Want to hug a bear?

Ever wanted to hug a bear?

You need to visit Berlin - the city of bears.

They appear on street, corners, stand staring at you in train stations, hold your hat outside shops and even the American Embassy in Berlin has one!

Hug for Buddy Bear showing the u-bahn stops
(c) fifiheavey

In 2001, artists painted approximately 350 bears (Buddy Bears) to appear in the public domain, as decorative elements in the streets of Berlin. Four different bear designs (one standing on all four paws, one standing on two legs, one standing on its head and one in a sitting position) took part in this activity in the city centre of Berlin.

This one won a medal
(c) fifiheavey

Afterwards, many of the bears were sold at auctions in aid of child relief organisations. Nowadays, these Berlin Buddy Bears are exclusively presented on private premises, in front of hotels and embassies as well as in the foyers of various office buildings.

Hot dogs, icecream and a friendly bear
(c) fifiheavey

Hey it is either a bear or a beer on the streets of Berlin!

Beer and efficiency

Boozing in Berlin
(c) fifiheavey

Ireland does not not have a drinking culture.

That is a bold statement, but one I most definitely stand over after my return visit to Berlin last week.

In general, us Irish reserve our drinking to the weekend or occasions of celebration or commiseration. We don't drink every day, because despite generations of stigma it is not our culture.

"God invented whiskey so the Irish wouldn't rule the world!"

We are fond of and take to The Drink on a regular basis, but it has never become part of daily life.

Germans are known as pretty crazy party people. Their dance and rock music influences helps hammer in that perception. But from what I witnessed last week, they do not reserve their drinking habits for parties only.

Let there be Rock - Bretter Bube Bar
(c)fifiheavey

Take the U-bahn and you meet locals swigging beer, watch out for the cyclist balancing steering their bike with taking a sip of local brew and don't be surprised to see alcohol ... everywhere.

Currywurst
(c) fifiheavey

Small glass bottles of vodka, gin, jagermeister are sold just above the sweet stands at the counters of supermarkets. "Where is the nearest bar?” is a silly question, every eatery including cafes and some take-aways give you access to an alcoholic beverage.

“Just apple juice?” a waitress questioned confused as we ordered brunch, around us everyone had a a 'real' drink in front of them.

And does all this mass drinking result in chaos? Puke on the streets? Loud singing? Rudeness?

A lack of productivity? 

Nope.

Apelmann - East German pedestrian traffic light
are symbols of German efficiency
(c) fifiheavey

How can a land of beer on every corner result in one of the most efficient systems?

Trains run on time, people queue in an orderly manner, food is fast and yummy, the streets are clean and the people are respectful.

Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin
(c) fifiheavey

And the biggest benefit to drinking German beer?

No Hangover!

Back to Berlin

A section of the Berlin Wall
(C) fifiheavey

Big pressure this week.            

I return to Berlin.

Four years ago I flew into Berlin not expecting anything great and with my own preconceptions about the city and the country. But it astounded me, the history was amazing, the culture intriguing, the people fun and helpful and the entertainment – out of this world.

Me and a Berlin bear
(c) fifiheavey

Berlin surpassed Paris as my favourite place in Europe and I have been singing its praises ever since.

This week I return to the once divided city.

But this time I am not alone, I will travelling with a friend (cousin to be exact).

I have told him Berlin is amazing, the craziest place on earth, the most interesting location in the world ... etc etc

(C) fifiheavey

And now I have to make it live up to that huge reputation. There is a whole lot of pressure on me and on this unique city. If we return and he is not bowled over by Berlin and all the wonders it holds – my reputation could be ruined.

Its gonna be easy though right? 

There are so many things to see and do, so many historic sites, buildings, streets, museums. 

The Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Unter Den Linden, The Reichstag, Museum Island, Checkpoint Charlie, Topography of Terror ....

Brandenberg Gate, Berlin
(c) fifiheavey

“I don't really do the tourist thing” he told me.

Uh Oh.

So he will be expecting the strange and wonderful, the quirky, the unknown.

Still Berlin should be able to deliver. I just stumbled across craziness on a daily basis in Berlin four years ago. I didn't have to go looking – they were right there on tap.

But em... if you had to go looking, say for strange unique things to see and do – where would one look? 

I am open to all ideas!

My back up plan: Get him drunk on authentic German Beer and turn him into a history craving tourist!

Craziness on tap - looking forward to hangover free German beer!
(C) fifiheavey

Readers of the world

Something came to my attention over the last few weeks which I find intriguing and that is my growing audience in India and Pakistan.

The blogger statistics show how many read my posts each week and what country they are logging on from. Each week I am surprised by the large worldwide audience who tune into to read my installments from beautiful exotic locations.

Here are my top ten followers:

1. USA

My largest audience comes from America, which is understandable, I have a lot of friends and family over there and I interact with a lot of people from the USA on a frequent basis. The land of the brave and the free gave me so many memories during my road trip a few years ago and I have ear marked to return there very soon.

2. Ireland

My own Irish come in close second, being my home place and the location I most write about, this comes as no surprise. I love Ireland, despite our desperate economic situation, and our wet composition it is still the most beautiful country in the world when the sun shines.

3. United Kingdom

The UK get the bronze medal, born in London I have strong affiliation with England, love to visit and write about it and have a lot of connections over the sea.

4. Canada

The Canadians seem to “get me” and come in fourth on my highest ratings. The Canadians are so much fun and are great travel companions. They always seem to have an open mind.

5. India

India in fifth place of my audience ratings – this one interests me. I know very little about India, I have yet to visit the country, but would love to do so. I would love to know what my Indian audience think of my blog – so any fans please do let me know. 

6. Germany

My European friends the Germans are high on the list, I know the Germans love to travel and you can always to be sure to hit on a few of them abroad, so it is great to see them here. They also love to party!

7. Australia

I spent nearly a year in Australia, I loved my time there and the people are among the best on the planet. Melbourne will stay with me forever and my adventures in a camper van all over the great continent makes me smile and feels warm (thinking of the sunshine helps!).

8. France

By now you all know I have a huge respect for the French, my favourite city in the world is Paris. I am humbled by their support. Viva La France!

9. Pakistan

Again I have never been to Pakistan, I do not have any close friends who live there, so this large following delights me. I hope they enjoy my blog and I invite them to participate with me by way of comment or discussion.

10. The Netherlands

Coming in number ten on my top blog readers are the lovely people of Holland/ The Netherlands. It is a country which does not get the credit it deserves internationally, interesting places full of fun and exciting people.

Thanks for the support guys, it is great having you all aboard!