We had an exciting week. Jay and Chad returned from Italy to tour Berlin. They also made plenty of time to hang with Doreen and Logan since Chad had Monday and Tuesday off from work. Berlin put on her best show for Jay with the constant overcast skies and frequent rain. The weather left ample one-on-one time with uncle Jay. It was awesome to have Jay here and when he left on Wednesday he was immediately missed.

As we mentioned last week, this week is part two in our two part series. However, this week Jay will be our guest writer and photographer. Jay is an avid follower of the blog and a professional photographer making him more than qualified to share on The McNeill Experience. We enjoyed Jay’s perspective on our new home town and think you will too. So, without further ado, we bring you:

Part #2 - Jayski’s Berlin

Words & Photos by: Jay Ratchford

The seemingly simple trip from Venice to Berlin was not. As I was in Europe for 2 weeks, I had a still-larger-than-needed suitcase, and thus had to check a bag with EasyJet.

Pro tip: avoid checking a bag when flying EasyJet at all costs.

The first step in the journey from Venice to Berlin, a 45 minute line for bag check in the Venice airport, was only the first hurdle. An hour long unexplained flight delay leaving Venice was hurdle two. The third and final hurdle in a trip that was only supposed to take 2.5 hours door-to-door was an hour and fifteen minute wait to receive checked bags in Berlin.

15 minutes in, no worries, Tegel airport is known to be slow with bags. 30 minutes in, two other flights had landed and received their bags while we waited. 45 minutes in, Chad is peeking through the plastic dangling curtains where the baggage belt disappears into the baggage area abyss, speaking (see: yelling) in English and German at the gentlemen loading bags to try to get an idea of when the bags might appear. An hour in, three more flights have landed and received their bags, and the lovely and helpful staff at Tegel airport announce that ‘the bags from the Venice flight will be delayed’. Thanks for that.

Finally, after Chad had left the baggage area to inquire about the issue, the bags miraculously appeared. A quick 25 minute cab delivered us at the McNeill doorstep in their modern, Center City flat.

Due to our lengthy delay, Logan had unfortunately gone to bed upon our arrival. A delicious Mexican dinner prepared by Doreen greeted our hungry bellies in preparation for the massive Berlin bike tour Chad planned for Monday.

Day 1:

After a 6am gym session, with the promise of a rainy afternoon, we set out early for a 12 mile Berlin bike tour that would take us through most of the diverse Berlin neighbourhoods and past many of the historical sights Berlin has to offer.

Having never visited Berlin, Chad’s bike tour was an amazing way to get to know the city. The way the neighbourhoods change from modern to historic, the visible differences between East and West as well as the large amount of trees and parks struck me.

Two hours into the tour the predicted rain began to fall. After an unfortunately hurried ride past the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate, we headed home to dry off and warm up. Post tour, one of the surprisingly endless burger joints in Berlin nourished our empty stomachs and tired legs.

Monday afternoon we visited Logan’s school to pick him up. The school is an impressive 5 story building in a pretty, park filled area of Berlin. We found Logan outside, playing in the sand with a friend. A visit to Rewe (lovingly, but incorrectly pronounced ReeeWeee by all 3 McNeills) to pick up dinner on the way home rounded off the busy day.

Apparently the grocery store is one of Logan’s favourite excursions. He very quickly made his way to one of the chocolate aisles, wanting to touch and look at all of the sweet treats. When Chad and I separated briefly to look for different items needed for dinner, Logan quickly led me to another chocolate section on the other side of the store. He clearly knows what he is doing when guests visit the McNeills.

A warm pot of chilli ended the wonderful first day of Berlin exploration.

Day 2:

Having seen most of Berlin on day 1, day 2 was a little more relaxed and easygoing. Another early trip to the gym and brief hangout with Logan to start the morning led to a revisit of a few of the rained out sights from day 1. The weather was once again an issue, but the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate were a little more easily enjoyed. After taking in some history, we visited Decathlon (as described by Chad, think Old Navy and REI had a baby) and a chocolate shop recommended by Doreen called Rausch for some German chocolate to bring home to Amy. The chocolate there is excellent and highly recommended.

Lunch with Chad and Doreen at a local favourite Syrian restaurant called Yarok was divine. The suburbs of Philadelphia don’t have anything as fresh, authentic and delicious.

Another Logan pickup at school (this time by above ground train due to the rain) and visit to Reeeeweeee followed by a delicious Chef Chad pork chop dinner rounded out a great day 2. Before bed Logan led me through an exhilarating game of hide and seek in which we hid in Doreen’s closet. For a four year old the closet probably seems cavernous, but for a 6’4” person it was quite a squeeze. Logan giggled and whispered through the hiding excitement. It was adorable.

The photos this week are a little scarce due to the constant two days of rain. Chad has covered the Berlin sights so well previously that I hope it isn’t too disappointing.

Thanks to Chad, Doreen and Logan for a great visit to Berlin!

Thanks Jay! We had a great time and miss you already. We’ll conclude this week’s post with a favourite reoccurring segment, Logan’s view. He’s loving his camera and we’re always enamoured with what he captures.

Logan’s View

Until Next Time,

The McNeills