I'm off to Paris tomorrow!

Yeah. So that's happening.

I don't have time to write a full blog post about my past week, so here's a picture version, with the added note that I am feeling better, although I am still quite sad about my poor Ruffian. Also, it got sunny again here, at last.

I ate another pretzel, this time in a scenic location by the Spree, with the Berliner Dom behind me.

BREZELN COUNT: 10

We went to the DDR Museum (in English, the GDR Museum--that is, the East Germany Museum), and I got to sit in a Traubi, one of those ubiquitous East German cars made out of plastic.

The DDR Museum was really quite fun. It even had a recreation of a typical DDR bathroom. Seriously, this was part of the exhibit. Don't think it was functional though.

My favourite part was learning they had a magazine called Sputnik. Oh, and that the GDR made kindergarteners all go to the bathroom at the same time--like, they had these long benches for communal pooping and their teacher supervised. Communist potty training, guys.

And apparently they were allowed to make sandcastles in the GDR! Sandcastles for peace.

Amy got interrogated in a room with a bright desk lamp and a two-way mirror.

Also, instead of balls, little kids threw toy hand grenades.

We went to Dada Falafel in Mitte one night for dinner.

Hummus plate!

Falafel. Pretty yummy.

Amy and her boyfriend Alex. Both vegans!

Andrew, me, and Ivana (Amy's visiting friend) at Dada.

After dinner, we went on a walk through Mitte because THE SUN FINALLY CAME OUT.

Reichstag. Although, I suppose it's called the Bundestag these days, since there's no Reich anymore.

Government buildings by the Spree.

Corner of the Bundestag.

Bundestag in sunset. Sure beat the last time I was there, when it was pouring rain.

I had to eat a couple of breakfasts out this week because painters came to my apartment to do routine repairs to the windows. Here, tea and a pistachio muffin from Caras.

On another day this week, we went to Vöner again for lunch, and I discovered Rhubarberschorle, which is pretty delicious and may be a serious contender for my favourite German drink, along with Apfelschorle.

The garbage can in Vöner's bathroom. But seriously, who would be so desperate for meat in this vegetarian establishment that they'd sneak some into the bathroom to eat it? Oh wait. I just got that it's a sticker that someone put on there from some kind of amazing vegetarian train that may or may not exist somewhere in Germany.

Walking home through Friedrichshain. A hippo fountain.

Basking in the sunlight during a walk through lovely Prenzlauer Berg.

Old street signs, with the Berlin bear.

Prenzlauer Berg.

I had people over for another vegan dinner! Amy and Alex made yummy "chick'n" shawarma!

I'll try to post on Tuesday but it may be another week or so until I post something, as I'll have some visitors next week and will be happily busy!

So, for now, au revoir!