I woke this morning to the very depressing news that it looked as if Trump was to be the next president. Hard to believe really. And oh so depressing. Its times like these that I really want someone to talk to so it was great to chat to Ang and lament the news. I couldn’t watch TV for long, it was driving me crazy so out I went. I headed for Schloss Charlottenburg and buried myself in Germanic Royalty and Empire. I walked the Schloss and then the New Pavilion with its collection of art. I walked in the beautiful park and then headed off over the road to the museum sector.
I’ll digress here to share my thought on getting around in Germany. The Germans that I’ve met and who are my friends are amazing. Heinz rings regularly to ensure I’m OK and Josua’s family could not have been more generous and kind. You feel as if once they are your friends, they’re your friends for life. But as you get around the city and interact in so many ways, I honestly don’t think I’ve come across many ‘peoples’ who are as rude and unhelpful (except maybe Bulgaria and Israel). Not only would they not dream of standing for anyone on the bus but actively shove you to get to the seat first (not EVERY time but often), the people you buy tickets off in the museums and Schloss’ etc are generally very unhelpful and as a consequence you have to work out for yourself what you should be doing. In shops, like today, when I was trying to buy a tasty cheese but didn’t have the words in German the woman serving got really cross with me, indicating that these were the cheeses and which one did I want. So…the long and the short of travelling in Germany (for me at least) is that you need to have friends. Once your friend I think the Germans are funny, generous and exceptional helpful.
That was my digression. Which you probably think is delusional. Now back to my day. Over the road from the Schloss is a sort of museum precinct. One of many in Berlin. So I bought a ticket for 2 of the 3 and made my choices. I went first to the Sampling Scharf-Gerstenberg Museum of Surreal Art. It was great to learn a little about German Surrealism as well as to get another dose ( a great dose in Hamburg) of the classics such as Ernst, Margritte, Dali, Tanguy etc. But for all the fabulous art, once again the venue was totally amazing. It was the old Royal Stables fitted out as a gallery and it was an extraordinary space. From there it was over the road to the Museum Berggruen. Full of Klee, Matisse and Picasso. can’t complain about that selection. Only problem being that Picasso was last and by the time I got to him I had to really work to maintain my interest…but Picasso helped with some great stuff!
Then I was out of food and my bus changeover was happening very close to KaDeWe …so I stopped in there to stock up on fridge food. A very expensive way to shop to be sure but a goos selection to keep me happy for my remaining week. By this stage I was exhausted and it was dark and bitterly cold. So back on the bus and home. First thing…a big glass of wine, second thing…turn on the telly. Oh great just in time to Clinton’d speech conceding the election. More wine…quickly!!
Not idea what I’m going to do tomorrow…too tired to worry about it.
Lots of love my dear family and friends (ARE you out there Calamia?????) XXXXXX Hi Jules XXX