Hola Orela

I was so excited about Orela's visit, but when she finally arrived I felt rather guilty. On the way to collect her from the airport I had a Sliding Doors moment and missed the train. Knowing the next one would get me to the airport a few minutes late I thought, 'Oh, please let her plane be delayed.' Due to a medical emergency the flight was diverted to Manchester airport. Orela arrived four hours late, tired and hungry (luckily, by the time the plane had landed the man suspected of having a heart attack seemed well).

Another reason for my guilty feeling was how everyone else seemed to have trumped me with their welcomes.

During her stay took a boat tour of the city

The slidey thingy (that's official boating jargon) protected us from the rain

We also took a trip to Potsdam, which delighted me by providing sights I hadn't taken in on my previous visit,

Princess Orela. How rude! I was supposed to be the princess and she was my Lady in Waiting. You don't play fair Orela Kingston!

We both loved this statue whose foot is the only part where the bronze is clean and shining.

The China House seemed even more spectacular, I noticed more detail this time round

I loved the people peaking out from behind pillars

We noticed the strange pods on this tree and asked a guard what kind of tree it was.

He explained that is was the American Trumpet Tree, and pulled back some branches to show us the flowers.

Talking Heads

The Moument to fallen Russian soldiers in Treptower Park

On her final night we went to the Sony Centre.

We took her to the Premier of a movie. Well technically we just went to the cinema on the evening that there happened to be the European premier of The Zookeeper, but we did get to see Kevin James (aka The Man From King Of Queens). Orela, as you can see, was shocked and fascinated.

Before the film we enjoyed some traditional German food

And a 'traditional' banana beer.

Cheers Orela! I loved having you over! Come back soon!

Karneval der Kulturen

There seems to be a festival every weekend in Berlin during the summer. A couple of weekends ago I headed to Kreuzberg to take in the Karneval der Kulturen - a celebration of multi-culturalism.

Spot the, erm, gimp

The little old lady across the road

대한민국

Inevitably it became a party. Minimal electro DJs are pied pipers in Berlin.

The Longest Weekend

Last weekend har four days. On Thursday it was Men's Day, where men do manly things, like drinking beer in a trailer.

Looking around palaces is also manly, so I headed to Potsdam with some friends.

The Versailles of Germany, Sanssouci Palace.

With a small space for growing oranges.

And room for a couple of guests.

What Garden is complete with a gold China House?

More manliness on Friday with sailing.

My future home.

Saturday I hit a market with Jess to get supplies for cooking.

No thanks, Darlin', I'm sweet enough

Julie refused to help so SHE DIDN'T GET ANY

The rhubarb cobbler was delicious (and one should always cook to match one's outfit)

This weekend will only be three days long. Boooo!

Tomorrow Never Comes

I had decided that yesterday would be THE day. I would start back at the MA I had taken a break from. I would organise my German notes. I would study study study.

But the kitchen needed cleaning. And so did the Bathroom. Those episodes of Modern Family were not going to watch themselves, either. I suddenly realised how desperately in need I was of a good mani-pedi. And what about my hair? A deep conditioning treatment was certainly necessary. Before I new it it was time to head to the shop and by food to cook for Jess and Julie who were coming over (I made sure to be bare-foot and flick my hair when they got here).

Oh well, there is always tomorrow. I mean, I couldn't possibly start today, I have to meet a friend for lunch, see a man about a bike, and I really feel the need to go for a jog...

If only I was doing an MA in Procrastination.

Berlin Beginnings

About three months ago I arrived in Berlin about from Malaysia, and the contrast couldn't have been bigger. In comparison to smiley, sunny Malaysia, Berlin and it's inhabitants seemed dark and cold. I cast my mind back to last summer, and saw a glimmer of hope in the changing seasons.

As I waited for things to warm up, I made some foodie friends with which I could experience the city in the best way I know how: eating. Jess and I went to an "Ostalgie" (Ost+Nostalgie) restaurant that specialises in food and décor from DDR

And with Lisa we experienced the world's tastiest kebab - food so good I have to share it with all my clothes. I think discovering this place was the turning point in my feelings for Berlin.

When I felt home sick for Korea, I found how easy it was to cook Korean food here.

And it turns out some Korean games are global too - I've seen this in playgrounds before.

I've danced through the day...

...and the night.

As the weather has warmed up, so have I.
I love this city.

But I still carry Korea with me wherever I go.