Vatertag in Germay

Today is Fathers Day in Germany and so it is appropriate that I write today’s entry. Typical German father receives gifts from his children after which he gets together with his buddies and goes on a hiking trip. They pull behind them a small wagon with a keg and make sure the keg is empty by the end of the day. How they get home was not explained to me.

Unfortunately the weather is still cold and stormy so instead of hiking with a keg we met Albert, Christiane and their son Bernard for a nice brunch at the Stern Chance Café. Sasha and Jonas were exhilarated to be in company of another child and played with Bernard for most of the day. So we actually got a break and were able to have a conversation and two. After the brunch we walked through Planten & Blohmen botanical gardens and let the kids play at a fantastic playground. Should anyone wonder: rubber raingear and wet slides make for fast rides. The boys also managed to ride some ponies and we found a shelter from the rain in yet another café where we enjoyed yet another coffee and Kuchen. Which is pretty much what happens any time you go out with the friends.

For the weekend we are planning to take the train to Berlin and check out the art Biennale as well as take a look at all the new modern architecture. Berlin is the biggest construction site in the world and the many new public buildings and monuments are fascinating. Hopefully the rain will stop and we’ll be able to take some interesting pictures.