Berlin...

There is a certain raffish, informal character to Berlin on first impression... and it is a place I really like and feel at home in. A strange series of movements so far - took over the apartment after meeting up with Murray who was also here this week in one of those odd synchronicities that make life interesting. Didn't have much time as he had a flight to catch - but he looked as if he had enjoyed himself. I caught up with an old friend on Saturday whom I haven't seen for several years. Fast relay of information - he has been around, out in the Ukraine for a while and living here now for a couple of years or more. And also has a charming wife and bouncy three year old boy. We went out for a walk and ended up in Treptower Park.The Soviet War Memorial is solemnly impressive, complete with quotations from the old mass-murderer Uncle Joe... Spooky place, especially on a dark, cold afternoon...

Today I went to the flea market down the road and just wandered around a mass of stalls and bustling crowds, picking up on the vibe... Stood for a while listening to the trio in the photos - cool music, especially a version of 'Fly me to the moon' which sounded like Nico doing a jazz gig - except that the girl singing had a better voice! Beats some ratbag slumped on the pavement singing 'Times they are a changing.'

I was going out to a gig tonight but fell asleep!

Tomorrow off to Kreuzberg...