Shannon Lubell

Britzer Garten: Part II

As promised, Ben and I returned to Britzer Garten only two days after our first visit, this time with Dave and Isaac. {Car share to Britzer Garten} It was a lovely day, sunny and 73, and we brought a full picnic. {History and highlights of the garden} We entered through the main gate this timeContinueContinue reading “Britzer Garten: Part II”

Britzer Garten: Part I

With a few hours and several kilometers left on our 24 hour car share, Ben and I ventured out one sunny and crisp morning this Easter break. We headed to the beautiful Britzer Garten, which was a new place for us, for some one-on-one time in the sun. {Britzer Garden} We had heard about BritzerContinueContinue reading “Britzer Garten: Part I”

Treptow Park & Soviet War Memorial

On Thursday, we rented a car share for 24 hours and used it to head towards the beautiful Treptow park along the Spree River. {Heading over the bridge to the Insel Berlin on the Spree River} {Pathway over the bridge} The snack stand was open for beverages and cakes. The boys were treated to FritzContinueContinue reading “Treptow Park & Soviet War Memorial”

Life in Berlin with the Coronavirus: April

Please check this post periodically as I will be adding updates to it every few days. Thursday, April 30 Germany is loosening certain restrictions (play grounds, religious services and zoos opening as long as hygiene rules are followed), while it has extended contact restrictions that were due to expire on May 3 to May 10.ContinueContinue reading “Life in Berlin with the Coronavirus: April”

Life in Berlin with the Coronavirus: March

We’ve had a lot of friends and family wonder how things are in Berlin with the Coronavirus. {Bars, clubs, pubs, events and sporting facilities have now all closed. As of March 15, many restaurants are closing and those staying open are limiting their capacity or only serving take away.} In short, we feel very fortunate.ContinueContinue reading “Life in Berlin with the Coronavirus: March”

Berlinale

{Film Team, including Willem Dafoe, at the premiere of Siberia, February 24, 2020} Most people have heard of the Venice Film Festival. And of course, Cannes. {Watch Cannes Oscar Berlinale here} But many people, my family included, were not aware that there are three major film festivals in Europe. {Hillary Clinton at the photocall forContinueContinue reading “Berlinale”

Spargel

Another sign of spring…the first Spargel (white asparagus) of the season. {Spargel Season has begun in Berlin – I will roast these this morning} I love how excited Berliners get when the first Spargel appears. Or the first strawberries. Or champignons. Or the first Glühwein. Or when the ice cream shops open again for theContinueContinue reading “Spargel”

Spring Has Sprung

I decided to walk the several miles home after dropping the boys off from school today. After starting an audiobook, I wound my way through parks and a Kleingarten in hope of finding some flowers en route to the apartment. {Finding spring’s gifts in Kleingartenanlage Bornholm II this morning} I continued my journey through Arnimplatz,ContinueContinue reading “Spring Has Sprung”

Krakow, Poland

Back in September my dear college friend (Susie, who now lives outside of Boston) contacted me to tell me that she would most likely be in Krakow in January for work and would I want to meet her for a girls’ weekend? {St. Mary’s Basilica, 14th century Gothic church, in Market Square} She didn’t needContinueContinue reading “Krakow, Poland”

Auschwitz – Birkenau: 75 Years Later

On January 27, 1945, Auschwitz – Birkenau was liberated. What did that mean for those who were prisoners of this Nazi death camp? {Birkenau} Two days ago, I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau, an hour drive from Krakow, Poland. And like most people, I went looking for answers. {Block 15 at Auschwitz} Seeking understanding. A desire to learn,ContinueContinue reading “Auschwitz – Birkenau: 75 Years Later”