Expats & a Ruhetag

Today I went back to the 'Spirit Yoga' studio to try a new teacher and keep myself moving. Another win! I met a fellow American mom-to-be, married to a German.  She's a PhD student, as is her husband, studying something about European Integration...Must ask more. It felt great to talk about where we are from IN ENGLISH! :) We got along fabulously and briefly wandered about town after class sharing our backgrounds and experiences. Glad if I have made a new friend.

Yesterday, Sunday, all the shops are closed. It's a "Ruhetag" or quiet day, meant to be spent with family. Since the streets were less hectic than usual, I took the opportunity to drive the car, with H as my guide naturally. We ended up at a neighborhood fleamarket or "Flohmarkt", then a well-attended park, followed by ice cream. Driving here is intense as the rules and signage are distinct from the US and California, so I'm studying up while I have my International License.  Also the streets can be narrow, or cobblestoned, there are many bikes as I mentioned, and drivers move quickly. It requires full attention and plenty of caution. I plan to mostly use the subway and walk, but don't want to be forever afraid to drive here either...

The last picture is a roll-up door of a "Knilchbar" which is a play on words: "Milchbar" or Milk bar where people typically drink coffee, milk-based drinks, ice cream plus "Knilch" which according to my mother-in-law is Berlin slang for a strange or unpleasant person! But according to my husband it means a little kid. Anyways, the name and the artwork reflect the quirky personality of the 'hood there. :)