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Spain to Germany

February - April 2023
One year ago today I returned home to Chicago after spending 5 epic weeks motorcycling south to Tierra del Fuego, SA.
Tomorrow I board a flight to Malaga, Spain. I will spend all of March in Marbella exploring the spectacular Spanish Costa del Sol. Read more
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  • Nestor PereaSpain to Germany
    Day 35

    Berlin Marathon

    April 2, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 48 °F

    A cold, cloudy day to become a bit sunnier as the hours passed. I walked out of my hotel finding the main thoroughfare crossing Wittenberg Platz was closed to traffic and pedestrians. The Berlin Marathon had begun. The first contestants coming through were in-line roller bladers. Ver cool to watch them speed past. Then had to find the morning’s coffee and croissant.
    My day was planned. The Museum of Architecture and Design. Followed by the Art Deco Museum ending with the German Spy Museum on Potsdamer Platz. Again a full day of cerebral stimulation starting with the arts.
    But my plan was quickly aborted after arriving at the Architecture Museum which was closed for renovation. Ok. The Jewish Museum which I intended to see Monday was near. So there I went only to find after checking my coat that I could only enter at a reserved time. Ok. I didn’t want to wait. Plan for tomorrow.
    Let’s head to the Spy Museum I concluded. Again reserved entry times were required. I decided against any museums today so I walked the mile to Brandenberg Gate. Although Check Point Charlie is historic it is quite touristy. The Brandenberg Gate is a more significant monument memorable for dividing the East from the West.
    The city was super busy with throngs of onlooker, runners, families. Everyone was out.
    I reached the Gate and walked underneath to see that the marathon ran through it to the finish line on the other side. It was wonderful to see a Cold War symbol being used in a joyful celebration.
    My own running of a half marathon took place on a hot August Chicago day. It was beautiful running along the lakefront to the Museum of Science and Industry the turning point then back to the finish line in Grant Park. Historic undertaking for me but not as historic I would imagine as finishing under this recognizable gate.
    This would conclude my Sunday. This evening I am going to an Israeli restaurant near the hotel. Tomorrow the factory and one last museum, hopefully.    Read more

  • Nestor PereaSpain to Germany
    Day 36

    BMW Plant Tour

    April 3, 2023 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 43 °F

    I have not been in a manufacturing plant since I retired from Abbott. But plants no matter what they make are fascinating machines to tour. Yes a plant is basically a giant machine. An orchestrated dance that takes input to produce an output. Similar to a car that takes input(gasoline) to produce output(energy) to move the car.
    2023 is the 100 year anniversary of BMW began motorbikes manufacturing starting with the R32. However, BMW first began by building aircraft engines. The tour lasted an hour and a half covering the logistics warehouse where parts are delivered, inventoried and stored to wait for production. All of the activity is done by robots.
    Next was assembling the frame and all the parts attached such as wiring and harness, handlebar components, etc. The engines are the only item that is produced at the plant. All other components are sourced externally.
    Once the frame is partially assembled it travels via conveyor through multiple station where technicians add more parts this simplifies the assembly process.
    In the final step each bike is tested certifying it is road worthy.
    All the parts carrying robots that move through the plant are designed and built by BMW engineers.
    Much information was share yes but no pictures allowed. Some important points.
    1. Bikes were originally made in Munich production move here in 1969.
    2. The berlin plant makes bikes for the world except countries with law requires final assembly in country assembly, i.e., Brazil.
    3. 4000 employees
    4. 800 bikes produced daily
    5. 1 million parts to make 800 bikes, daily!
    6. The GS is the biggest seller worldwide. I ride a GS.
    7. An electric scooter is in production.
    8. 1,923 RNineT bikes all numbered 1 will be made in celebration of the 100 year anniversary. Get your order in!
    As a diehard brand loyal enthusiast the tour was well worth it. But if any of you have a product you love call the company to ask if they give tours. Many of them do. Highly recommend; great learning experiences.
    BTW, the facility is near the Zitadelle Spandau a fortress built in the 16th century that played a role during WWII. It’s a historic place to visit and it’s fortified inner courtyard hosts open air concerts where my wife and I got to see PJ Harvey.    Read more

  • Nestor PereaSpain to Germany
    Day 37

    Homebound

    April 4, 2023 in Germany ⋅ 🌙 27 °F

    What a great trip! Eager to get home now and prepare for the next adventure.
    Spain was a good experience especially renting snd “living” there for a month. So much to see but did manage to visit four other cities. Next time I think instead of s long term rental I’ll move from city to city inconvenient but will allow greater familiarity with each town. The trains in Spain make that convenient. Snd one can decide to stay longer in one place.
    No complaints about the people, food or prices which seemed incredibly affordable. All was terrific.
    Germany prices noticeably higher especially in a large capital city like Berlin. Dinners averaged 25-30 Euros. This morning I saw Shell gas price for premium at $8.28 per gallon. Museum were reasonable 5-8 Euros. Still the city was vibrant, cosmopolitan with a diversity of neighborhoods and large immigrant population as would be expected.
    No complaints about the food or people although some did show a rougher edge. Not unexpected.
    Museums excellent. The U-bahn subway system runs as efficiently as ever. Clean, comfortable making taxis redundant. I was never asked for my fare ticket. It will get you quickly anywhere in this large metro area even to the furthest outskirts.
    German society is disciplined, efficient, well maintained and prompt. One note: there are cameras everywhere.
    Not sure why I waited so long to return but will surely do so as these few days weren’t enough to cover everything this city offers.
    Marbella’s warm sunny days are missed as the still lingering chilly Berlin weather at times forced me to seek a warm shelter. Yet it does give this Cold War city character.

    Thank you all for joining me!    Read more

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