In case you missed it, check out the ballet class review I did for Sassy Mama. It was super fun and I'm keen to go back.
Saturday, 5 October 2013
German Unity Day
We were fortunate to be in Germany for German Unity Day because there was a big party at the Brandenburg Gate. (Unfortunate though in the sense that Henry and I had planned to go to the department-store sized second-hand clothing store Humana, but when we got there, we found that it was closed for the holiday. Gutted! I'd even been saving it for the last day!)
And so for our last evening, and Lachlan's first day of holidays, we joined in the festivities.
It really was a "reunification" celebration; there were families, skinheads, 30-somthing professional types on a date, feral teenagers - all hanging out and eating some sausage.
The free concert was also great; it was the worst rendition of "Time of our life" that I have ever heard. (Though I wonder if there is ever a good one?) The singers were not even close to being able to hold a tune.
Nonetheless, in its own way, the concert was great, as it really added to the sense of festivities.
It's interesting to know that 3 October is not actually the day the Berlin Wall came down, which is 9 November. 9 November was also the day of the Proclamation of the German Republic in 1918, and Hitler's first coup in 1923, however because it's also the anniversary of the first Nazi-led pogroms against Jews in 1938, 3 October was the day chosen instead to celebrate.
The Unity Day celebrations were an excellent way to end our time in the amazing Berlin.
And so for our last evening, and Lachlan's first day of holidays, we joined in the festivities.
It really was a "reunification" celebration; there were families, skinheads, 30-somthing professional types on a date, feral teenagers - all hanging out and eating some sausage.
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| Henry chose to ride the pink Vespa on the carousel |
The free concert was also great; it was the worst rendition of "Time of our life" that I have ever heard. (Though I wonder if there is ever a good one?) The singers were not even close to being able to hold a tune.
Nonetheless, in its own way, the concert was great, as it really added to the sense of festivities.
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| The concert was free for a reason |
The Unity Day celebrations were an excellent way to end our time in the amazing Berlin.
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| Eating sausage; Lachlan was more pleased about this than Henry as Henry was cold because he refused to wear his coat. |
Little boy heaven
Berlin is an excellent city for travelling with kids.
Apart from the many beautiful playgrounds, Tiergarten Park, and of course Legoland, there are a ton of museums that are great. There are dedicated kids museums, railway museums and even a chocolate world.
And so, while I really wanted to visit the Bauhaus Archive, what Henry and I did instead was to hit up two museums where he could go crazy.
First was the DDR museum.
This was quite interesting for me, and I was able to learn a bit about life in the DDR while Henry was opening and closing draws, pressing buttons, and talking on the phone to Lenin.
But the highlight of the day was definitely the Berlin Technickmuseum. Even being an adult person who is not obsessed with trains, planes and cars, this was pretty impressive.
They had the actual drivers carriage from maybe 50 different trains from the year 1816, right up until, and including a Maglev. You could have a go at pulling the levers and steering a steam train.
Though it was more than a little eerie being able to climb inside a carriage that had been used to transport Jewish people to camps; without knowing why, Henry told me that carriage was scary.
There was also a massive hanger full of planes. Including war planes, light planes - all types. It was truly impressive.
I also really enjoyed the photography exhibition which had some really interesting technological design things on display.
And there were tons of other stuff that we didn't get to; a brewery, jewellery making displays, a naval exhibition.
It was by far one of the best and most interesting museums I've ever been to. And if you should happen to go to Berlin with a toddler whose favourite thing in the world is vehicles, it's an absolute must.
Apart from the many beautiful playgrounds, Tiergarten Park, and of course Legoland, there are a ton of museums that are great. There are dedicated kids museums, railway museums and even a chocolate world.
And so, while I really wanted to visit the Bauhaus Archive, what Henry and I did instead was to hit up two museums where he could go crazy.
First was the DDR museum.
This was quite interesting for me, and I was able to learn a bit about life in the DDR while Henry was opening and closing draws, pressing buttons, and talking on the phone to Lenin.
 |
| Chatting to Lenin |
 |
| Henry could have been a worker in the DDR |
But the highlight of the day was definitely the Berlin Technickmuseum. Even being an adult person who is not obsessed with trains, planes and cars, this was pretty impressive.
 |
| I was worried we weren't going to get pass the entrance; too many buttons to press |
They had the actual drivers carriage from maybe 50 different trains from the year 1816, right up until, and including a Maglev. You could have a go at pulling the levers and steering a steam train.
Though it was more than a little eerie being able to climb inside a carriage that had been used to transport Jewish people to camps; without knowing why, Henry told me that carriage was scary.
 |
| Checking out the drivers carriage |
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| Trains |
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| Yet more trains! You can walk on the tracks. |
There was also a massive hanger full of planes. Including war planes, light planes - all types. It was truly impressive.
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| Planes |
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| Spinning the wheel of a plane; obviously. |
I also really enjoyed the photography exhibition which had some really interesting technological design things on display.
And there were tons of other stuff that we didn't get to; a brewery, jewellery making displays, a naval exhibition.
It was by far one of the best and most interesting museums I've ever been to. And if you should happen to go to Berlin with a toddler whose favourite thing in the world is vehicles, it's an absolute must.
Thursday, 3 October 2013
The "terrible twos"; unleashed in Berlin.
So, life is good.
Berlin is fabulous, having got to browse vintage shops and eat incredible coffee cake only this afternoon.
This morning we did some sightseeing! Adventure!
My hotel has soft, white towels and a big fluffy duvet.
And tomorrow is a totally free day! I can chose whatever I want to do! Vintage shops and funky cafes, the Bauhaus Archive, or the DDR Museum ... all in glorious sunshine and blue skies.
But then, it all depends on how you look at things;
Today, Henry and I went to the vintage shops and he practically ripped the clothes of the walls - he stole all the cake (I hadn't eaten lunch so was starving - I had tried to do the right thing by waiting for him to wake up after his nap, and didn't want to order room service. I sat in the hotel room for three hours. In silence, while he slept.
This is not the first time I've done this in the last two years. It certainly takes the shine off fancy hotels. By 4pm it was too late for lunch, and after-all, we are on holidays, and it's a no running week. So I went crazy and ordered an unidentified piece of cake.) Obviously, after the coffee cake he went mental.
This morning, we went to the Topography of Terror and Checkpoint Charlie (my first degree is in history - I'm interested in these kind of things!), but try telling a toddler to use his "inside voice" in what was basically a war memorial. He wanted to dance. And it was one of those beautiful museums with high ceilings and glass that just echoes......
Did I mention that we are in a foreign city where I don't speak the language?
So while life is good, it was also quite a stressful day. It's amazing seeing so many great places though travelling with a toddler is certainly not easy.
Berlin is fabulous, having got to browse vintage shops and eat incredible coffee cake only this afternoon.
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| Incredible Coffee Cake |
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| We are totally like all the other hipsters at the cafe! |
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| Vintage shopping in the funky Kreuzkolln district |
This morning we did some sightseeing! Adventure!
My hotel has soft, white towels and a big fluffy duvet.
And tomorrow is a totally free day! I can chose whatever I want to do! Vintage shops and funky cafes, the Bauhaus Archive, or the DDR Museum ... all in glorious sunshine and blue skies.
But then, it all depends on how you look at things;
This is not the first time I've done this in the last two years. It certainly takes the shine off fancy hotels. By 4pm it was too late for lunch, and after-all, we are on holidays, and it's a no running week. So I went crazy and ordered an unidentified piece of cake.) Obviously, after the coffee cake he went mental.
This morning, we went to the Topography of Terror and Checkpoint Charlie (my first degree is in history - I'm interested in these kind of things!), but try telling a toddler to use his "inside voice" in what was basically a war memorial. He wanted to dance. And it was one of those beautiful museums with high ceilings and glass that just echoes......
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| The only two-year-old Australian I know that was born in China and has been to the Berlin Wall |
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| The view from the Topography of Terror |
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| Checkpoint Charlie; Henry refused to pose. |
Did I mention that we are in a foreign city where I don't speak the language?
So while life is good, it was also quite a stressful day. It's amazing seeing so many great places though travelling with a toddler is certainly not easy.
 |
| Talking to daddy; the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! |
Wednesday, 2 October 2013
How to meet guys
Pre-kids, so many of my friends used to complain that they couldn't meet decent guys. (Now my friends seem to just want to find a way to tolerate the guys that they have... only kidding.)
Well, in case you are wondering how to meet guys, I have the answer.
Join a cycling group or triathlon club, or failing that, a running club.
There are several reasons;
- The guys always outnumber the girls - so you get the pick of the lot;
- They tend to be fit and healthy, and so very often cut;
- These sports tend stereotypically to attract Type A / high-achieving personality types - this means that rather than being on welfare and sponging off you, they often have well-paying jobs, and especially in cycling, have a tendency to want to show-off their wealth (why do you think they get into cycling to start with - it's to show who has the biggest... ....bank account - as reflected by their expensive bicycles.) This is a score for you as you can expect fancy dinners, nice bars and lavish gifts. (Of course ladies, we are not attracted by the bank-balance, but rather the ambition that goes with it);
- The tend to wear lycra, so you can "try before you buy".
It's all quite simple really.
I'm not going to recommend particular clubs or organizations, as that would be inappropriate. Besides - it's like having a handbag - what works for one won't work for another.
Good luck, and get out there!
Going feral in Berlin
Henry and I have been having an excellent time adapting to the local culture; one thing that Berlin is known for is its gritty, underground, urban alternative lifestyle. We have been embracing that, getting amongst it all, and going wild.
Well, we've been doing the wild part at least.
Perhaps I'm more relaxed because we are on vacation. Or perhaps it's that I'm one of those mums who is so "relaxed" that I have let my child go feral.
To explain; today - most of the day, Henry pretty much got his own way.
First we went to the playground. It was all good until a big snow-dog style creature came galloping through the park; given my recent run-ins with dogs, I freaked out and so we left.
We went directly to look at the the toy department in KaDeWa.
We then had a lovely time when we met my friend Zoe. I'd explained to Henry that he needed to be on his best behaviour when we met mummy's friend. And he was - right after I let him eat a huge slice pistachio-cream and raspberry cake. It was supposed to be cake to share, but he demolished it while I was chatting. That was a Euro5.75 slice of delicious cake!
He then had his first proper haircut (though I got told off by the hairdresser because we were late! How rude! It only took her ten minutes anyway!) I had previously purchased some car stickers in anticipation of tears (when I cut his hair there is always tears).
Instead, there were no tears, he thought it was great. I thought it was great too because you pay by the child's height. He is 90cm so is cost Euro9! Great deal!
Still, despite the absence of drama, I proceeded to buy him a toy for being, "such a good boy". I idiotically used bribery where none was required. Basically, I just wanted to be the hero and buy a toy helicopter.
Of course, after all that sugar and excitement, Henry refused any lunch and promptly fell asleep (to be fair, it was a blessing - an unexpected shopportunity!)
But then when he awoke, in a foul mood, I gave the little devil eat yogurt and a croissant as a snack to calm him down (by this stage I needed a coffee and sit-down after all my shopping).
We went directly from coffee to Legoland Discovery Centre. He was in heaven. (I was not. I tolerate soft-play style adventure zones if I can have a coffee and chat with a friend, but otherwise, I struggle).
And then for dinner, Henry refused his potato soup - I was trying to trick him into eating a vegetable - instead he helped me with my pork knuckle and bread dumplings. Such a balanced diet he has!
What was worse, was that this was the performance at dinner; I think I'm getting way too laid back!
Well, we've been doing the wild part at least.
Perhaps I'm more relaxed because we are on vacation. Or perhaps it's that I'm one of those mums who is so "relaxed" that I have let my child go feral.
To explain; today - most of the day, Henry pretty much got his own way.
First we went to the playground. It was all good until a big snow-dog style creature came galloping through the park; given my recent run-ins with dogs, I freaked out and so we left.
 |
| Not scared of dogs! |
We then had a lovely time when we met my friend Zoe. I'd explained to Henry that he needed to be on his best behaviour when we met mummy's friend. And he was - right after I let him eat a huge slice pistachio-cream and raspberry cake. It was supposed to be cake to share, but he demolished it while I was chatting. That was a Euro5.75 slice of delicious cake!
He then had his first proper haircut (though I got told off by the hairdresser because we were late! How rude! It only took her ten minutes anyway!) I had previously purchased some car stickers in anticipation of tears (when I cut his hair there is always tears).
Instead, there were no tears, he thought it was great. I thought it was great too because you pay by the child's height. He is 90cm so is cost Euro9! Great deal!
 |
| Admiring the new haircut |
Of course, after all that sugar and excitement, Henry refused any lunch and promptly fell asleep (to be fair, it was a blessing - an unexpected shopportunity!)
But then when he awoke, in a foul mood, I gave the little devil eat yogurt and a croissant as a snack to calm him down (by this stage I needed a coffee and sit-down after all my shopping).
We went directly from coffee to Legoland Discovery Centre. He was in heaven. (I was not. I tolerate soft-play style adventure zones if I can have a coffee and chat with a friend, but otherwise, I struggle).
 |
| "Pleased to meet you" one of the current favourite expressions. |
And then for dinner, Henry refused his potato soup - I was trying to trick him into eating a vegetable - instead he helped me with my pork knuckle and bread dumplings. Such a balanced diet he has!
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| "Pork knuckle!" |
What was worse, was that this was the performance at dinner; I think I'm getting way too laid back!
Tuesday, 1 October 2013
Recovery Day
Because I had mum guilt for spending so much time training, then racing, then sooking after the race because I was tired, yesterday I took Henry to do something that I knew he would like; we went to the Zoo!
If you are ever in Berlin, especially with kids, but even without, I highly recomend it. The grounds are beautiful and the animals kept in great condition. There are no big fences either, and so when we were looking at the giraffes, Henry asked me if he could "get in" with them. (I said no.)
There is also a great kids area to pat and feed the goats and sheep and donkeys. Unfortunately, we did not have the 10 Euro coin required to purchase food for the animals, but Henry did not let that stop him - he tried feeding the goats sand instead. Good try!
I then saw Haile Gerbrselassie wandering about, but I was too starstruck to ask for a photo. Idiot! I'm regretting that now.
After a couple of hours in the sunshine, my tired body had had enough, so Henry and I found a cosy looking cafe. It turned out to be attached to the Waldorf Astoria. I must say, one of the things that I like about being 32 as opposed to 22, is that if you accidentally find yourself at the Waldorf Astoria for lunch, you can think, "oh well, it's meant to be" and order a glass of wine and desert to to go with your lunch.
Henry thought it was pretty good, and it certainly took the edge off having sore legs!
If you are ever in Berlin, especially with kids, but even without, I highly recomend it. The grounds are beautiful and the animals kept in great condition. There are no big fences either, and so when we were looking at the giraffes, Henry asked me if he could "get in" with them. (I said no.)
 |
Feeding sand to some animals |
I then saw Haile Gerbrselassie wandering about, but I was too starstruck to ask for a photo. Idiot! I'm regretting that now.
 |
| Gerbrelassie walked right passed us, as we sat on this bench eating apples. My eyes almost fell out of my head. |
After a couple of hours in the sunshine, my tired body had had enough, so Henry and I found a cosy looking cafe. It turned out to be attached to the Waldorf Astoria. I must say, one of the things that I like about being 32 as opposed to 22, is that if you accidentally find yourself at the Waldorf Astoria for lunch, you can think, "oh well, it's meant to be" and order a glass of wine and desert to to go with your lunch.
Henry thought it was pretty good, and it certainly took the edge off having sore legs!
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| Best manners for the Waldorf Astoria |
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