Classical/Romantic/Contemporary orchestral/chamber/keyboard/vocal--German, French, Italian; Jazz; some Eurotrash, Jay Kay, Kylie Minogue . . . those are my favorites, although excellence always trumps genre. Berlin is a lot like Washington DC [physically & intellectually/emotionally] (been there, done that) seems grey on the outside, but you have to start peeling back the layers like an onion to get to the good parts--where else can you show me a world-class capital that literally melds so many architectural styles, still has an astounding east/west contrast, still has open space from the war that is being reclaimed, has multiple world-class venues for multiple world-class musical/artistic perfomances, the most green space of any major world capital, arguably the best mass-transit system of any capital, the best beer, thriving club/alternative scene, great inexpensive multi-cultural food, fantastic museums, outstanding airports, [Tegel, we will miss you!] motorways, [i can drive the LA freeways blindfolded; the autobahn uncongested is light-years ahead] relatively cheap accomodation/real estate, the MEN; yes, on the other hand, there is always the Bureaucracy in most facets of life, (but that's all of Germany/Europe & the USA) staggering unemployment [but the jobless are taken care of much better than in the US--thanx Hartz IV!], the dreadful long cold winters, (but i like winter travel!) and yes, they do seem terribly rude at times on the street, but actually have an excellent sense of humor if you probe a bit. I have also noticed that the elderly are particularly respected and handled correctly in most cases--that says a lot about a society . . . also remember that Berlin has a very young population, and how strong Germany is financially; the other thing that i really love is the constant construction/rebuilding all over Berlin, especially in the East/Mitte, the new airport--there's an vibrant energy present that we are sorely lacking in the US because of the depression--what other town can you point me to (China excluded, please!) that has so many active construction projects, with so many construction cranes silhouetted against the skyline? Berlin has been referred to as "scruffy but energetic" -- (or similar, i'm paraphrasing) it really depends where you are on your life's journey and where you feel comfortable. because of my history with boarding school, etc,. i am not stifled by an institutionalized environment as some might be; one just has to work through the system and make is work for you . . . here's one shining example of what i love about the Bureaucracy--in Berlin (i assume all of Germany) one must go through an extremely rigorous process to obtain a driver licence and pay approximately US$2,000.00 in fees for the privilege! [Those with better knowledge please correct] Cars must then successfully pass another rigorous process before being allowed out in the wild, and vehicles over a certain age/failing inspections, etc., are prohibited from being on the roadways inside Berlin. Contrast that with the US system, where there is virtually no cost to be licenced, fees are low where inspections are imposed, [this varies greatly because of our geography] and there are no true barriers to decrepit vehicles anywhere--you would be amazed at the condition of some of the drivers and their vehicles in this country, especially LA! [but it is fun!] i know the rest of the world will immediatly whine about high petrol/diesel costs [i have 2 vehicles that run on each] but that is being sorted out as our costs continue to rise to meet true world costs. Paris/France in general is a fabulous place, one that I absolutely have a soft spot for, [remember my first French lover] that has the best food in the world, but again, having been there, done that, as well as London, [where fortunately/unfortunately i am extremely familiar with having lived/worked there--it's almost like "going home again] a great choice for me at this point is Berlin. Almost forgot Vienna--very pretty, but i have to spend more time there, the men are really hot . . . The costs in Paris and London, especially, at least for me are very high. Don't forget Spain, especially in the south-- [anyone here from Mijas or surrounding?] but again, they are having very significant economic issues . . . now please tell us about Bulgaria, in particular Sofia & Varna, although i do have a tiny bit of intelligence . . . hope you are having a great night--best to your Granny & the rest!
