Shopping for Sister

You read in recent posts that I met The Bros and went shopping with them. The school holidays in Berlin ended last week so there were lots of shopping and offers for children returning to school. There was also a lot of offers for new school children. The Boys got all the writing material they needed plus sports clothes.

Yesterday it was Sister's turn. I met her and Mama at a shopping centre near to Köpenick S-Bahn station. This is two stops down the line from where I live. Bro2 joined us later.

Sis and Mama had earlier been looking at offers in the shopping centre so they knew where to go for sports shoes for Sis. She needed two pairs for different activities at school and we eventually found them.

She immediately started to dance around with pleasure as you can see in a photo. After paying for the shoes we went into a larger centre across the road. There we were looking for sports-gym clothes.

Sis and Mama had a good look around as Bro2 told me his news and about events at school. Sis found some clothes for the gym as you can see in another photo.

We then went to a cafe selling lots of varieties of ice cream. I took them there some time ago and they really like to watch other shoppers as they 'slurp' their ice cream. I took a photo of Sis with Mama which I really like. I also like the shot of Sis resting her cheek on Bro2's hand. Nice natural shots.

I thoroughly enjoyed the few hours we were together and was sad to say goodbye. I asked them what they would do when they returned home and all said, "Do my homework".  Not as nice as shopping together but that is an important part of their lives in Berlin and the good news is that all are making progress. Big thanks to Ian and Birgit for making it all possible!

Grillfest

I went to a Grillfest this afternoon. It was at the Community Centre fir Seniors where I go every Friday afternoon to meet my Photoshop Gang and Stefan. He is now the Boss of the centre in addition to leading the Friday class.

There are no regular Friday meetings at the moment = summer holidays. But Stefan is busy organising a number of social meetings and exhibitions Today was our Summer Grillfest and I registered. The weather supported the event although cooler than of late.

The Oldies settled into the main room and enjoyed a round of coffee and cakes. Lots of talking and music by two men who played and sang songs in Greek. Later they played Greek music as some of the Oldies gently moved their feet and bodies. They danced.

As the clock ticked away the announcement was made that 'Grillen' was ready. The Oldies formed a line and shuffled into the garden where some men were grilling sausages and different kinds of meat. Nothing was produced from pork. I think the sausages were made from turkey meat. From the grill area they went back into the main room and added potato salad and green salad to their plates. No alcohol drinks were served so it was all washed down with water or fruit juices.

The musicians had a break and returned to play more dance tunes as the Oldies came to their feet again to move to the music and burn off a few calories. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and spent longer there than planned. My Friday afternoon sessions start there in a couple of weeks and I am looking forward to meeting my Photoshop Gang again and listening to what they did during the summer holiday. 

Old and New

This morning I opened two boxes and looked at the contents. One contained a small(ish) computer and the other a large screen. I found two pages on how to install the thing and they contained small diagrams. No words.

I scratched my head and looked again at the diagrams. I did not understand the symbols. Why no words? I tried again and gave up. I then went across the road in the afternoon to our housing association meeting room. Each Monday afternoon Thorsten is there.

He works for the association in the technology department and is a computer expert. He shares his knowledge with association members by helping them with laptop, netbook and smartphone problems.

I told him about my problem and he said he would come over later. He did just that and we started with a cuppa green tea - which he likes. Then to the computer and screen. I watched and listened as he sorted everything out. Thorsten has the advantage of being able to explain what and why he is doing things. Another learning experience for me. I now have a week to learn how to use the computer before we install new programmes and I start learning again.

Watch-Com

A few days ago I took two watches to my local jeweller. I had to replace the leather straps. As you know it has been very hot here and so we all sweat more. This goes for my wrist as well. Wet and soggy straps were replaced.

I saw metal watches on offer in a supermarket and bought one. No problem about sweating and having to replace the strap. It has more functions than I thought and that is why it is heavier than I thought! I can turn the top so I can time myself when jogging and it has other functions. The problem is that I don't need them. Even so its okay for a hot sunny and sweaty day!

I think I have told you before that my iMac celebrated its 11th birthday a short time ago. Many functions no longer work and friends said it was time to let it go to sleep. I looked for a replacement and decided to buy one last Friday. I have gone for an Acer with a large screen and Microsoft operating system. I shall put all the pieces together tomorrow afternoon. Here is a photo of the old between the new.

Memorial

I went to a special memorial meeting yesterday afternoon. It was outside a house three streets from where I live. There were speeches by various people, including the local mayor and director of the local museum. The event ended with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque (Erinnerungstafel).

The people being remembered were Hildegard and Erwin Marcusson who lived in that house from 1959 until Hildegard's death in 1992. Both were medical doctors and on their return to Berlin in 1946 became active in creating medical services and facilities in factories. After the founding of the DDR in 1949, they were active in expanding the medical system to incorporate further education for medical staff particularly for childcare.

They met in 1921 when they joined the newly formed communist party. Both came from Jewish families and escaped to the UdSSR when the Nazis were elected to power in 1933. They did not have an easy time there, as Stalin consolidated his power, and were exiled to Kasachstan. They left in 1946 and started new medical careers in Berlin.

I didn't know about them before. Such events are organised by the local museum and staff. The couple who live in that house now are very good friends of mine. What a coincidence.

Brunch Party

The American English word 'brunch' has been incorporated into German. I went to a very special Birthday Brunch Party last Sunday. It was to celebrate Martina's 7+ birthday. She is a member of my Kowalke Gang and you can see most of them sitting around the Brunch table.

It was nice to meet all again and listening to news, events, visits, concerts they had all recently been to. Colin was there and you can see him in the photo. He has been very busy visiting family and friends in many parts of Germany and his German has really improved now.

I bought 7 red roses for Martina and took a photo of her holding the bunch. I like this shot for she looks much younger. When I sent it to her I said it was evidence that she looked like 49. She replied that it was nice of me to say that and if only it were true! She leads a very active life so that may help to keep her so young. A really wonderful time and start to a new week.

Hot Dog

I bet you cannot look at the photo of The Hot Dog without laughing or at least smiling! Every time I look at it my lower face breaks into a smile. I got the photo from friends in Ozland. Many thanks to them.

 I wonder how the dog owner came up with this idea including using sunglasses. At the moment it is only 29°C with the forecast for the next few days to be in the early 30s. Where did I put my sunglasses for I don't have a swimming pool in the garden?

Just after I picked up the  'Cool Dog' image, I got a call from Papa. Mama had gone off with the kids to do the weekend shopping so Papa decided to visit. He was appropriately dressed for the weather and temperature. It was nice to see him again and we soon caught up on what has been happening in our lives since out last meeting.

He and his wife are finishing a German and Integration course at a local college. The Employment Office supports this course and they were asked to register for a new one starting in September. It is designed to take them to B1 level, which means intermediate level communication.

The husband of a friend works in a computer company and they are looking for new staff. Papa has sent his CV to them and we are waiting for an answer. So, from September he will either be in a new job or starting a new course.

More School Things

I met The Boys yesterday afternoon to buy more things they need for school starting next Monday. This time it was things they needed for sport. They asked to meet at the World Clock in Alexander Platz at 4.00 pm. It must be the No.1 meeting place in Berlin!

On my way there I got a call. Bro1 said they would be 30 minutes late due to construction work on a S-Bahn line. When we later met, Bro2 told me the truth.

 Late due to Bro1 spending all night playing computer games and sleeping all day and waking late yesterday. I think it is all about being a certain age and being on holiday!

I took some photos of them at the World Clock. I can't remember taking shots of them there before. And so off to the shop near to Berlin Town Hall in Alexander Platz. We bought sport things there before for they offer a wide range and at various prices.

Top of the shopping list were sports tops and bottoms. They tried on a range and noted they had to buy L and not M size. No surprise for they are clearly growing bigger, even if they are not aware of it. Then to sports shoes and socks for the gym. Again they ended up buying larger sizes than earlier. Finally we bought 1 litre refillable plastic drinking containers for water/juice when they are training.

So the shopping session came to an end with fruit drinks at a nearby cafe and goodbyes. All this made possible by a generous gift for I&B in a distant land. The Boys asked me to give both of you a BIG thanks :-))

Usbekistan

I went on a short trip to Usbekistan yesterday afternoon. I was at the senior community centre where my Friday afternoon course on Photoshop takes place and led by Stefan. There was an opening ceremony with speeches by Stefan, the photographer and a few guests. The event was well attended by local seniors. Nice to see them wandering around the photographs with either a glass of orange juice or sekt in their hands.

We then moved into the main room for Kaffee und Kuchen. How could there be such an event without that? After munching through a variety of fruit cakes and getting a sekt refill we settled down to listen to stories about visits to Usbekistan. The main presenters were Stefan and his mother. They recounted their visits over many years during the time of the DDR. The title of the exhibition and the speeches were, 'Usbekistan - Land an der Seidenstraße' which I translate as 'Country on the Silk Road'.

I really enjoyed the event and it is open until the end of October. From there I went to my hairdressers around the corner and got another 'short summer' cut. I noticed that my hairline is clearly receding. Oh well, my father was bald by the time he was 27, so it could have been worse for me!

School things

Yesterday I met The Bros to buy some things they need for school. The new term starts next Monday. We agreed to meet at Tierpark tram station for near there is a shopping centre in which one shop was selling a wide range of things for school at discount prices.

I got there early and waited, and waited. Then my mobile phone rang. It was Bro1 to say they were delayed due to work on the tram lines and they had to change to a bus. And so they arrived 30 minutes late. That was not all. Bro1 told me they had left the shopping list on the table at home! I told them to try to remember all on the list.

We went into the shop and found a number of parents with children also collecting pens, pencils, writing paper and other things for the new term. It took some time for The Boys to remember everything on their list but I think we got everything. Then to pay and all possible through a nice pair in Sydney. I told you about this in an earlier post.

Then they wanted to see a film at my place so bought food and drinks to enjoy as they watched the film. When we arrived at my place, Bro1 was sweating a lot so asked for a T-Shirt while his sweaty one recovered in the sun on my balcony! I gave him one and of course it was larger than his. Bro2 then started to laugh and made jokes that it was large enough for both of them. Then he stuck his head under the T-Shirt and proved his point. See the photo.

They watched the film and we agreed to meet tomorrow in Alex-Platz to go to a shop selling sports things they need for school. I hope they remember to bring their shopping list this time! Looking forward to seeing The Bros again and seeing them smile!

Heat wave cycling

Phew, but yesterday was special. I miscalculated going on a cycling tour in 32°C with no food and little to drink. Big mistake. I met The Boys as agreed at 2.pm at a S-Bahn station. Starting so late was also a mistake but the boys wanted to sleep late. We left the train at station Petershagen as you can see from the photo.

I have been on this tour many times but never like yesterday. It was Sunday so many restaurants and cafes were closed also due to the heat. We cycled to the village of Eggersdorf. We stopped to read the public signs about the history of the place before riding through more woods to arrive at Bötzsee. This is all to the east of Berlin and on the way to Strausberg, where we went recently.

There were lots of people on the beach and at the large cafe. The Boys had ice cream (see photo) and I sat under a tree and sipped a cold beer! Off again to cycle up the western side of the lake. We had another stop and I gave them some good news. I reported earlier that they have to buy things for the next school term such as pens and paper as well as sports shoes/clothes. I said then that the problem was money.

A nice couple in Sydney, Australia read that and sent some money to my account. I told the boys and  Bro1 literally jumped for joy - see photo. Off again and that was perhaps a mistake. Given the distance and heat I should have turned back to the station. I didn't and set off on the longer tour ending in Altlandsberg and then to Fredersdorf to catch a S-Bahn home.

I got very tired and found it increasingly difficult to keep pushing the pedals. The Boys were very supportive and made sure we stopped regularly for breaks. The problem was that we had drunk all of our liquids. We finally arrived at the north of Altlandsberg. I stopped to ask a lady for details of the way to the station. Then I noticed blood soaking into the left leg of my jeans.

She saw it too and took me into her house where she gave me bandages and bottles of orange juice for all of us. What a nice generous lady. We set off again and finally arrived at the station, jumped into a S-Bahn. The boys left before me to cycle home and I arrived home later. The first thing I did was turn on the TV to watch Manchester play Bayern. The latter won the game.

As I relaxed into the game and a cold beer I reflected on the day and noted that given my age doing such a tour in such heat is no longer advisable. I think I shall be scaling down future cycling tours and making sure I have enough water plus take time to stop at a restaurant for a tasty meal. Learning for the future!

Listen and Read

Two nice things happened yesterday. When I got home I found a message that a packet had been left with a neighbour. I got it from a nice lady and opened it at home. It was a book sent by Ian. I think you know by now that he lives in Australia.

He added that I could work out if I was a Somewhere or an Anywhere with a bottle of sauvignon blanc. Perfect comment and I had to find out what the two words meant. I found the answer in the first few pages of the book. The author had created them, perhaps to increase book sales, and explained what he meant at the start of the book.

I read the first chapter this morning as I allowed myself an hour in the sun on the balcony. It is still hot and sunny here. I realized that I had elements of both 'socio-economic-political-cultural' definitions. I shall enjoy reading the rest of the book as the hot summer progresses. Thanks Ian!

The other nice thing was that a friend, with more knowledge than I have about computers and connections, came round in the evening to set up my new WLAN Radio. I still wonder how such people can look at equipment and within minutes start to get things working or make connections. Within 10 minutes he had the radio working and we put 12 radio stations into my 'Favourites' folder.

We decided to celebrate with a very cool G&T. Nice! We were then joined by Colin who had come to pick up his hat. He joined us for another G&T. There were interesting conversations about travel in Australia and places to see. I learnt something new from listening to both of them. Guess what I am listening to at the moment? Yes, you are right - BBC Radio 4 News direct from London!

Summer Supper

Last night some of my Kowalke Gang arrived for a lazy supper under the big tree in my garden. Colin came along for he is visiting family and friends, not only in Berlin, at the moment.

Like most of western Europe we are having very hot weather. Yesterday was 32°C in the garden and even today it managed 30°C but it is forecast to get cooler and perhaps rain in the next few days.

I decided to dress appropriately for the weather and event. I found some clothes I have not worn for 31 years and selected a blue top and white 'pyjamahose', Very comfortable and just right for relaxing in the evening heat. My guests arrived and all said positive things about my choice of clothes.

We dined on salad, fruit, wurst and pieces of meat and cheese. The main drinks were sekt and white wine. I should have drunk more water for I later noticed I could feel the effects of alcohol. Lots of interesting discussions in the relaxed happy atmosphere. I think we should do it again and soon!