My wonderful home exchange partner, Jutta, spent today teaching me about Berlin: about transit, about restaurants and tipping, about generosity. She gave me a 6-day city pass that includes all methods of transit and discounts for scores of interesting places and things, and would not hear of my reimbursing her for the 46€ she paid for it. She also stocked my refrigerator and my wine cellar which contributed to this lovely dinner. And chocolate cake for dessert! At least I took her to lunch today!

Jutta lives in an apartment block with an exterior door that leads to a courtyard. My apartment, which can be connected to hers, is on the courtyard side of the building and is beautifully quiet and peaceful. The ceilings are double height which makes the space airy and cool. So lovely!

A federal election is in the works and candidate signs are affixed to light poles with something akin to zip ties. I think this candidate’s opponent has gotten herself a little bent out of shape.

The FDP or Free Democratic Party is a bit to the right of my leanings but the photographer in me absolutely LOVES the photo of the leader on his sign.

The neighbourhood is lively. It is just off Kantstraße in the Charlottenburg area of Berlin. This morning there was a rally of trade unionists from Brandenburg whose salaries are lower than equivalent salaries in Berlin. They are protesting for equal pay for equal work. Hmmm. Sounds familiar!

I have found my preferred “local” and relaxed this afternoon watching people pass by. No pressure to drink up and leave. Instead I was left to enjoy the afternoon. I like Berlin!

Jutta and I visited Camera Work Gallery http://camerawork.de/en/  and viewed a fascinating exhibition of Hans Feurer photographs. The photograph on the home page of the link above is on display – the photographs are all HUGE, several feet by several feet. That particular photograph is an intricate composite and was created in the 1960s (no Photoshop!) and is selling for about 15,000€. To the left is another of my favourites from the exhibition. Feurer’s work seems to be primarily fashion and portraits, colourful and interesting.

On my way to my “local” I pass a children’s clothing store with a bench and balloons and sidewalk chalk inviting children to play.

The local church is under repair but it makes an imposing landmark to let me know where I am.

Thunder and lightning in Berlin right now, not often seen in Vancouver. I must go enjoy it. See you tomorrow!