Round 2 in Berlin

Managed to get back to Berlin for a second go around for Dave's birthday. Berlin was one of our favourite places the first time, so we were rapt to be able to visit again.

Ando used his intimate knowledge of all that is cool in Berlin to organise drinks and dinners for the few days we were there.

First Night

We revisited some of our favourite spots from the first time, some had changed a fair bit.

 

Tacheles

Tacheles was still more or less the same with some different artists in residence

 

Dave's birthday drinks the next night, we were pretty primed to get amongst it as our previous attempts at going out in Berlin had been a bit hit and miss.

Very smokey, underground bar entered through a staircase in a closet was the next stop.

Claire and Ange

 ...and then onto another bar with some explosive cocktails

Special drink for the bday boy

Friendly local crew

Finished up pretty late (early)

Angie and Claire on fire

Next day we re-checked out a few more of Berlin's amazing bits and pieces.

Checkpoint Charlie is amazing, I will visit it every time I am back in Berlin. The photo of the tank stand-off that happened here never fails to 

East Side Gallery had changed a lot, new art and re-touched up classics. Very different from our first visit.

A lot of the old art had been retouched as it was in disrepair. We were so happy we had been able to see it the first time in its original state. Great to visit again.

 

The last day, and  Dave took us to Mauer park, which hosts a market and impromptu karaoke in an outdoor amphitheater. A very quirky, Berliny afternoon, really cool.

Courts in Mauerpark

Huge crowd in for the karaoke

This guy was the highlight, apparently he is there every week, He does some German stuff and always finishes with Frank Sinatra in a pretty impressive, baritone opera voice. Crowd loves him.

Standing O for the crowd favourite

 

Amazing to get back to Berlin again, we weren't sure we would make it back. One of our all-time favourite cities. So much diverse stuff to see and do and a vibe that is completely unique. All time top 5 for sure!!