Berlin

Berlin 

Beautiful sunny day in Berlin. An amazing 32d degrees. This city has yet to disappoint me.

Checked into the Park Inn Radisson. Loving my compact single room.

Off to the Hotel de Rome. Who knew that the Opera Court Cafe was closed during the summer months. I did not, and instead headed to the roof top terrace for a Hugo cocktails and a lemon tart. Omg, both were amazing. Beautiful, enchanting view of the university, Berliner Dom, and of course all the bright yellow cranes. Spicy popcorn and outragously hit and spicy nuts were served with my drink. The sparkling drink with lime, mint, and prosecco....so good. What is it about this city that makes me drink champagne of sparking wine....only crave it here in Berlin. What a way to spend my last afternoon in Europe, rooftop terra at a 5 star hotel enjoying something sweet, prosecco, and jazz being played in tune with the jackhammers-----nothing like it after a week of cobble stones and pubs.

Time to get into the hood, that would be Alexanderplatz, for this visit. It is a pretty place, nit as much as Tiergarten, or Mitte but pretty. Again a lot of construction to revamp Stalin era area. Finally saw the Town Hall up close, walked around Nikolaiviertel, enjoyed Marienkirche and the alabaster pulpit and the 72f fresco being retouched, came across the 13 century ruins of an abbey, and enjoyed a meal at Brauhaus Georgbrau right along the Spree.

Well time to look out by window, and enjoy the view out onto Alexanderplatz as the sun sets.

Good night everyone and hope you enjoy the last pictures.

Last day in Poland = Beach time

I was the first person and out of the house this morning. Taking a bus to my beloved Niechorze. There by 9:15. Nice to be in town as the bakeries, restaurants, and stores are opening. Nothing like fresh out of the oven east buns with chocolate, poppyseed, or almonds...sure I bought 1 of each to take to the beach. A stop for a cappuccino and then made my way to the Sandra Spa beach. The cabana boys remembered me and were happy to see me back, only because, just guessing here, but I might be the only person to tip them. By 12:30,, which is Nora beer time, the boys were just starting their 4th keg of Zywiec of the day....amazing! 

 A beautiful 5 hrs were spent in basket 31 right on the edge of ten beach. Once I made my way back to the main strip, off to my favorite place for a beer and food. Not sure when I will return to Poland so I took in my fav beach, bar(food), and ice cream place. leave Niechorze but time to ensure final items are packed and get a good nights rest for a day in Berlin.

Good nights rest, my ass. My family planned dinner, beer, and drinks. Fun times were had my all. Much laughter and staying up past midnight. Sleeping on the airways transit is the plan

Last Day in Dublin...a mixed bag of stuff

Have checked out of my Hotel, the Eliza Lodge and strolling to The National Gallery. Sipping a mocha at Costa and reflecting on yesterday.

The Vikings came and settled to Ireland. Lots of building here in the city are built on those ruins. The lake I was at yesterday was majestic. The Monastery and cemetery ruins from yesterday took my breathe away. Started in the 6th century and still some what standing.

The Irish stuff purchases I made yesterday were just beautiful and amazing. Irish sheep, created by Irish designers, and made by the people of this land. The prices were incredible. I bought a wool blanket, wool scarf, a mohair scarf, and an amazing wool sweater. The sweater I will brag about as it was 159e on sale for 50e. Also bought Avoca soap from sheets milk, some Irish lavender in Irish linen bags. Minus the tax free exemption , plus shipping the total cost was 179e. I think a steal for all I purchased. Including the shoes from Poland...not bad if I say so myself.

I need to stop thinking and get to the Gallery to get lost in some Renaissance, baroque, and Impressionism masterpieces.  So disappointed on. My last day. Most of the museum is closed due to renovations.....yup! Did get to see Irish painters...loved Paul Henry and John Yeats.

Was there a quarter of the time I allotted myself and thus shopped for some Christmas stocking stuffers, tho of you that know me, know I shop all year for items. Wandered down Grafton, got lost at Merrion Square. Stopped a cop to help with directions. First one I had seen, except those on scooters and motorcycles. He was helpful and also gave me a lesson in history. Cops don't carry guns here. Michael Collins unarmed the cops back in 1921. Wanted peace to be kept peacefully. 

Anyways made my way to Cafe en Seine on Dawson. What a beauty of a pub. French sign and very museum like. Felt like pub food and beer seemed wrong, so having a appetizer platter and white wine, Serrano  ham, chorizo, salami, taleggio cheese, sundries tomorrow hummus, and amazing breads...too much for 1 person.

Wandered to Dublin Castle....meanwhile came across Powerscourt Townhouse and The Long House....been looking for the Long House for days, thus stopped in for a 1/2.....if Anthony Bourdain says to stop by, I guess you should. Found Dublin Castle.....not as impressive as I expected. The last tower for fortification dates from@1200...there is one remaining.

Overall Trinity 7 minutes from the hotel, Dublin castle 10 minutes, Christ Church 12, and Gratfon for shopping was 10 as well. Great location dispute the noise, as I have mentioned earlier.

Well just before I pick up my bag at the Hotel...having another cup of tea at Queen of Tarts. Love the clutch of the woman beside me. She bought it in Seville for 8e....blue and leather...beautiful. As we are chatting her husband sits down...none other than the actor from Lipsick Jungle, St.Elmo's Fire, and of course Pretty in Pink...OMG. He knows I have recognized him and we both say nothing. But his wife does ' andrew, after 5 days someone has finally recognized you'. Omg,  it is him...picture it is. So cool!

Well just before 3pm, do I have time for my last Irish pint. I think I do, flight is at 6:40. So off to the Temple Bar, where I started my drinking/tasting 5 days ago. 

Slante and Thanks to Dublin!!!

Xoxox