Goodbye Jen and April

Following an evening of Salsa dancing, Jen and April are off to Italy for some fun and sun for the month of August. We'll miss them. See you guys back in Guelph.

Neptune Fountain

Miranda next to the Neptune Fountain in AlexanderPlatz (Central Berlin). Neptune is god of the sea in roman mythology (analogous to Poseidon in greek mythology). The fountain was created in the 1800s, and includes Neptune sitting on a giant shell, and surrounded by 4 females, each sitting on one corner of the fountain (I'm next to one of them). These females (or Nymphs) represent the 4 big

 rivers (Rhine, Weichsel, Oder, and Elbe) that once ran through the Kingdom of Prussia (Berlin being its last capital city).

Mallnow

Today we took a field trip to a site near Mallnow, Germany with Michael (our local field botanist), Miranda, and Pedro.

It's a beautiful spot, and a hotspot for plant diversity. Notice in the background the Oder River, that separates Germany from Poland. 

Miranda and Michael discussing botany

A wild plum tree. We lost Miranda for a bit as she pulled out a brown paper bag and filled it with tasty ripe plums

Wild oregano. I may as well be in Greece. Actually this spot was loaded with mediterranean plants. 

A nice break in the much-needed shade

The Oder River. 

Bundespressestrand

Bundespressestrand - a beach bar, loaded with sand and sand toys, in the middle of the government district in Berlin. A bit weird, yes, but I give it a rating of 5 stars. Where else can you keep a 5 and 2 year old happy, while the parents relax, drink beer and socialize? 

Of course Nemy and Jamina decide that they prefer to play in the artificial wetland, as opposed to the sand. 

Thanks for the 2nd pic Matthias.

Next time won't you sing with me?

Hertha Berlin vs Liverpool

Jen, April, Anemone and I went to see a football match between Hertha Berlin and Liverpool. It was a friendly match, and it ended in a 0-0 tie. Definitely less exciting than the Euro cup matches. But it was fun to be in the Berlin Olympic stadium (of the infamous 1936 Olympics). 

It was quite the beer they served...in 1-Litre cups. The sight of thousands of males peeing in the bushes and in the open after the game was something else.

Soccer is a great game. I've really learned to appreciate it during this trip. However, during this particular game, it dawned on me that with a few minor modifications it can be much more exciting. I suggest reducing the size of the field, reducing the number of players from 11 to 6 per side, reducing the size of the net and ball, giving the players protective gear and a stick, allowing body to body contact, removing the turf and replacing it with ice, and voila! 

Get better soon, Mary!

Hi Mary, we heard about your accident. I hope the surgery on your leg went well, and that you will be up and running around really soon. Love, J, M, A and A.