Berlin dinner/drinks - 9 October

[JohnM]

If all else fails, I have to pass through your neck of the woods on Friday morning anyway (on the way to the bus station), if breakfast would work for you.

Let's make that a definite if dinner doesn't work. I was thinking of going to Potsdam that day - any comment on things there? Is brunch or lunch there an alternative?

 

[Mattg]

Let's make that a definite if dinner doesn't work. I was thinking of going to Potsdam that day - any comment on things there? Is brunch or lunch there an alternative?

To be honest, I've only been to Potsdam once. I think there's some nice castles & gardens there. I've heard that the best way to get around is actually by bike (I walked and regretted it as it's bigger than I had expected) but if you have a Berlin ABC day ticket (which you should!) you will be able to use the buses there.

When I went, I combined it with a day-trip to Wannsee, to visit the House of the Wannsee conference. I would recommend that but only if you're interested in that period of history. If you take the S-Bahn out to Potsdam (S7), and go via Grunewald, I would suggest getting off briefly at that station to visit the Track 17 memorial. This is a memorial which was put there by Deutsche Bahn in I believe the 1990s, and is at the platform where the trains full of Jewish people bound for the east left during WWII. The S7 runs every ten minutes, so you could get off, check out the memorial (which is part of the station and well-signposted as "Gleis 17") and then get on the next train 10 minutes later.

Regarding Potsdam as a possible brunch destination, I'm going to have to rule that out. I need to be at the Berlin ZOB (bus station) on Friday morning for a bus to Hamburg at 10am. But I will pass through the U-Bahn station nearest to your hotel on my way there anyway, so stopping for breakfast is a possibility.

 

[Mattg]

Apart from travelcards and half-fare cards, domestic Swiss train travel is pretty much a standard fare all the time.

International train travel is another thing. Like planes most of the time, earlier is better, last minute is asking to be punished. I know Germany, for all train travel, has both discounted and standard priced tickets (latter has more flexibility). Same with France.

Probably even at Sparpries it's not likely to be too cheap. Might be better off flying (except for walk up fare).

Basically it'd probably take almost a whole/half day and a few changes to get to Berlin from here....

My limited experience with the trains in Switzerland (and, well, everything in Switzerland) was that they were certainly rather expensive.

If flying, you'd have to fly out of Geneva, right? I'd consider visiting that part of the world sometime. I notice that there's a daily easyjet flight between Geneva and Berlin, as well as Germanwings to/from Hamburg.

 

[anat0l]

My limited experience with the trains in Switzerland (and, well, everything in Switzerland) was that they were certainly rather expensive.

If flying, you'd have to fly out of Geneva, right? I'd consider visiting that part of the world sometime. I notice that there's a daily easyjet flight between Geneva and Berlin, as well as Germanwings to/from Hamburg.

Well, put it this way:

• Lausanne to Geneva (by train): CHF 52 return, 30 minute - 1 hour journey
• Lausanne to Zurich: CHF 142 return, 2:30 journey
• Day travelcard from SBB CFF FFS: CHF 71, must have half-fare card
• Day travelcard from commune of Lausanne: CHF 49

For regular tickets, you can save 50% on the fare if you have a half-fare subscription card (normally a standard amount - a bit like BahnCard - but I get one for free from my employer).

For me, flying would be closest out of Geneva, as the other two airports, Basel and Zurich, are at least 2 hr train ride away. I haven't been to Geneva yet, but its reputation precedes it, and putting aside the fact that I'm in Vaud and should have a respect for Genevois like a QLD resident has for a NSW resident (or so I've been told ), it is on Lake Geneva which makes a fantastic cruise for a day.

 

[JohnM]

The size of the Potsdam area did concern me. If you can't get a roster change, breakfast it is.

 

[Mattg]

Good news! I got the roster change I was hoping for so the dinner will go ahead! I finish at 7pm now on Thursday, so I should be able to make 7.30pm, if everyone is agreeable to that.

 

[JohnM]

Cool! I'll await notification of venue/time.

 

[Mattg]

I have sent a private message or email to everyone who has expressed interest so far (except *A Flyer, who needs to clear his/her inbox ).

As long as this works for everyone, we will meet at Augustiner am Gendarmenmarkt at 7.45pm on Thursday (9 October).

If anyone else wants to come along, just send me a message and I'll pass on my contact details.

Looking forward to seeing you all!

 

[*A Flyer]

Great. I'll see you at 19:45 on Thursday.

 

[Mattg]

For those who are attending, I think it would be easier if we meet at Stadtmitte U-Bahn station. I will be at the eastern exit of the U2 platform. (If anyone would like me to clarify where this is let me know.)

 

[kermatu]

I will be on the street at that exit at 19.45. Hopefully it won't still be raining! Looking forward to it.

 

[JohnM]

Here's the typical Bavarian food - pork knuckle & cabbage had by moi, mattg and *A; kermatu had the duck. Pic of big beers to come from mattg.

Great night! Thanks, guys.

 

[Mattg]

And here's the four of us.

It appears that this was snapped while my eyes were closed! Anyway, here's kermatu, myself, JohnM and *A Flyer in Berlin.



Thanks guys for coming, I had an enjoyable night and even learnt a thing or too. And how amazing was that pork knuckle?!

 

[anat0l]

Here's the typical Bavarian food - pork knuckle & cabbage had by moi, mattg and *A; kermatu had the duck. Pic of big beers to come from mattg.

Great night! Thanks, guys.

What's the acceptable way to eat a pork knuckle? Knife and fork only (with fork tines up and level as you bring it to your mouth, of course), or can you use fingers to nibble away at the bone later?

 

[JessicaTam]

Looks like a great night. I am sorry I missed it. Next time maybe...

 

[JohnM]

And here's the four of us.

It appears that this was snapped while my eyes were closed! Anyway, here's kermatu, myself, JohnM and *A Flyer in Berlin.

View attachment 35952

Thanks guys for coming, I had an enjoyable night and even learnt a thing or too. And how amazing was that pork knuckle?!

Just thinking, Matt, it might be career-limiting if you let the boss see you asleep on the job .

 

[kermatu]

Was a real pleasure meeting you guys. All up a fantastic evening of great company, fine food and beers. Nice way to end my all too brief trip to Berlin.

 

[JohnM]

What's the acceptable way to eat a pork knuckle? Knife and fork only (with fork tines up and level as you bring it to your mouth, of course), or can you use fingers to nibble away at the bone later?

Conventional use of knife and fork worked pretty well. The crackling was great - crunchy all over. They obviously have a well-honed special technique.

 

[JohnK]

Thanks guys for coming, I had an enjoyable night and even learnt a thing or too. And how amazing was that pork knuckle?!

Looks delicious.

What's the acceptable way to eat a pork knuckle? Knife and fork only (with fork tines up and level as you bring it to your mouth, of course), or can you use fingers to nibble away at the bone later?

Fingers and nibble away at the bone later is more than acceptable.

 

[*A Flyer]

Was great to meet you all as well. The food was great and good to have a chat with fellow travellers.