Berlin Update - by Kayra Martinez

Berlin is a city with 3.4 million inhabitants (or 4.2
million if you count the suburbs as well) - but it's smaller
than you might think: Berlin is separated in the so called
"Bezirke" (Districts). There are 12 districts in Berlin and
every district is a small city on its own - but usually you
only hang out in about 3-4 districts (mostly Mitte,
Prenzlauer Berg, Schöneberg, Charlottenburg) at all. Lots of
people haven't set a single foot in one of the other
districts, as there is mostly no need to do so. :-) Knowing
these facts makes Berlin a lot smaller than it may appear.
Tip: Use Google Maps or <www.stadtplandienst.de> (more
detailed) for orientation.
You may have heard about the Kurfürstendamm, located in the
former west part of Berlin, as one of the main streets.
That's right, but: Nowadays, most hot spots are located in
the districts Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg (both in the former
east part of berlin). Especially nearly no hip club is
located in the former west part. So try to book a hotel in
Mitte.

My advice would be to book an apartment in Berlin and live like a local
www.be-my-guest.com
also, lots of tips on this sight of some cultural highlights and places to eat.

Any more info please drop a mail, am happy to recommend places to go out
and to eat!
Enjoy Berlin!

Photos and text, courtesy of Kayra Martinez, current resident of Berlin.

Thank you Kayrita!

PARIS, Rent a Scooter

Do you feel daring enough to ride a scooter through the streets of Paris? If you do, you can visit Freescoot's website (in French) for a list of all the Vespas, electric bikes and even bicycles they rent, some, for as little as 25Euros per day! To view the rental rates, the models available and the locations, click here. Just remember, to rent the motor bikes, you must be at least 21 years old, have a licence and an ATM card to leave a deposit. They in turn, will provide you with the motor bike, two helmets and insurance.

Enjoy!

PARIS - Rue Mouffetard

I love this article on the history of Rue Mouffetard in Paris, a charming, narrow cobbled-stone street near The Pantheon, filled on both sides with small food merchants and cozy cafes. Who knew it had been a market street since the 1300!! If interested in reading more about it, here is Peterman's Eye blog article (just click on the green link that follows) : Rue Mouffetard | Peterman's Eye.

Do you have a favorite street in Paris?

PARIS - Cafe's with a View

This past week, I visited two Paris cafes with memorable views - Le Cafe Marly and Le Saut Du Loup.


Le Cafe Marly, located in the Richelieu Wing of the Louvre, facing the Glass Pyramids (view photo enclosed), is easily accessed at street level, via two entrances on either side of the cafe. It's a great pit stop for some coffee (4-5 Euros) and/or a sandwich (15 Euros). Try it, get comfortable and enjoy the view!

Le Saut Du Loup, is a small cafe located inside the Musee Des Arts Decoratifs - 107 Rue Rivoli - with an enchanting garden terrace in the rear, that backs up into a quiet segment of the Gardens of The Tuileries (picture enclosed). It is a great spot, weather permitting, for some wine, coffee or tea, and some peaceful contemplation of the surrounding park areas and historical views.

Do you have a favorite cafe in Paris?

LONDON - Bus #15

This past week, while in London, I discovered a wonderful, easy way to see the city - Bus #15 baby! ... it leaves right from Edgware Road, in the direction of Marble Arch, every 15 minutes.

So, get your two British Pounds in exact change ready and look for the bus stop with the sign for #15. Once there, purchase your bus ticket from the machines before you board the bus (very important). You're on the bus now? climb to the second floor and try to get a seat in the front row (or near it) for the best views. You're now, set to go!

Get your camera ready and let the show begin! Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, St. Paul's Cathedral, Nelson's Column, Trafalgar Square, Temple Area, The Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

To return to Edgware Road, where you started, you can either:

- Take the Tube from Tower Hill station - by the Tower of London - to Edgware Road station.

- Or, walk along the Victoria Embankment towards Big Ben, for some additional scenery by the river. When your feet are too tired for another step, grab the underground from any of the stations along the way - ie. Blackfriars, Temple, Embankment or Westminster - and from these stations, you can ride back to Edgware Road Station. Voila! you're back where you started.

Enjoy the sights and take pictures!

Airplane Comedy - The Best Airline!

Airplane Comedy - More "overhead"...