Ich bin ein cyclist

Today I toured Berlin by bicycle. I was joined by Louis and Alex (his partner) for the second half.

First half: borrowed bike from Uver and Kristina (thanks!). Biked from our accommodation in North Berlin to the city center. Maps says it takes 45 mins but it took me a little over an hour, due to wrong turns. There is some form of cycle path on most main streets, though the quality of surface varies. It is not required to wear a helmet, which makes the experience more comfortable and convenient.

Second half: met Louis and Alex and had a second breakfast. We then biked to Brandenburg Gate (smaller than expected) and then another hour of biking to a The Allied Museum in west Berlin. This displayed allied war memorabilia (US, UK, French) from when they occupied Berlin, keeping an eye on the Soviets.

It then began raining heavily so we took the S Bahn (overground train) back. You can take bikes on board.

We saw Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ian Wright doing TV pre-match (zoomed photo).

Also pictured: me at Olympiastadion for Switzerland v Italy. This is the stadium Jesse Owens won the 100m in the 1936 Olympics.

We are now at the fanzone to watch England v Slovakia. England are expected to win and their fans are confident - a bad sign..Read more