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Ich hasse in Berlin fahren
Apr. 2nd, 2014 11:05 amHave moved into new apartment. Have also decided I never want to drive through Berlin again. Did it three times from where I'm staying in the east to new apartment in the northwest, back again to collect luggage and back again to deliver luggage. First route had slow taraffic due to roadworks (Also a long tunnel which is not pleasant when relying on satnav). Second route had lots of diversions due to roadworks. Third route had a few diversions due to roadworks and cobbled streets.
Curiously the old East Berlin seems to be a lot easier to drive through, although maybe this is the edge of the city vs. the centre. Lots of wide straight roads. Karl Marx Allee is an example of surprisingly good Soviet planning. As soon as I get closer to the Mitte area, it's all roadworks! Also lots of cycle lanes with fairly unpredictable cyclists. Also also, almost got hit by a taxi. Not sure if this was because I misunderstood priorities (he was turning left. I assumed I had right of way), or because it was a taxi.
On the plus side, I am now pretty much moved in. Shoved most of my stuff into the car, but realised I forget a few bits and pieces (inlcuding milk, ruinign the cuppa I planned). Went back by train and thought I cleared out but stopped short of returning the key. Realised I still have a towel there, and my shower gel. Was almost home when I realised I also didn't have any loo paper. Quick u-turn to the nearest shop averted that disaster.
New place is fantastic though! Large, spotless, fitted kitchen (induction hob, diswasher, all the utensils I need). It's not cheap but inlcudes all bills and not a lot more than I was paying in Brighton. No kettle. Landlord assures me induction hob is as fast so there's no need. It is as fast but I am a creature of habit, and it feels wrong. Another oddity is that the lift goes to floors 0, 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5. It meant I had to carry a heavy bag down a flight of steps rather than up.
So the only thing left to do is a housewarming party!!! Anyone want to visit? Floor isn't all that comfortable but will get an airbed or something if I do ever have a promise of visitors.
Curiously the old East Berlin seems to be a lot easier to drive through, although maybe this is the edge of the city vs. the centre. Lots of wide straight roads. Karl Marx Allee is an example of surprisingly good Soviet planning. As soon as I get closer to the Mitte area, it's all roadworks! Also lots of cycle lanes with fairly unpredictable cyclists. Also also, almost got hit by a taxi. Not sure if this was because I misunderstood priorities (he was turning left. I assumed I had right of way), or because it was a taxi.
On the plus side, I am now pretty much moved in. Shoved most of my stuff into the car, but realised I forget a few bits and pieces (inlcuding milk, ruinign the cuppa I planned). Went back by train and thought I cleared out but stopped short of returning the key. Realised I still have a towel there, and my shower gel. Was almost home when I realised I also didn't have any loo paper. Quick u-turn to the nearest shop averted that disaster.
New place is fantastic though! Large, spotless, fitted kitchen (induction hob, diswasher, all the utensils I need). It's not cheap but inlcudes all bills and not a lot more than I was paying in Brighton. No kettle. Landlord assures me induction hob is as fast so there's no need. It is as fast but I am a creature of habit, and it feels wrong. Another oddity is that the lift goes to floors 0, 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5. It meant I had to carry a heavy bag down a flight of steps rather than up.
So the only thing left to do is a housewarming party!!! Anyone want to visit? Floor isn't all that comfortable but will get an airbed or something if I do ever have a promise of visitors.
