Saturday, November 21, 2009
Is this breaking point for the land of Saints and Scholars?
It looks like our defiant motherland, the nation we all love dearly and hold close to our hearts, after thousands of years of spitting back in the face of adversity, after defying occupancy and flippantly ignoring natural and man made disasters, after giving us an enormous sense of pride and well being with her lush green mane spreading right across the land giving us our very own identity, after producing the most wondrous scholars, loved and hated by man, woman and child in their humble abodes worldwide, after inspiring countless souls and instilling awe in our emotions with her many majestic sights and views, her resolve has eventually been shattered by our current woes (probably furthered by the hand of Thierry Henry!) and she is weeping inconsolably and uncontrollably. All you have to do is look at Grand Parade in the city of Cork. Tear drops are falling at her feet. Her heart is broken!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Berlin
It has been the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia, the German empire, the Weimar Republic, the Third Reich and now the current capital of Germany and arguably the epicentre of culture in Europe. Berlin,considered by many as one of the finest cities in the world, captured my imagination and affections on a recent visit.
Recently celebrating the anniversary of the downfall of its infamous wall that divided the city into East and West for 28 years, dividing brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers and generations, it is a testament to the Germans and Berliners how they overcame the adversity of this societal divide and have embraced their relative newfound freedom to make the city a thriving hub of diverse culture, ethereal architecture, pulsating nightlife and liberal lifestyle.
Perhaps the most iconic landmark in Berlin is the gate that determined who crossed that infamous wall. The Brandenburg Gate is situated in the centre of Berlin imposing itself on the Berlin skyline, dominating it like it did thousands of Germans for many years. As if sitting on a throne, the Roman goddess Victoria (for victory) in her chariot adorns the top of the gate, overlooking the city. The Reichstag which is perched beside the Brandenburg Gate is the seat of the German Parliament and sitting atop this buliding is a dome which upon reaching the top, all of Berlin can be seen.
The Berliner Dom or Berlin Cathedral is not to be missed. From the outside it is evident that there is something special about this cathedral and once you set foot inside and glance towards the ceiling, the ornate paintings mesmerize you.The Potsdamer Platz, built from scratch after the wall came down, is a modern centre of neon culture, blinding lights and it epitomises and symbolises Berlins entry into unification and the new Berlin.
The remaining remnants of the wall dotted around the centre of the city is a reminder of the cities grim and distant past. Perhaps the memory that most Germans would like to be in the distant pass is their involvement in the persecution of 6 million Jews during World War II. The Holocaust memorial, situated beside the Brandenburg Gate on Unter Den Linden is a feat of modern design with a museum situated below the memorial. The museum itself describes in detail the harrowing stories of the many Jews persecuted during Hitlers reign and the torture and horrors they were subjected to.
Berlin is also home to museums of every variety with a rich range of choice catering for every taste from history to contemporary art to erotica. One of the most appealing aspects of Berlin for the younger generation is the vibrant nightlife with Berlin being considered as the techno capital of Europe if not the world. The Mitte district would be thought of as the social centre of the city with many other districts trailing a short distance behind. I found the Oranienburg district to be quite vibrant with its bustling bars and restaurants, with a wide choice on offer. For those of the vintage shop persuasion, the Prenzlaeur Berg district is definitely worth a visit. Hours upon hours of your time would be well spent well traversing the many shops that capture your eye every corner you turn.
In short, Berlin is top of my list for a return visit, sooner rather than later. It caters for every generation and every taste. My only criticism is theres so much to see, it's difficult to fit everything in in 3 0r 4 days, so I would recommend spending a week there to see everything at your own leisure.
Recently celebrating the anniversary of the downfall of its infamous wall that divided the city into East and West for 28 years, dividing brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers and generations, it is a testament to the Germans and Berliners how they overcame the adversity of this societal divide and have embraced their relative newfound freedom to make the city a thriving hub of diverse culture, ethereal architecture, pulsating nightlife and liberal lifestyle.
Perhaps the most iconic landmark in Berlin is the gate that determined who crossed that infamous wall. The Brandenburg Gate is situated in the centre of Berlin imposing itself on the Berlin skyline, dominating it like it did thousands of Germans for many years. As if sitting on a throne, the Roman goddess Victoria (for victory) in her chariot adorns the top of the gate, overlooking the city. The Reichstag which is perched beside the Brandenburg Gate is the seat of the German Parliament and sitting atop this buliding is a dome which upon reaching the top, all of Berlin can be seen.
The Berliner Dom or Berlin Cathedral is not to be missed. From the outside it is evident that there is something special about this cathedral and once you set foot inside and glance towards the ceiling, the ornate paintings mesmerize you.The Potsdamer Platz, built from scratch after the wall came down, is a modern centre of neon culture, blinding lights and it epitomises and symbolises Berlins entry into unification and the new Berlin.
The remaining remnants of the wall dotted around the centre of the city is a reminder of the cities grim and distant past. Perhaps the memory that most Germans would like to be in the distant pass is their involvement in the persecution of 6 million Jews during World War II. The Holocaust memorial, situated beside the Brandenburg Gate on Unter Den Linden is a feat of modern design with a museum situated below the memorial. The museum itself describes in detail the harrowing stories of the many Jews persecuted during Hitlers reign and the torture and horrors they were subjected to.
Berlin is also home to museums of every variety with a rich range of choice catering for every taste from history to contemporary art to erotica. One of the most appealing aspects of Berlin for the younger generation is the vibrant nightlife with Berlin being considered as the techno capital of Europe if not the world. The Mitte district would be thought of as the social centre of the city with many other districts trailing a short distance behind. I found the Oranienburg district to be quite vibrant with its bustling bars and restaurants, with a wide choice on offer. For those of the vintage shop persuasion, the Prenzlaeur Berg district is definitely worth a visit. Hours upon hours of your time would be well spent well traversing the many shops that capture your eye every corner you turn.
In short, Berlin is top of my list for a return visit, sooner rather than later. It caters for every generation and every taste. My only criticism is theres so much to see, it's difficult to fit everything in in 3 0r 4 days, so I would recommend spending a week there to see everything at your own leisure.
Monday, November 2, 2009
How to avoid the clampers
I hate Dublin City Council and their stupid parking laws. I understand the authorities that be charging for spaces that are at a premium but to make it 24 hour parking zones where there are spaces in abundance is just scandalous and greedy, not to mention the price of parking in some areas. 2.60 for an hour's parking is criminal if you ask me.
Karma, the sweet mother of retribution will probably bite me in the ass after this but here it goes...Here is a few gems if you refuse to be subjected to extortion and wish to avail of free parking, which surely should be a liberty to all in the first place (I take no responsibility if you are clamped or fined, it's a risky business and some get caught, some don't. WARNING: there are risks involved and you may be fined or clamped, this is illegal)
1. Griffith College car park is underground and I hear there is never any trouble parking there even though a permit is required. It is roughly a 12-15 minute walk to the centre of town.
2. Windy Arbour luas car park. Free parking here if you get in quick enough and right beside the Luas line which is approximately 7 minutes into town.
3. The road in between Ranelagh and Rathmines there is residential parking but may be a bit too risky.
4. Mount Pleasant avenue there are a few hidden spots if you look hard enough you may end up with notices on your car.
5. Leinster Road has a few alleys if your lucky enough.
Screw you clampers!
Karma, the sweet mother of retribution will probably bite me in the ass after this but here it goes...Here is a few gems if you refuse to be subjected to extortion and wish to avail of free parking, which surely should be a liberty to all in the first place (I take no responsibility if you are clamped or fined, it's a risky business and some get caught, some don't. WARNING: there are risks involved and you may be fined or clamped, this is illegal)
1. Griffith College car park is underground and I hear there is never any trouble parking there even though a permit is required. It is roughly a 12-15 minute walk to the centre of town.
2. Windy Arbour luas car park. Free parking here if you get in quick enough and right beside the Luas line which is approximately 7 minutes into town.
3. The road in between Ranelagh and Rathmines there is residential parking but may be a bit too risky.
4. Mount Pleasant avenue there are a few hidden spots if you look hard enough you may end up with notices on your car.
5. Leinster Road has a few alleys if your lucky enough.
Screw you clampers!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)