The Vienna Diaries~ My First Day

I haven't written anything about my move to Vienna, apart from the odd scribble in my diary and now I find myself sat in bed at 3am wondering why...

I moved here on the 1st February and it's now the 5th March. Sheesh. Over a month and here I am, sat reflecting and writing down my thoughts.

My First Day 1/02/2018

I caught the westbound central line train bright and early from Loughton to Stratford. I remember thinking about how this is my last time in such a familiar and almost routine location for at least the next 5 months. I waited for Vinny to arrive as I had got there quite early (for once) and when we met each other he grabbed my hand luggage and one of my suitcases and off we walked to the platform. I had previously struggled with my 2 overweight suitcases and 10kg backpack so was therefore reminded of how much I will miss this ever so important man in my life.

Once I was checked in and past security and was able to sit and watch the planes taking off. I was completely alone now and I felt a little odd. I still didn't feel like I was moving countries. I had packed, said my goodbyes and I was then waiting for my flight to be called in this tiny duty-free airport, yet I still did not understand why I felt so calm. Possibly I was just exhausted as I only had around 2 hours sleep but even still. The reason I mention this slightly confusing feeling is because I still somehow feel it. I am so at home in Vienna, however, I feel like I haven't moved countries at all, but rather taken a nice, long break that keeps going on and getting better. 

I eventually boarded the plane and slept for the whole journey. I arrived in Vienna at around 3pm and decided to catch the train as I knew that a taxi would be the easy and expensive way out. I dragged my 2 suitcases down to the station and spent about 10 minutes trying to figure out which ticket was correct for where I was heading as well as why on earth google maps was telling me to leave in an hour rather than straight away. Despite the fact that I had changed the language to English on the machine it turned out to still be a struggle for my tired brain and after jabbing at the touch screen overs and overs, a ticket was spat out and I headed for the platform. I looked at the monitor and could not figure out which train was heading to my stop. Google maps was telling me to leave in an hour and it hadn't clicked that I had just forgotten to change the time on my phone (as I had taken it off automatic whilst in Morocco). I decided to take a chance and go to the platform most people were getting on- the 1st platform. It was a smart choice too as I made it safely to Traissengasse Station and was then able to complete the final leg of the journey, the 7 minute walk from the station to my new home... The Fizz. Unfortunately, it was raining fairly heavily and I arrived looking like a washed-up Londoner. 

My room was (and is still) so so beautiful. I am staying in a student dorm that is quite literally kitted out with everything. It has a music room, 2 study rooms, a cinema room, a rooftop terrace, large common area (with hammocks!), shared kitchen and dining area for everyone downstairs, kitchens and living rooms on every 2nd floor and not to mention my own room that has a private kitchenette and bathroom. We can use the amenities downstairs by popping to reception, that includes pool tables, Fussball tables, Playstations, extra beds, BBQ's and everything else you may want or require to live comfortably. Ok, so I'm done showing off and I am so happy to be here, even if it did mean I pay a little more than other students in Vienna. I am still paying less rent than I was in London for something a 20x the quality and comfort. 

I was shown to my room and after sorting out the legal bits was left to relax... or not. There was, of course, no bed linen, food, pots or pans, toilet paper or anything. My suitcase had been stuffed to the brim with clothes and shoes and so a trip to the nearest supermarket was required, but I was beginning to realise how exhausted I was. The linen-less bed looked so inviting and I didn't care too much about my hunger. I was wet, cold and tired! I eventually decided that I should just do what needs to be done now- or as much of it as I could in order to avoid more stress tomorrow. I headed to Wien Mitte, Landstrasse, a shopping centre 7 minutes away by train, in order to buy a duvet, pillow and some bed sheets. I ended up spending hours in Interspar trying to work out the measurements and find some decent food to take back. Everything felt like such an ordeal, especially when I didn't understand a word of German. I really was the ignorant foreigner that did not speak the native tongue and couldn't communicate even to ask where I could find the bread. Most people do speak English in Austria or at least Vienna so in all truthfulness it was not a huge issue, but what I struggled with was the slight embarrassment I felt when trying to be respectful and at least attempting to use my limited knowledge of German to communicate. As it was I walked around Interspar with my phone in hand and google translate bright on the screen. Such a simple and usually enjoyable process for me had turned into stress. I had to get a taxi home as my trolly was filled to the brim with shopping bags and there was no way I was catching the train again, especially in case it started to rain. I called an Uber and within 5 minutes I was picked up. The driver was super friendly and basically the third or fourth person I had had direct contact with since arriving in the new city. He did not speak a word of English and found it hilarious when I attempted to be polite and converse with him. I remember being asked questions in an Austrian German accent to which my reply would be, 'errmmm ja- Entschuldigung, I don't understand, meine Deutsch ist schlect'. The driver would throw his head back with laughter and then proceed on to asking me more Deutsch questions. When I would ask some English questions he would simply shake his head showing that he hadn't the faintest idea what I had said. The slightly strange and painful experience was eventually over and I had never been so happy to rest my head. My new bed, my new room, my new city- Vienna was my new home and all I could think about was sleep.

Peace&Love,
Willow

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My First Solo Trip: Part Three of the Swiss Adventure- Cross Country and Back in Time to Make Friends

I began the day by being very uncertain about whether I should visit Mt. Schilthorn or not as I would be left with almost no money and also it was raining in Luzern. I decided to just go anyway as I had heard the train journey was very picturesque and the Bernese Oberlands were just spectacular, but it was raining for the whole journey.

After making the decision to visit, but incase it was too rainy and cloudy I would do some more sight seeing in Luzern first (as the rain was very light). I made my way on foot to Luzern's famous Lion Monument to begin with- after getting lost (this place was so easy to find and I have no idea how I missed the turn). The Lion Monument, designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen commemorates the fallen Swiss Guards who were brutally massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution. The monument, measuring 10 meters in length and 6 meters in height was notably praised by Mark Twain as 'the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world'. It was very beautiful to look at and the ambiance of the garden in which it lies brought on a moment of reflection. The movements we become a part of, the things we fight for in life, the people we are willing to hurt in the name of a cause, the hope that lies within so many, this monument represents so much more than just loss of lives, but rather complete social reformation and the cost that societies -past, present and future- set so high in order for a nation to be free.

My next stop was the Church of Saint. Leodegar that I found to be tall and grand, without being too obnoxious. I of course lit a candle for my wonderful mother. 

Candle for my Mumma

Finally after some wandering and strolling I decided to catch the train at 12:05 to Interlaken and therefore had an hour to experience one of Luzern's famous museums. I decided to go to the one conveniently located next to the train station; Kunstmuseum Luzern. Looking back I do regret not leaving myself an entire day to really explore Luzern as the galleries and museums were really of a high standard. I had free admission thanks to my Swiss Pass (click to read about whether I believe it is worth it), and was so impressed with the installations. I've done my fair share of galleries and museums in London but I do still class myself as a novice, however the Kunstmuseum in Luzern was something quite alluring. Every installation I found thought provoking, amusing, fun or just pleasing to the eye. I often became a part of the art and now in heinsight, should have spent longer in the museums and lesser time on the trains. The joy of heinsight- you will only know once it's too late.

 I did have a lovely train journey though and arrived at Interlaken 2 hours later, but seemed to be raining even harder than when I had got on the train. I connected to the WiFi, had a moan to Vinny about the weather (as us Brits do) then asked for advice on what to do from the man working at the station. He laughed at my misfortune and suggested that I visit Bern as there was lots of lovely shops to visit and 'it is of course the capital!'

A train was leaving in 5 minutes and so I made haste, ensuring I hopped on the correct train, and that was it, I was spending my afternoon in the Swiss capital! 

Arriving in Bern, I was slightly confused. Needless to say I walked in circles, and eventually just followed the direction of the trams which proved to be a good decision as I soon found myself strolling among the bustling city centre.

Bern Train Station

The Clock Tower

I wandered around for a few hours, taking pictures and admiring the views (although I must admit, Luzern beats Bern by miles... beauty wise.) I bought some cheese at a Fromagerie and soon found myself in a chocolate shop- Läderach!

Läderach Chocolate!

Bern's Natural History Museum

As Switzerland is a bilingual (is that the word?) country I found myself trying my hardest to be polite and speak in the native language, which in Luzern was German however in Bern they speak both! I am much more confident in French and was delighted when I found people responding to me in French, though it felt at times rather confusing, especially as I was travelling cross country!

Federal Palace of Switzerland

After some shopping and sight seeing, I decided to go for a meal in a nice restaurant. I had wanted to eat at a traditional Swiss place for a while but wasn't willing to pay the extortionate prices in Luzern, so Bern seemed like a better idea. 

Diary Entry from the Restaurant;

I am in a great little restaurant in the center of Bern called Le Mazat. I came for a Cheese Fondue but decided to get their famous 'Rotzi'- Swiss Cheese and Black Pepper, instead. 

Worst mistake. It was not great. 

I started off writing this entry before my food came and here I am regretting my decision majorly! That was literally the worst 19.50 CHF I have spent! I should have just saved the money and attempted Mt. Schilthorn tomorrow. 

Let me briefly explain what exactly a Rotzi is as I didn't include it in my entry... So think a large round clay bowl filled with finely sliced new potatoes and a lot of cheese and a little bit of butter. Heart attack worthy? Yes. Makes you feel like a baby cow? Yes. Tasty in any way... well the first 3 mouthfuls weren't bad but it then very quickly begins to taste like a bad jacket potato. They did have other fillings like ham and chicken etc but the waiter was quite rude and didn't seem to interested when I asked him on his opinion, so I just went for the 'safe' option. Sigh.

I feel so bad as a lovely American couple came in and saw what I had ordered and thought it looked delicious. They asked my opinion and the staff were standing right near me so I nodded and said 'it's quite tasty'. Why did I lie? The poor buggars then both ordered the exact same thing as me!! Well I hope they like bland food otherwise they will think I have a screw missing.

I finished up as I try not to waste food and then paid my bill and left. I spent about an hour more as the shops and markets were closing looking around to see if I had missed anywhere although I began to feel quite lost. Bern wasn't the easiest place to navigate around and so I therefore decided to head home before it got too dark.

The train journey was relaxing and by the time I got to the hostel I had kind of recharged my batteries. I signed into the WiFi for a while and updated Vinny on my day, whilst posting a couple Instagram snaps, then figured it was a Friday night so why should I stay in if I wasn't tired? I was on an adventure after all- my first solo one at that! I went up to my room and put on a bit of mascara, picked up my ID and headed out. On my way I saw the two girls that were also sleeping in my dorm. They were both from Argentina and backpacking around Europe. I asked them if they were interested in finding a bar or club but I was looked at like I was crazy, so I was off by myself.

Diary Entry from Friday night; 

I wandered about for ages, Luzern feels very safe, even at night and eventually came across a park where I picked up some random WiFi from a nearby bar called MAX's. There were benches in the park but they were all wet so I decided to head closer to the bar where there was outdoor seating. The music was thumping for a Friday night and I sat, snap chatting, afraid to go in as I was completely alone! I hardly go into bars by myself in London... but then again, 'nobody knows me here'. I eventually plucked up the courage and showed my ID to the bouncer whom I chatted with a little then proceeded inside. 

The Swiss are known to be cold people, but like anyone, with a drink in their system they open up and become friendly. I ordered my usual Gin & Tonic then went to find a seat. I sat on a bar stool alone with my phone glued to my hand, stirring and sipping on my drink. I bopped awkwardly to the music and sat around for about 10 minutes until two girls came next to me to order a round of drinks. I smiled then carried on staring at my phone but the girl directly next to me picked up a leaf of peppermint and whilst giggling, dropped it into my glass. In laughed as I understood it was done in a friendly joking way and she then grabbed a straw and added it in. I laughed again as 
I could see she was a little tipsy and she then started speaking to me in German. I said in my best German accent, 'nein, English?' To which she replied, 'a little!' From there she introduced me to her friend she was standing with and we briefly chatted till she invited me over to the table where they were sat. There was about 5 of them to begin with but slowly more and more friends and friends of friends arrived to join the party. By the end of the night there was 9 of us! We spent the night drinking a crazy drink with a long name ending in 'Meister' which I was told got you f#*ked up, talking about our different but not so different (if you get me) lives and generally having a good time. Her name was Tamara and her best friend (who's name I'm trying to remember) were so so welcoming and kind to me, plus they were both absolute beauties. Then there was Tamara's good friend who was going out with her best friend, and then Michael or Miri who was super funny and kept telling me about his black girlfriend and how much he loved curly hair, and my hair... and my face! Hahaha! There was then heaps of others that would come and go and by the end of the night, after I had practiced meine Deutsch, we decided to all start heading home. Marcus, one of the guys that had come slightly later and I  had been getting along well and were chatting about our complicated love lives. I was going to walk back with the girls but they decided to get a cab as they were quite drunk and so I walked with Miri and Marcus. Marcus pulled out some ganja and invited me to join them for a quick sesh, so I thought ayyy, why not? I assume they were planning a quick session but ended up taking forrrrever to roll the damn thing. Two Austrian guys also came and joined us, now in the park and at this point I was tired and wanted to go home- but I had waited so long... what difference would another 10 minutes make? We didn't smoke nearly enough to have any kind of effect but still it was cool to think I had smoked in Switzerland. The two guys- Marcus and Miri, ended up walking me as far as the lake and from there it was only another 6 or 7 minutes. They wanted to roll again but there was no way I was waiting for what would turn into 45 minutes for them so I set off alone.  There was no buses running as it was about 3AM but I did actually feel rather safe. I kept my wits about me though and power walked my way back to the hostel. Once in I was straight to bed! Ahhhhhhh.

The Friday night in Luzern had taught me a lot. Not only was I a confident and open young woman, but when I put my mind to it... I could achieve anything! Even making friends in a bar full of Swiss people!

Peace&Love,

Willow

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The Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2016

The luxury of having an older sister up in Fife really pays off around Festival season in Scotland. My sister Tara and my two gorgeous nieces Amelia and Ariana live about an hours drive from Edinburgh. I had been to Scotland a couple times before, but never to the famous Edinburgh Fringe Fest- 2016 was my year!

Edinburgh- or Athens of the north to the locals, is one of the most popular tourist cities in the UK. The city is not only known for its cobbled passages, rustic buildings and hilly surroundings but Edinburgh was one of the first cities in the world to be named a UNESCO city of Literature, for the city's list of world renown writers goes on and on...
The Ed Fringe Fest, est. 1947 is the largest arts festival in the world. Yes, I did just google that because I couldn't believe it myself! Coming to life in the month of August (the best month of the year- my birthday month) this open access festival- yes anyone can be part of the fest, even you!- is categorised into 12 exciting sections, rounding up over a total of 50,000 performances across the month. The most popular section of course is COMEDY, partly due to the Edinburgh Comedy Awards that have launched the careers of many well known British comedians.


With my family, I visited the festival on two different occasions during my visit to Edinburgh. As this was my first Fringe Festival experience I do feel as though I was no way prepared! I had no idea what to expect, where to start or what kind of thing to see. I had done no research and therefore did not book ahead for any of the popular and exciting shows and performances. My sister, Tara had warned me that if I wanted to check out a show I should be prepared and book in advance as it tends to get hectic but I was too laid back. Next thing I'm queuing up at the box office for tickets to see Trainspotting and... Sold Out....*cries a little inside*.

In the height of the festival season the Royal Mile crowds get insane!

I didn't end up seeing anything at the festival (except spontaneous street acts) partly due to my disorganisation and partly because it was overwhelming to pick one thing- I know cry me a river! The brochure/timetable thing that holds all the amazing acts was packed and in the end I had left it all too late. Oh well, there is always 2017!

Although I didn't attend any of the events or acts I did manage to experience the upbeat atmosphere of the streets of Edinburgh- a city that calls to be explored by foot I must say! With every tiny avenue leading to a rift of fascinating stalls, shops and eateries I was spoiled for choice.
So yes, my first experience of the Edinburgh Fringe Fest was probably not up to standard by any means, although I did promise myself to return- hopefully in the next couple years, ensuring I immerse myself fully in the Scottish festival experience!

Peace&Love,
Willow

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COPENHAGEN - The City Centre & Christiana

It was my second day in Copenhagen with my love, Shaylee, and it was really time to explore!

Shaylee had a full day planned and as I wasn't actually visiting for very long we had so much to squeeze in!

We began with a hearty breakfast nice and early, something I commend the Danish for. I usually skip breakfast due to laziness- a habit I am trying to break- but during my trip, I never actually missed a meal! 

We set off into Copenhagen by train. Now since I'm such a public transport enthusiast- I'm only kidding I don't drive (yet) so I'm forced to take in the ever so scenic train and bus each day- I couldn't help notice the super spacious trains! Literally, there are separate carriages for buggies and bikes and they can hold approx 10/15 bikes. No one else really uses these carriages unless they have a bike or pushchair because people are respectful of each other's needs, and wouldn't want to take up space. Well, that was the vibe I got anyway.

Within 25 minutes we were in the centre of Copenhagen! Shaylee and I took a stroll through the pretty streets and went into the famous department store Illum. Copenhagen, I couldn't help but notice has a very different atmosphere to the likes of London. The pace seems much slower, more relaxed and far less busy. It is as if people are actually enjoying their day rather than rushing off somewhere. Although the prices are roughly the same...I exchanged my £ to Krona in one of the only exchange places in the city... and it was a rip off! I lost around £30 to commission!!!

Cool House! 

After doing a bit of shopping, and picking up a super cute top in Zara for 69K (basically £6.99), we headed for an all you can eat Turkish Buffet. Yum!

After having a tasty lunch, we caught the metro to Christiana. The metro in Copenhagen only has 2 lines, which I thought was crazy in comparison to the London Underground, so as you can imagine it really didn't take long. Shaylee and I met with Patrick after hopping off the metro and took a stroll along the canal down to the small village of  Christiana.

For those who are unaware, Christiana is Copenhagen's 'free town'. It is an outlandish place where societies rejects are welcomed. 

Also known as a hippie village, Christiana is a great place to visit for music and arts festivals, organic and vegan-friendly foods, and of course cheap beer! It is also popular for its Amsterdam style attitude towards smoking. For 50K I thought, 'When in Rome'... In Denmark however, Weed is illegal, so therefore the market style stalls that sell the illicit product have reinforced the law of the land: No Photography!! Fair enough, no one wants to get caught!


Our day ended with a scrumptious bowl of tagliatelle conjured up by Shaylee's (and now my) friend, Alex who is training to be a chef. I, of course, assisted as the Sous Chef, by setting the table and mixing the pan... and yes, the food was wonderful. Thank you ALEX! 

Peace&Love,
Willow

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BERLIN - DAY 3/3

Our final day in Berlin...

DAY 3

We checked out of the hotel at 11am and began to make our way to the airport, located south east of Berlin. As we arrived in Alexanderplatz I realised that we had forgot to check in online! Scheisse! With no internet connection the both of us some how stayed calm and after a moments thought, walked over to our trusty Carambar from last night- Why? To use their WiFi of course. Thank you Carambar. With the euros we had left, we bought some food (another Halloumi Kebab for me, with lots of garlic sauce and all the salad!) to eat on the train. On the way in, the journey had seemed fairly simple, so rather than planning our route ahead we hoped for the best and went for it! BIG MISTAKE.
All I remember for the next couple hours were spanish tourists, wrong train, half an hour waiting times and a lot of panic. 

When another train pulled in around 10 minutes later, and we had confirmed it was going to take us in the direction of the airport. We tried our hardest to hop on, but in the way stood a large group of Spaniards and their suitcases. They were obviously going in the same direction as us and started saying 'No airport, no airport' as we tried our best to hop on, before the doors began to close. This obviously caused doubts and so we got off again, flustered and confused, and beginning to run out of time. We originally had 3 hours to get to the airport, which on our way in, took around 1. Now checking the time, we had about 2. We asked a lady working in the café on the same platform, what train to look out for and she told us the very one we had hopped off of was going in our direction. Scheisse! So we waited for the next one. 

Possibly another 20-30 minutes later, the next train pulled in. We all got on this one which then terminated at the next stop. We were sure it was the right train... what was going on? With a little help from a ticket inspector she guided us to the U-Bahn station we needed, in order to get the correct underground train to the airport. 
After a lot more confusion and trying our best to ditch the Spaniards whom we were worried would end up in front of us on arrival and then going through security (holding us up even more), we made it, may I add... AS OUR GATE WAS SCHEDULED TO CLOSE. Scheisse! Run!
Around maybe 10 minutes later (at most) we arrived at our gate. To our surprise, the gate was still indeed open for business. Phew! We could relax...

Peace&Love
Willow 

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BERLIN - DAY 2/3

DAY 2

When purchasing our ticket, once again we used the Welcome Card which gave us around 50% off, meaning our entrance to this attraction was 9,70€, a huge saving. After waiting for our ticket number to be called (on a busy day you can wait up to an hour, luckily we waited around 25 minutes), we went through security and then into the lift. There are two lifts in the building to keep things moving and they both move at 6m/s- wow! The alternative is the 986 steps you could climb to the top...err I don't think so!

Question: How long did it take for us to reach the top- not the very top, the first floor of the globe at 203m?
The guide/lift operative gave us some facts about the TV Tower (after asking what languages were spoken within the small group and then speaking very quickly in German and English, making it hard to even differentiate between the two), then ding! we were at the top. The views were incredible! 
What I noticed the most was the key differences in German architecture. Though I am no expert in the field, the Plattenbauten style buildings (meaning plain concrete slab buildings) throughout Berlin focus on steering clear of gentrification (something London, is having to face on a tremendous scale, but lets not go there ay) which some believe to help maintain the social continuity after the ever so recent demolish of the Eastern Bloc/Berlin Wall. 

Once at the Cathedral we paid our Student Entry, at 5€ each (nice price!) and made our way into the beautiful building. We looked around, admiring the fascinating décor... and here I took the chance to light a candle for my mother, who passed away in 2006, as well as the rest of the friends and relatives who join her. We continued up the walkway to the top of the Dome where we could then take in more impressive views in the outdoor viewing gallery. 270 steps later, through narrow, winding and seemingly everlasting stairways we were at the top. It was chilly and in all honesty not as amazing as I had anticipated, however I do recommend still taking the journey up-for the experience!

We then decided to hop on the U-Bahn and head to the East Side Gallery, but first had a stop off at Checkpoint Charlie.

For those of you that are unaware, Checkpoint Charlie was the border crossing used during the Cold War to separate East and West Berlin. This point is noted as a geographical focal point for the Cold War, where the divide between Berlin began and eventually ended. This is not to mention the countless demonstrations that went on, successful and unsuccessful attempts to escape from the Eastern Bloc and where the USA intervened to defend the fundamental rights of the German people.

Checkpoint Charlie itself has clearly changed from what it used to be. The tense unwelcoming sensation that once existed was no longer present and rather a more upbeat vibe that invited visitors into the ground breaking (literally- underground escapes were a real thing!) history that stood before them.
We strolled along the lengthy stretch, past Checkpoint Charlie that then took us out of the East and into the West of Berlin. Before the destruction of the wall in 1990, this area was ran by the USA. Back then it was the place of freedom, and also where many families resided in hope of being reunited one day, with their relatives on the other side of the checkpoint. For us in 2016 the atmosphere of the city had somewhat changed. It was prominent that this area had taken much of the original backlash after the summer of 1990. Rather than the trendy and hip city we had got used to, this area in West Berlin had a more cutting edge, highlighting the poverty and disruption the Eastern Bloc caused, even till today. Filled with heart felt graffiti, this was the moment we realised that Berlin was about much more than we anticipated. The city held a painful and moving past that we were slowly uncovering.

After hopping off the U-Bahn at Schesisches Tor and strolling down to the East Side Gallery, we were confronted with the only remaining section of the Berlin Wall, stretching 1.3km and covered from top to bottom in glorious and aspiration art. This timeless gallery is completely free and displays world famous pieces.

Time passed rather quickly and before we knew it, the sun had set. We caught the bus back to the station (as we were feeling lazy to re-walk the 1.3km) and to our surprise were dropped only a fragment of the distance back, right next to Mercedes Benz World.

The memorial was our final stop located in Potsdamerplatz  a short walk from the U-Bahn and S-Bahn. It is a 4.7 acre site that is covered in 2711 concrete slabs, arranged in a grid pattern on sloping ground and ranging in heights from 0.2 to 4.7m. As you can imagine, at first impressions this attraction can be slightly overwhelming but taking the time to submerge yourself into the grounds of the site opens your eyes as well as your heart. The design of the Holocaust Memorial was made to feel regimented and claustrophobic in honour of what millions suffered through less than a century ago.

On our way to the hotel we decided to stop for some drinks at a nice looking bar next to the tram stop (yes last stop, I promise). Carambar is a nightclub, restaurant and bar located in Alexanderplatz. As it was a Sunday it had a great chilled 
atmosphere as the nightclub was closed, yet the outdoor seating (and heating), awesome DJ - DJ Seip, and strong drinks kept us there till 1am.  A fair few beers and 'Zombie' cocktails later we figured it would be best to head to the hotel for a good nights sleep, in preparation for check out the following morning.
I grabbed a super tasty Halloumi kebab, covered in garlic sauce and with all the salad from the kebab shop across the road and we waited for the tram to whisk us off to bed... totally not ready for our flight the following day!

Peace&Love
Willow


This link will take you to a short account I found online, from a man who travelled into the Eastern Bloc during the communist ruling. It is well worth a read!
https://www.quora.com/What-was-it-like-to-live-in-West-Berlin-during-the-Cold-War  

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