Saturday 27 September 2025

Today, we were hoping to jag a winery tour as our Silesian ancestors were early pioneers of the wine industry in the Barossa. But end of season and such made it not possible. So, a slow stroll of 14,000 steps in glorious sunshine saw us visit a number of riverside bars and city restaurants, grazing and sipping away the afternoon. Some in the party got more photos of gnomes. Late in the day, we returned to our large apartment for some refreshing gins and wines, as we probably didn’t have enough on the trek and some home made pasta.

Sunday 28 September 2025

The day broke with blue skies and warm Spring sunshine and we marveled at the good luck in getting such nice weather. After packing up, we Ubered to the railway station for the four hours to Berlin. Our six berth cabin is fully occupied but comfortable. As we roll through the Polish countryside, we notice little villages, green fields and pine plantations and the occasional deer and hare. Someone claimed they saw an eagle. After an hour or so, Jen and Flashy adjourn to the dining car for a refreshing beer and some perogi. Both were good. Lady P arrived in time for a taste and then we shared three large potato cakes, smothered in goulash. Very filling is the Polish food!

We arrived in Berlin Hbf to massive crowds and a heavy police presence. It turns out that there is a quite small Gaza demo going on outside. We grab a cab and head for the apartment. The deal is that the owner will meet us there. No sign of him. He is unable to  open the door using the phone app and advises us that he is two hours away. 

We are forced to wander the neighbourhood and luckily find a bar, where we have a couple with the locals. Flashy has been allowed to book Czechia, Poland and Germany and has done pretty well so far, although the Prague and Wraclow places were a bit avant garde. The Berlin apartment is in a beautiful, tree lined suburb with bars, restaurants and excellent public transport connections and when we finally get in, the apartment is two bedroom, two bathroom, high ceiling, comfortable and spacious. Of course.

By now we are hungry and luckily, right across the street is a little store that sells gin and a Spanish restaurant where we order up some delicious tapas.

Bar on the river.
Flowers in the market.
Churches
Fruit in the market.
Practicing our Silesian smiles
On the river walk.

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