14th - 17th August 2017
Berlin - we just can't stay away! This time, we discover a floral paradise in the outskirts of east Berlin and culture galore in the beating heart of the City!
Friday 11th August - Red-jet to Southampton then train up to Southampton Airport. Fly to Manchester and hire a car, drive to Rotherham. Fish and chips in evening with John and Jean.
Saturday 12th August - early family breakfast to celebrate Dave's Birthday. Then drive to Brodsworth Hall and enjoy the wonderful gardens, next up a short drive to Wakefield to visit the Hepworth Gallery. We are blown away by the works on show in: Howard Hodgkin: Painting India. We round off the day by driving over to Huddersfield to visit Mark and Chris. In the Eve we taxi out to restaurant, eat delicious Italian nosh then walk home.
Brodsworth Hall and Gardens
Dave enjoys the Romantic Garden at Brodsworth
Bombay Blues - Howard Hodgkin
Letters from Bombay - Howard Hodgkin
Monday 14th August - an early start as we drive back to Manchester to return hire car before boarding flight to Berlin. A pleasant hour and 45m mins in the air and we arrive in good time to catch train to Neuköln. Unpack, freshen up and head off out to explore. We end up in central Berlin and enjoy a sunset drink while relaxing in deck chairs.
The cable car at IGA Berlin
The Chinese Garden
The Korean Garden
The Mediterranean Garden
Wednesday 16th August - today is a little wetter than yesterday... It's actually pouring with rain. Luckily, today is all about indoor activities. A culture fix is required! First up, the Academy of Art. We enjoy the Käthe Kollwitz award. This year, the prize is scooped by Katherina Sieverding. Her photographic montages, large scale prints and video installation are interesting and memorable, a worthy winner!... Next up, the Hamburger Bahnhof Art Gallery. This contemporary collection, in the renovated train station of the same name, is certainly worth the €14 entry. We enjoy a good three hours exploring and getting to grips with the permanent collection and temporary shows. The Rudolph Belling exhibition gives a fascinating glimpse into this German designers stylish world. In addition, Moving is in every direction, Environments - installation - Narrative Spaces gives a fascinating insight into the world of installation art. We round off the day with a walk through the North Neuköln district before sitting in the sun and relaxing with a beer.
Thursday 17th August - A pleasant day as we rise early to clean the flat and prepare to depart to the Airport. We fly back to London Gatwick near enough on time. Train back to Southampton and catch red-jet to our dear little Isle. Phew!
10 out of 10
