Flughafen Tempelhof closed last night

Flughafen Tempelhof came to a close last night. It felt poignant to be sitting in our living room watching the TV – a documentary on Tempelhof was running, in German natürlich – meanwhile the final flights of a DC-3 and a Junkers-52 would periodically pass over our apartment, reminding us of our proximity to this historic place. The German on the documentary was slow and clear enough that Gina and I could understand a lot of what was being said. That airport, built by the Nazi’s, literally saved Berlin during the airlift. American pilots flying in food to former enemies…but facing a new enemy in the first major event of the Cold War. As I rode the U-Bahn up to work this morning, I could see photos and stories on the front pages of newspapers being read by other commuters. It feels satisfying to be here in Berlin as the closure of the old airport takes place, witnessing something historic, and a clear reminder that this place is continually changing.

148 different hops to smell

My host, Frank Methner, and I visited Hüll which is a half hour north of Munchen for a hop evaluation. The results from this group of ~25 hop farmers, scientists and brewers would identify the best hops from this year's harvest. What an experience! To be sitting across the table from Anton Lutz, the hop breeder for German hops, learning the various aroma attributes from single hop varieties with multiple samples from different farmes and regions - 15 samples of Hallertau, 22 samples of Hallertau Tradition, etc. And to do this all in German. I had arrived. It will be a one of highlights of my trip.

The Berlin Marathon

The Berlin Marathon was incredible. 1,000,000 spectators and 40,000 participants. And part of the course came right by our apartment.
Here is Haile Gebrselassie (in yellow) who ultimately set a world record on this day.