes, a new delivery of Grandpa's Special Brew in an innocent looking 1 litre soft drink plastic bottle. It was distilled from red wine, had a reddish tinge and gave you a 'reddish hit' when you drank a shot! It is at least  60° proof. Great way to start an English lesson :-)

After that Daniel helped me to make some changes in my living room. He donned his special Designer Hat for that!  He didn't like parts of my layout and wanted to rescue my silver and India collection from the cellar. I admit they have been packed away for over 20 years.

We started with my silver collection. I cleaned the pieces and put them on display. Daniel did not like that. The wrong place. We cleared the nearly 100 year old cupboard top to make room for the silver. We had to move all the electronic things to under another very old piece of furniture.

Here you can see before and after photos. Daniel looks happier in the 'after' photo! I now have to clean all my India collection so he can organise them on his visit on Friday of next week.

Thanks for your help today Herr Designer. Wonder what you will do next time!

Mundane Blog

The word mundane can mean weltlich, alltäglich or banal in German.  I received it as a compliment so we can take the meaning of 'alltäglich' in German. Who sent me this word?

His name is Neil Deane and he lives with his better half in Essen. For the Silsdeners let me explain that this town was part of an industrial centre in the west of Germany.

What did he write? He sent me a birthday card starting, 'Dear John, Hooked on your letter from Berlin. You make the mundane interesting'. Now how about that for praise? And it comes from a man who teaches English in a university and finishing off his third book!

I knew he was busy with the book but I now have a title. It is, 'Liverpool: A Personal Odyssey in the Pool of Life'. Should be available to purchase late summer. I have copies of his previous books so I shall be first in the queue when it hits the shops.

I am sure I shall comment on it in a future post. Meanwhile, prost Neil and have some flowers from Dublin. As you know, it is not far from Liverpool :-)))

Dublin - 5

Monday after my birthday and it began with a lazy start. Jarlath had a doctors appointment at 3.00pm so we decided on The National Botanic Gardens, a lunch break, then go our separate ways and meet up at the house in the evening. We did just that.

We drove to the Garden which is 3 klm north of the city centre. It is next to Glasnevin Cemetery. This contains the grave of Michael Collins, which the guide book claims is the most visited in Ireland and always decorated with fresh flowers regardless of season.

I immediately liked the garden area as we parked the car and entered. I noted a number of senior groups from the Netherlands and got talking to a few people. The Gardens have a wonderful calm that you feel on entry.

We walked slowly around the different sections and marvelled at the range of flowers. We discovered it has 300 endangered species from around the world, including 6 already extinct in the wild. Amazing!

For lunch we went to a restaurant I had been to before. Very popular family restaurant offering a 'senior portion'. I went for the non-senior portion for I had a good appetite after walking around the garden.

We then split up and I went into the centre to The National Photographic Museum, walked around the river areas and through the small streets with interesting shops in the tourist centre. I made time for a coffee stop in a small cafe before more walking and deciding to return home by train as it got darker.

Next day was my last in Dublin. It was a lazy one with lots of tea, coffee, snacks and chat until it was time to get into the car and be driven to the airport in the north of the city. I thanked my host and entered the terminal. The usual boring checks and waiting for the flight. There was a delay but I got home just before midnight.

And so ended a truly memorable birthday trip to Dublin. Try it yourself and enjoy all the city has to offer - but you will need more that a couple of days!

Dublin - 4

From the GPO  we walked south to the Liffey and crossed at Ha'penny Bridge. Again, another tourist draw and with lots of people even though the weather was cool and cloudy. Walked along Wellington Quay, turned left at Grattan Bridge, said hello to City Hall and entered Dublin Castle.

This must be on your list of places to visit after you have been to the Leinster House buildings. Again I have to use the words 'a complex of buildings'. It started life as a small Viking settlement then as a defence area. Later, King John of England ordered that a round castle be built. It was and then other buildings were added. Only the original round castle survives from this time and is called the Record Tower. You can see it in one of these photos.

The Castle area was later the centre of English administration in Ireland, included a prison, court of justice, treasury and armory. Now its halls are used for state occasions and ceremonies. There is also a museum about the Viking period in Ireland and in another set of buildings you can find the Chester Beatty Library.

He was a mining engineer who made a fortune in the USA. He was born in New York in 1875.  In 1912 he moved to England. He travelled a lot and collected works of art. During WW2 he helped the British government in supplies of strategic raw materials and was later knighted. He moved to Ireland in 1950 and built a library for his art collection which opened in 1954. In 1957, he became Ireland's first honorary citizen. On his death the collection was moved to a special building in Dublin Castle.

We spent hours wandering around the collection. It is an amazing mixture of works of art from all over the world. From the Middle East, India, China, Far East, Latin America, Africa Europe and ranges from texts, paintings, sketches to photographs. In addition to displays there is a library where you can read documents written in a wide range of languages. You need time to enjoy this collection.

We left in the early evening and nearby found a traditional Irish pub. I really needed to sip a local beer - as you can see from this photo. We were both hungry and Jarlath asked me where I wanted to eat for it was my birthday and it was my choice. Guess what I said? "The nearest fish 'n chip shop." Jarlath stared at me. "It's your birthday. What about a restaurant?" "Yes I know, but I want fish 'n chips."

We found one three shops away from the pub. Very good service and equally good fish 'n chips. The fish was cod from the Atlantic and the batter was thin and crisp, just as it should be! Was I happy as we left and started on the way home. This took us past a shop where I bought a pullover in green, but then I told you about that in an earlier post.

Dublin - 3

With my head still full of historical images I descended the stairs for my birthday breakfast. It was the same as everyday to accompany two tablets against high blood pressure and clotting. Jarlath was sprawled on the couch tapping on his smartphone as usual. With his hearing problem it is easier to communicate by sms.

We greeted each other and then I saw a nice present on the table. A card and superior bottle of red wine from France. Mmmmh, it was delicious and we consumed it over two evenings on our return. We decided to go into town and focus on the GPO area and Dublin Castle.

The General Post Office on O'Connell Street is a centre point of any visit to Dublin. It was taken over and used as HQ by the leaders of the Easter Rising 1916. The British Army later shelled it to a ruin and it was rebuilt to its original plan after independence. It now houses a museum telling the story of the rising and its aftermath plus a large post office room exactly as it was!

We started our adventure by walking from Tara Rail Station, crossed the Liffey to the north and walked to the east for ten minutes to arrive at the GPO with the new Needle Tower built to commemorate the year 2000. The street and GPO area is a major attraction for tourists regardless of time or season. I heard many languages as we walked to the building.

We were able to get entrance tickets for seniors over 70. When I told the lady at the counter it was my birthday there were lots of greetings and chat from her and the security guards. A nice way to start the tour. The historical presentation is first class. They have a small hall with a large screen on which you can see actors playing the role of the 7 leaders. They were all later executed and many on the date of my birthday!!  

More in the next post.

Dublin - 2

Saturday after my arrival, a coastal walk and a deep sleep. Jarlath was already up and ready for the day as I staggered downstairs. He had to drive to Tullamore for a family christening so he gave me a key, showed me the security codes for the house and jumped into his car. The weather was cool and cloudy unlike the weather in Berlin.

I walked to the local station and took a train to Pearse Station. This is two stops south of Connolly Station and just south of the River Liffey. It is the stop for Trinity College and just north of my destination for the day. This was a complex of buildings some of which are also made up of a complex of buildings!

I'll list them with the date of construction. Top left is The National Museum 1890. Top right is Leinster House. This was built in 1745 for the Earl of Kildare. Other members of the 'gentry' moved into the area south of the Liffey after he moved in! From 1814 to 1924 it was home to the Royal Dublin Society. From 1925 to the present it has been the seat of the Irish Parliament.

Bottom left are 'Government Buildings'. In this complex you will find the Prime Ministers Office, The Cabinet Room, Attorney General's office, The Department of Finance and Department of Public Expenditure. It was built from 1904 and opened by King George V in 1911. I bet he didn't know his days were numbered there when he cut the ceremonial entrance cord :-))


The fourth building in this area is The National Library (1877) and National Art Gallery (1864) complex. For some reason I don't have photos of either. Don't know why. I remember the Library was being renovated and sections were closed so that may be why.

Instead here is a photo of the Mansion House which is on a street opposite the larger complex of buildings. It has been the residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin since 1715.

They really are a must to see when in Dublin. I spent the whole day in the museum, library and art gallery. Of course, I was not allowed to enter the government buildings but then who wants to see offices full of desks and computers?

If I had to choose only one to visit again it would be the National Museum. The variety and size of the displays are remarkable and very well presented. I learnt a lot about the history of Ireland and found the story fascinating. Make it your priority when next in Dublin.

Dublin-1

And lo it came to pass that I packed my 'wheelie' bag, took 2 S-Bahn trains and a bus to arrive at Tegel Airport. I live in the south-east of Berlin and Tegel is in the north-west of Berlin. I had luck with connections so it only took me one hour to get from home to entering the airport.

I checked-in at the Aer Lingus desk and got a seat in row 12 which offers lots of leg room. With a thrombosis risk and vein problems such things are important. In the duty free shop I discovered I could buy 10 bottles of whiskey/gin to take to Dublin. I quickly recovered from that shock and bought a bottle of Tullamore whiskey as a present for my host - Jarlath.

I dozed through most of the two hour flight, greeted Dublin with a large smile, bought a 3 day tourist ticket and galloped off to the bus to take me into town. I decided to play the explorer by not taking a taxi.

Really nice scenic route covering the villages to the north of the city and finally I came to Sutton station stop. Only 5 minutes before my train left for Bayside, which was only one stop. From there I walked 6 minutes to Jarlath's house.

He was waiting for me and surprised I had managed the public transport system on my own. Cup of tea, lots of chat then we decided to walk 15 minutes to the coast. Perhaps you know that Dublin is on the coast of the Irish Sea. There are some really nice walks and we set off to see something of the coastal area. You can see for yourself with these photos.

Later we wandered into a shopping area and I sat with a couple of nice ladies, as you can see from the photo. I gave them a kiss each to show how happy I was to finally be in Dublin. The ladies liked that!

Special Couples

I am fortunate to know a number of special couples who enrich my life. Some even live in other countries, but here I want to introduce my Silsdeners to a Berlin couple. They are called Jutta and Gerald. Their family name is Müller (Miller in English) and so I adopted it when I took German nationality. They even smilingly address me as 'Johannes von Müller' when we meet :-))

Both have artistic talents, like photography, paintings, exhibitions, concerts, classical music and conversations higher than what is happening in TV Soap Operas! Gerald speaks very good English and likes to use the language. Alan and Lynne really enjoyed meeting them when they visited Berlin last year.

On my arrival from Dublin, I found a large envelope in my postbox. It was from them. They always make a 'work-of-art' on my birthday and this one was no exception. They have clearly put a lot of time and effort, as well as research, into producing this birthday greeting. I just had to share it with you for I know you will also enjoy it.

I scanned both sides of my card and attach here. If you wish you can click on each and open in a viewing window. There you can click on the enlarge button and read the text. It is written in German and English. There are also two photos of them in addition to one of me which I have added to the permanent left hand section of my blog. A big 'J.von Müller-Danke' to both!

I am Rücken

Yes, I am back. Flight problems and delays but I am back. German speakers may be smiling at my title for it is a word play. The English word 'back' means Rücken for your body and zurück for the verb to return. Gorrit?

I had a really great time in Dublin even though it was cold and wet except for one day. I shall post about my adventures and prepare photos to share with you. They are of the coastal area near to where I stayed and of the museums I visited. I also have some nice shots of the National Botanical Garden. More of that later.

On my return I could not resist opening my cards even though it was nearly midnight. I had a wide range of cards and noticed four showing old cars! They had interesting texts and some had warm and loving words handwritten inside :-))

Guess what I bought for my birthday? Yes, you guessed right. A dark green sweater with the words 'Ireland' in gold. A nice present to remind me of a special visit to Dublin each time I wear it.

Dublin

I've just finished packing most of my things. Also put my health insurance and credit cards into my wallet and put that next to my flight tickets.

Tomorrow morning I am flying to Dublin to see the city, some friends and celebrate my birthday on Sunday.

Weather here is great but the Dublin forecast is for cooler weather and maybe rain. I've also packed an umbrella!

        No Blog Post until my return on Wednesday 11 May/Mittwoch den 11. Mai. 

More klms

I've had a few calls/e-mails about my last post,  but no comments on my blog!!  This was about a bicycle tour with my Müggelsee Gang. Here are a few more photos and more comments from me. As we cycled south after the lunch break we found an interesting spot for a short break.

Here you can see a map of the area. It was taken by Marcel.It is called The Biesenthaler Becken. Part of it has a small high hill and in the late Middle Ages someone built a fortress on the top.

That was clearly for defence and seems to have worked inspite of modern artillery/rockets. Now it is a place for tourists to visit and climb the many steps into the tower.

Marcel borrowed my camera and took a few shots en-route and then at the top. Here is one he took looking down from the tower to me and a couple of other lazy ones who relaxed at the bottom of the hill.

Later we arrived at Larissa and H-D's place and settled into our evening of grilling and singing Folkslied.  Here is a shot I took of Marcel sitting next to Larissa and listening to her. It reminds me of  how quieter he has become and more serious over the last few months. He seems to have settled into academic life and adopted some of the better aspects of being a university student.

I really like the time we sit around the fire talking, joking, drinking and singing. For me it is the high-point of our meetings at Larissa and H-D's welcoming house and garden. We all enjoy it and show it in different ways. Falk likes to pose, so as I pulled out my camera he went into a pose with his wife, Elvira. I really like this shot for it shows the pure pleasure of being together and enjoying the evening with each other.

40 klm

Yesterday I cycled 40 klm. It was more than enough! I was with my Müggelsee Gang. It all started on Friday when Marcel arrived. We had arranged for him to come to my place so that he could join the Gang with me at a local railway station on Saturday morning. I hardly recognised him!

No beard and his hair cut to about 3mm plus even more muscles. He does a lot of training now in addition to lifting things in his part-time job. It was great to see him and catch up on news as he tucked into a substantial supper. Next morning we took a regional train to Eberswalde. This is a town north of Berlin and famous for producing sausages.

We met the rest of the Gang there and toasted the event in an appropriate liquid form. Yes, a drop of water from Ireland. Onto the bikes and off. Uli had organised the day and the tour took us west along a canal to Finowfurt. On the way we had our first stop. I had coffee to wake me up and a few others had something else. See photo above.

We then turned south and cycled to an area called the Biesenthaler Becken. Just before arriving we stopped in a wood for a picnic lunch. Delicious as usual. We had another stop at the Schlossberg Biesenthal. Some climbed to the top of the old fortress and took photos. We then cycled south-west and finally arrived at Schönow which is just to the west of Bernau-near-Berlin.

Larissa and husband H-D were waiting for us in the large garden of their house. See photo. There we relaxed with liquid refreshments and grilled as it got dark. We moved to circle an open fire in the garden as we talked, had a few more drinks and sang traditional folk songs. 'The Birnbaum'  was very popular and I sang one verse! 

Time to go home. Sad to say goodbye to our generous  hosts. We cycled to a nearby S-Bahn and settled into the journey to our respective homes. I got home at 11.40pm and reflected on a day I didn't want to end. I also had the words of Falk in my ears that I should buy an electro-bike for our next long tour. I'll think about it :-))