the two languages of dream

I went to a strange and interesting event which was sentimental and yet truthful and moving. Afterwards we stood around in tiny groups and two men who had spoken out about crying in public put ...read more

the blooming grime

Though I live in one of the grimiest areas of Berlin, and that's pretty grimy, right now and for a few short blessed weeks I can walk - from my house - clear down to ...read more

Department of Honour

I just acquired the most beautiful new German word. We are discussing privilege and a new acquaintance says he has to do something ehrenamtlich - oh, how divine, can 'ehrenamtlich' mean 'voluntary'? An 'Amt' is ...read more

favourite moon

It's a moonlit night and I am with my favourite person. I am lying on his chest. He lies propped up against the head of his bed whence I propelled him via my exhaustion and ...read more

for you, now that you no longer need it

My friend has died. She was very courageous and had cancer. She was a photographer, a maker of exquisite works. She was Dutch and chose euthanasia when the pain she was suffering became, after months, ...read more

new under the sun

Walking through the park in the unexpected sunshine yesterday I realised suddenly: strolling through summer in Berlin is like strolling through an off-duty circus. People are riding bicycles with no hands, they are taking turns ...read more

spring peaces

The hottest bath imaginable. Coconut oiled my hair. Wrapped head to hip in towels. New book and early to bed, ahhh thank you blissful alone time. I can hear people on the street outside cobbling ...read more

always the waitress

I saw a couple come into the cafe out of the sun, I have seen them before. One woman has a sour aspect and it is difficult to get her to return a smile. Her ...read more

bullying

On the bridge I pass two young women pushing prams walking with a guy chugging beer. They have their responsibilities, he has his beer. He is much larger than his baby mama, and in order ...read more