Freezing fog!

It's night in Berlin Buch and our travellers should be comfortable in their rooms while, outside, a freezing fog is in the air. It looks like the forecast minimum of 7°C was a bit optimistic. Ben's only got a few more weeks in Berlin before returning to NE Tasmania. He's feeling well, which is excellent news, and thinking about what to do next. Saving to buy a BMW 650 GS motorbike is on the list. Mum's well, though not so keen on the theatre or lots of walking or climbing stairs.

Damo's in Freiburg.

One of Ben's school mates is in the "neighbourhood".
(Facebook status)

Tai Chi at a temple.

Ben's visitor arrived safely and has been busy. They've already been shopping in Buch and visited the Pergamon Museum in Berlin. Tuyet's guesthouse room is large and warm; and directly below Ben's room which is large and cold because he keeps the heating off. The plan for today is to attend a tai chi class at the Fo Guang Shan temple in Ackerstrasse. Ben's visited the temple once already, to attend the tai chi class and enjoy the free meal that goes with it. There's also a Fo Guang Shan temple in Queen St Melbourne where Saturday is the day for a free feed, after attending the chanting ceremony of course.

Visitor to Berlin.

Ben's visitor has arrived safely, I think, although no reports have filtered through yet. Back in Melbourne, there's been further real-estate activity and the seemingly endless cleaning, sorting and packing continues each day. Finally, the move to Tasmania even has Uncle Peter dreaming of the possibilities.

Berlin via Doha.

A family member leaves Melbourne late tonight heading for Berlin via Doha on Qatar Airways. The flight is geographically direct and the price is very reasonable; especially when compared with another airline whose name also starts with a 'Q' not followed by a 'U'. Ben messaged to say he'll pick mum up at Tegel airport on Thursday afternoon. The local weather forecast is for a minimum temperature of 0°C, maximum 5°C, cloudy with light rain. High on the "to do" list will be shopping for warm clothing.

No bids!

Kennel of Jazz Hamilton.

Many items have been listed for sale on eBay this past month. I'm trying to "downsize" possession-wise, not through any great philosophical commitment, it's because the upcoming trip to Tasmania has imposed limitations. Everything has to fit into the car and trailer around certain "fixed" items like the driver, the dog and the Ducati. In this context the dog's kennel found itself listed for auction at the bargain starting price of $45. However the market has determined that no one wants a $45 kennel for a medium-size dog so the kennel will have to be dismantled for its journey south. Jazz is happily unaware of the real estate drama happening right under her nose.

Time marches on.

Eisbären Berlin
(web image)

Time marches on and temperatures continue to rise; it's a cloudy 9°C in Berlin Buch today, that's over 25°C warmer than a few weeks ago. Ben's been to watch the Berlin ice-hockey team, the Berlin Polar Bears (Eisbären Berlin). He's also attended a taekwondo class and plans to go again. Some cut Tasmanian gemstones, topaz and black spinel, were posted over a month or so ago. They have made fine and interesting gifts for some of locals including Dr R, the ENT specialist, and the lady who cleans rooms in the guesthouse. Finally, Ben's booked another room in the guesthouse; on the second floor, one floor below his own room. It's for mum who arrives next Thursday.