First We Take Berlin

 The powerful and haunting wordless Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

The symbol of Berlin, in victory and in peace, divided and unified, the Brandenburg Gate

Shana Tova to all my Jewish friends.

I enjoyed a (Hebrew/German with a few words and the page numbers in English) New Year service at the New Synagogue in Berlin. It was both friendly and familiar.

In fact, my son and I are having a totally friendly and amazing time in Berlin in preparation and for jet lag accommodation before IWCLL in Cologne.  Interview times with Dr. Kipps, Hallek, and Pagel are confirmed.

What I haven't done is hang out much on the internet, which is a good thing.

Except for very sore knees and feet from hours and hours of walking, it has been uber wonder filled.

Great live jazz, good vegan food, helpful strangers, easy public transport in and between cities on subways and trains, tours of the city above and yes, air raid shelters below the ground. The museum collections we have seen exceed London or Manhattan. The street art and life sure do.

That's all for me now. More from the conference in a few days.