Back to Berlin and Prague.

 I am on my way to Croatia, but with a circular route, first stop Berlin.  The last two times I visited was in winter, New Year in my 20s,  and much more recently, when I was shown around all the key sites and some personnel sites a few years ago by a childhood friend who moved to Germany 33 years ago. It was freezing, but very interesting.   However, he always said summer was the time to visit.   Since then he has become a grandfather and one of N's cousins has moved to Berlin and had twins! So,  although it is not the height of summer, it is still very warm so I decided it was time to go back and meet all the little ones.  Although this time the visit was to see friends and family friends and family made sure that I saw some of the town too,  from a swim in the Lakes beyond Potsdam to a techno march and birthday party with D and one of the palaces and a typical German meal with family.   

My base was about an hour from each of them, but turned out to be a bit of a gem. My dorm only had three women in it and although in theory no food was provided each morning a lovely Russian speaking (originally from the Caucasus) member of staff heaped plates full of cheese, ham, cake, and breads.  When I arrived at 11pm no staff member was in sight and I felt like Goldilocks, letting myself into the hostel and helping myself to tea and cake whilst I tried to fathom out where I was sleeping.   It was only when I set up the internet, I finally got instructions and this hands off approach seems to be growingly popular, however, this staff member seemed to believe in complete hospitality, even showing us the bags to take away packed lunches!  I was not the only Brit there nor, the only British 60 + there, other guests came from further afield - Brazil, Vietnam, Italy and so on.

  

I have now moved onto Prague, which is a delightful city, I have jumped on and off trams happily all day as they are free to oldies whilst trying to check how to get to my next destination.   I have also eaten delicious food outside in a little cafe near my hotel, had coffee in Pavilion Grebovka, had lunch in what I think must be a very traditional Czech establishment which had a set menu for each day. My very limited Croatian at times giving clues as to what things might be.  Before finishing with another ice cream and then a picnic evening meal in the hotel garden.