We know Berlin!

Last year the Charity committee at school organised a treasure hunt. We decided to play along, but it was really difficult. We had only been in Berlin for 2 months, very little German, and no real idea where anything was. Phil was away for work, the kids and I foolishly attempted it by ourselves. It was a bit of a disaster,and I don't think any of us had a good time, except for when we decided to give up and have chips and then icecream.

This year we were more prepared. We knew the public transport system much better, (we rely on public transport as we don't have a car here), we can speak and read the language, and know where landmarks, streets and buildings are! 

We  called our team the Woolloomooloo Wombats.  We chose it because if we did win a prize, it would be funny to see the principal try and say Woolloomooloo.  The boys thought that would be funny.

The boys were great at finding the things on our list, and we got back to school before anyone else. Of course that was not a true indication of how we went, as we had to wait until the answers were added up. 

 

When the other teams came in, and points were counted up, we had an award ceremony. Mrs Jackson (both kids Year 1 teacher) announced the awards. We won first place, and she pronounced Woolloomooloo perfectly.! The boys were thrilled! Our prize, a board game, Harry Potter DVD's, cinema vouchers, pens, chocolates and other goodies, even a couple of bottles of wine for the parents! 

WE had to either drawa a picture of some of the items, or take a photo.  Thsnk goodness for digital cameras. Below are some of our entries.

We found the eagle on the lamp post.

The East/West links on the Ku'damn

The World Cup Berlin Bear! This one was difficult for most teams, however, I found this during World Cup, so I knew exactly where to go.

Reichstrasse Fest

The Reichstrasse Festival happens twice a year. The street is closed from Theodore Heuss Platz, down to Neu Westend UBahn. A stage set up at each end, and one in the middle. 

There is lots of interesting bands and a lot of beer drinking. It as great to get something to eat from one of the stands, take a seat near the stageslisten to the,  music, and watch quite a bit of drunk dancing.  People watching is great!  

The highlight for the kids was the bungee jumping trampolines. 

Alexander was happy to jump up and down. Cameron tried to do more than 2 somersaults in a row. Number 3 was usually too difficult, and he would hit the trampoline head first, and laugh very loudly. He needed to speed up the first somersault. He says next time he will definitely succeed! 

Trampolining makes you thirsty for blue slushy drinks!

Sunday in Paris

We started the morning seeing the front of the Moulin Rouge. Sadly,no Ewan McGregor in sight. An interesting district of Paris, which I think might be more interesting in the evenings.

We wandered through Montemartre, and the Sacre-Coeur,(the white church). I loved the area, I would spend every weekend up there if I lived in Paris. The paintings were terrific and it had a great atmosphere.

 

  

Nathalie's train left in the afternoon, we sadly said good bye at the train station, then headed back to the hotel for a rest, ready for a fun evening.

The receptionist at the hotel tried to get tickets for Moulin Rouge on Sunday evening, but were all sold out. However he recommended another cabaret show, and we were able to get tickets for it, at half the price. The Paradis Latin Cabaret

The theatre was built in 1803 on orders from Napolean Bonaparte, then restored by Gustave Eiffel in 1889. A really lovely decorated building inside. The food was terrific, the wine was great, and an awesome show! We were really lucky, our table was right near the front. The seating was more spaced out that the Moulin Rouge, so we were happy we had the opportunity to see this show. After watching the show, and perhaps a bit too much wine, we were confident we could dancers too!

Back to Berlin on Monday morning. We had a fabulous weekend in Paris. 

Saturday in Paris, Let's walk

What a great day with our personal French tourist guides.  We wandered the streets of Paris, to Galleries Lafayette, Champs-Elysees, the Eiffel Tower, a boat cruise!

First, a boat tour down the River Seine, which was great. Lots of interesting buildings to see along the shores, with tons of information about the history of Paris. A good introduction to the city of Paris

Next, the Eiffel Tower. I was not keen on the long queues to wait to get to the top, but the four of us were able to talk and talk and laugh whilst we waited. This made the waiting time go a bit quicker. 

We went to the very top of the Eiffel Tower...a long way up. Exceptional views! Here I am with Sonia, Charlotte and Nathalie! 

We were a long way from Sydney.

We went to the Galleries Lafayette and was went to the observation platform to see some great views of the city. I lost my sense of smell in the perfume department, there were so many fragrances.

   

We had lunch at a great French restaurant. This was Nathalie and Sonia's dessert...they were very wobbly on those plates!I will leave it to your imagination on what we were discussing right at this moment.

A girls' weekend in Paris

Sonia and I left Berlin for a weekend in Paris. A good flight, but we could not identify the food served by Air France. We managed the train system really well, but not so good on the street directions to get to the hotel. The street signs in Paris were tricky to find and read, and I think I need to get my glasses rechecked. We eventually found the hotel A quick check in to put our bags in the room, then a 15 minute walk down to the Louvre! WOW.....fabulous. 

I saw the paintings I have only ever seen in my art books at school and university.  

Later that night, Charlotte (my French penfriend, living in England) and her friend Nathalie (French living in France) arrived. They quickly checked in to the same hotel, and we headed out to wander around Paris.

On our travels we wandered around the stores on the Champs- Elysees. We found the most amazing DVD and CD store, and lots more. Back at the hotel by 12.30am.

Singapore Sunflowers

On our way back to Berlin, with 4 kilos of Milo, 4 kilos of Vegemite and lots of other creature comforts. We were delayed in Singapore airport for 2 hours 

 

That meant we missed our connection to Berlin fromlook at while we were waiting in Frankfurt. We had to wait around for another 2 hours before the next flight to Berlin. Lucky these Sunflowers were so lovely in Singapore. There are always lots of interesting things to look at in the Singapore airport. Grateful we had the Nintendo games to keep us occupied in Frankfurt.

Rosie

Cameron's favourite dog. Rosie got her exercise this trip with Cameron chasing her, and Rosie chasing Cameron around Nana and Pa's house. 

Rosie will be relieved when we get back to Berlin, and she can have an undisturbed rest.

Phil -in South Africa

Unfortunately I had to leave Nicole and the boys in Australia, and head off to Singapore and South Africa for work. Both were great trips (business-wise) and also enjoyable from a personal perspective! 

In particular, I was fortunate that a colleague took me camping to the Vaal River, which is about 1.5 hours drive out of Jo'burg. It was the middle of winter, nights were freezing. I had bought some woolen longjohns in Australia and some suitable jackets, thankfully these kept me warm.  

It was really relaxing, the company was great and we had a Braai (BBQ in South African parlance!). It felt like camping back in Australia. We cruised on the river, had a few drinks, and enjoyed the peace and quiet. Then it was back to Midrand for 5 very long, but worthwhile days of business, then back to Berlin to see the family again!

Eltham Mini Trains

Every Sunday, the Eltham Mini trains are open to the public. A great way to spend an afternoon.

A couple of train rides and then some football kicking in the park. 

 

Kelly, Ashton, Grace Alexander and Cameron 

Grace had a pony ride,Cameron wasn't interested, "ponies are for girls" he tells me! (Note to self....make sure all kids faces are clean, before trying to take photos) Sorry Grace!

Cameron's 6th birthday.

Cameron has many cakes when we come to Australia for the school holidays. Cakes with various relatives, and friends. 

When we get back to Berlin, we have promised to take him and his friends, ten pin bowling, and ice cream and more cake!

Hawthorn

Off to Nana's football club for their weekly dinner. Nana and Pa loved being able to show the boys to their friends. One of the players came to have a chat, Robert Campbell.  I had no idea who he was, but he was great with the kids, and the kids had no idea who he was either. . Mum's birthday is tomorrow and we had cake after dinner.

Bright, Victoria

We drove up to Bright for a few days to stay with Phil's parents. The boys love feeding the fish with Grampa. We have to remind them they are not allowed to throw stones in the fish pond. You are only allowed to throw stones in the river behind Granma and Grampa's house. 

Every morning Granma takes Jasper out for a walk. The boys love crossing over the "wobbly bridge" 

Scooter rides are always fun, and going down the hill is even better fun on the way into Bright on the walking and cycle track!

Watching the rosellas at the bird feeder

Playground in town

Painting rocks from the river

Melbourne, Quilt show at Jeff's Shed

Arrived down in Melbourne, and the first weekend was the Quilt Show! I spent lots of money on bits and pieces that I cannot get in Berlin. My best buy was the Q snaps for cross stitch. The angel pictures that I am working on are too big for the normal tapestry frame I usually use, and I cannot get the tension tight enough. The Japanese quilt exhibition was amazing, but you were not allowed to take photos.

Sydney

We went into the city to visit the regular sights. 

Our ferry friend Charlotte was in Circluar Quay, but the Alexander ferry was out in the harbour somewhere. We went up to the top of Centre Point Tower overlooking all of Sydney as well.

Visiting old haunts

We made a few visits to Gloria Jeans on this trip. Alexander and Cameron have missed Freddo Frogs. 

Funny how we have been gone 11 months, but Cameron remembers all the different colour sprinkles you can put on a baby chino!

Hannah

Karen and Steve had a baby girl last October. This is our first meeting.

 

Such a cutie! Note to self, remember to wash children's faces before taking cherished photos.

Sydney with Briana and Caitlin

After 27 hours of flying and airport stopovers, we arrived in Sydney. 

Staying at Briana and Caitlin's, and catching up with friends was great. 

Keeping Cass up until 12pm (alright for me I am still on Berlin time, but Cass has to get up for work in the morning). 

Phil had a course to do in the city for 5 days, so he stayed in town. Caught up with Douglas and his sisters, Thomas, and other friends...even a quick visit to the old school. Kind of felt like we have hardly left.

Winter in Summer holidays

The boys finished school today, 12 noon. We were on the 8.30pm flight out of Berlin heading back for 6 weeks. Berlin to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Singapore, Singapore to Sydney.