Pictures, Words, Breath

For the last time I am in a cafe in Berlin on a Sunday morning writing. My stay is quickly coming to an end. The day after tomorrow I board a train for the UK. Of course, things feel like they are just coming together as always happens in a new place just when its time to leave.

Of Leaves, Paté, and other Tiny Things

Tiny things often seem so inconsequential. And, they probably are for most intents and purposes.

No I am not thinking about the leaves that have mostly fallen off the trees, leaving naked arms prepared for winter’s weight. They are like a fall sweater for sidewalks, if they are not blown or raked into piles. Yesterday, it seemed piles were everywhere I looked. They will soon be gone, but right now they are there.

Again in Berlin

Back in Berlin, in my usual cafe for morning writing, the green tracks still rise from the ground, and knobs and levers of the expresso machine still clank in the background against the rush of steam. The barista, though, is new. He is dark haired and lanky, unlike the shorter, bearded Spaniard with a ring in his nose who generally was here.

Noise and Sound

As I was trying to sleep last night, a difficult proposition since I am jet-lagged, sounds tempted my ears. Car engines revved to make it from a dead stop through the short block before the next light changed. Horns blared warning, irritation, intention, disgust. Police whistled in a burr, a rising sound, and many others that communicate meaning though I do not know it. I could hear people laughing, arguing, talking.

Who Claims the Fall?

Berlin is dressed for a celebration. At the Brandenburg Gate they have set out electronics for an event, just as they have at the Potsdamerplatz. Alexanderplatz is filled with an exhibit. All over town events are scheduled and even businesses are developing marketing oriented towards the festivities.

Comfort

Last week I went to the land of cars. That was not part of the plan. It just happened, as a consequence.

With a glance at a calendar I realized the famous Botanical Gardens of Berlin would close for the season with November’s coming. That would be in two days.

Lines and Sprays

A man spoke with me. I had my camera to my eye, taking a picture of some of the graffiti that covered a wall on Kastanienallee. So, at first I did not pay attention.

Hedwig's Mozart

Berlin is a city of canals and rivers, they say, with more bridges than Venice. It is also a city of churches. I do not know how it compares in that aspect with Italy. Though I have been to Italy, I did not stop to think about the presence of church buildings. Here spires pierce the air in almost every neighborhood and, in the downtown, there seem far more than the current population could support.