As I mentioned in the last post, this is a visual sampling of some of the patterned surfaces and interesting places that caught my eye while in Berlin, not an exhaustive travel write-up.
The first full day was the Berlin Marathon, with 40,000 runners and a record-beating time. Because of this, we had more access to the Gate and enjoyed seeing it all lit up.
Underground stop for the Brandenburger Gate
I made my way to the former East Berlin, where Frau Tulpe’s shop was located, and ended up buying some fabrics of her own design.
It was a fun place with lots to look at.
A lot of times I’d go to look at a sight the guidebook suggested, then wander off course and find interesting places like this: the Berlin Craftsman Association building, with wonderful light coming in through that back double door:
You can hear the Singing Lesson in this IG video clip.
This was seen on one of my many bus rides. I’d climb up to the top level of the bus, try to sit in the front and have my own private tour.
Every day at 4 p.m., the hotel would put out treats for “Chocolate Hour.” I could see this happening at a quilt retreat, although we’d need a lot more.
There were two main locations to see the Berlin Wall, and this one had paintings on one side. I had two favorites. This one showed the crush of ecstatic East Berliners, finally allowed to cross through their oppressive borders. I can recommend the book, Forty Autumns, if you want a taste of this (previously recommended).
And I like these women, who reminded me of women from the turn of the century.
While in Frau Tulpe’s, someone recommended this store, Karstadt, which called for another bus ride.
Couldn’t believe that I was seeing Free Spirit, and at a bargain price! (about 8 bucks a yard)
Everybody needs a wash day while traveling, and I brought my stitching along.
Another place we saw fabric was at idee. This one was next door to KaDeWe, a big, fancy department store, but I also saw idee. at the Mall of Berlin, next to the two-story slide.
Climbing up the Reichstag Dome presented so many interesting shapes and patterns, all with a view.
This building reminded me of a quilt pattern. It was across from the entrance to the Berlinischer Galerie (yellow tiles). It had several wonderful exhibits.
Grill (above) and floor tiles (below) from the Neues Museum, which housed antiquities.
The Bode Museum had room after room of red-and-white patterned floor tiles. I’m sure the guards thought I was a little bit dotty when surrounded by beautiful art, I was snapping photos of their floors.
My husband is always photographing the interior of domes (above); I followed his example in the Old National Gallery (below):
But one of the most fun days I had was meeting up with Evelinde, and going to lunch and seeing one of her local quilt shops. We met on Instagram, and I was so blown away by her being willing to meet up with a stranger and spend some time out of her busy schedule. She’s so lovely, and shared stories with me, answering so many questions. While there are many negatives to social media, meeting quilters halfway across the world, or the states, is one of the positives, for me.
We did Show and Tell in the restaurant; this is only one of her many fabulous pieces. I only had the pathetic little screen on my phone. She is inspiring!
She took me here, to Hobby and Handarbeiten (Handicrafts).
I rarely buy fabric overseas anymore, but I always like to look and see. I loved the embroidery floss–mine is always in bins and tangled up, and was generally impressed with the range of fabrics they carried.
Since we try to travel cheaply, I purchased my husband’s breakfast (for the next day) when I was out and about, and I thought you’d like to see what I had to choose from. I also supplemented with yogurt and juice and fruit from the local grocery store. And we ate great meals at night, mostly from small places near our hotel:
Doner, from Berlin
Lastly, I leave you with the sight of this beautiful plaza, Babelplatz. The caption is found on the Instagram video. Click to see my farewell to this great city.
