A morning of just chillin'? Yes, please.
Today is a day for just relaxing, much needed after the hectic tourist schedule we've maintained all week long. As I write this, Petra has found CNN for me on the television. Reiner and Maddie have gone with Klaus, Sascha, and the little boys to Templehof, the airport that made the Berlin airlift possible and has now been turned into a park. Melli and Heidi have been shopping since about 10:00 a.m., with no signs of coming back soon. And Petra and I are hanging out here in the house.
While I have time, I will tell you a little about the flat on Ordenmesiterstr. Built in 1912, Petra says it was not damaged during the war, so much of the building's original charms remain, including amazing ceiling moldings. The flat has a kitchen with a separate little utility room, a long narrow bathroom, and four large rooms that can serve as either living rooms or bedrooms, depending on the needs of the family. The ceilings are wonderfully high, and as far as I can tell, the walls are good and thick. I haven't heard a sound from the tenants above. There are balconies off two of the rooms that look out over the street, one of which holds a very important sandbox for the grandchildren.
My bed by the window
The loft where Maddie and Heidi reign
Living room wall of fame
Where we all hang out
Hospitality in Germany knows no bounds. From the moment you arrive in the flat on Ordensmeisterstr, you feel comfortable and welcome. Petra and Sascha each took vacation time from work to spend this week with us, Melli has walked her legs off showing us the sights, and Ollie comes each evening after work. I am amazed at how quickly Maddie and Heidi have adapted to life here and how they have forged their own relationships with the family--they have stayed up later at night than Reiner and I to talk and visit with Petra and Sascha.
Oh good--CNN is talking about the anniversary of the start of the Armenian genocide. History now!!
I'm back. Heidi and Melli have returned from shopping. The German economy is booming!
Mischa and Tina's House, April 24, 2015, 10:34 p.m.
We've changed locations and are now happily ensconced in the beautiful home of Mischa and Tina Opitsch. Mischa is Reiner's first cousin on his mother's side while Petra is his first cousin on his father's side.
Mischa and Tina live in a house largely constructed by Mischa himself in Flatow, about 33 miles ouside of Berlin. It is totally another world here. This is the German countryside, lush and green with long stands of pines and wide open farmlands. in fact, the Opitsch house backs up to a farm with cows grazing and everything.
As at Petra's house, hospitality is out in full force. A bedroom for Reiner and a separate loft for the girls and I, with bath towels, bottles of water, and new toothbrushes, awaited us here, along with an amazing dinner featuring all kinds of meat and fish from the BBQ, wonderful German potato salad, brotchen (of course) and more. There was even ice, from a counter-top ice maker, for cold drinks!
Mischa picked us up from Petra's house this afternoon after he got off work, and Tina, their son Florian, and his girlfriend Karin greeted us here. Conversation was slightly more challenging here, although Florian speaks some English and Karin is pretty fluent. Still, we managed to communicate pretty well, and the time spent on the patio was very pleasant.
First attempt at photo with a timer
Second attempt
That's a wrap!
Tomorrow we head to Sachsenhausen to see the former concentration camp--after the ham and eggs that Mischa plans to make for our breakfast. Lecker!!
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