My Amerika-Gedenkbibliothek

One place I have been spending a fair amount of time recently is the Amerika-Gedenkbibliothek, just opposite Hallesches Tor U-Bahn station. It is a large library with a high ceiling and a huge window by the work areas. It is thus lovely and light, and there is a nice view out onto a little garden, which is good refreshment for the eyes after an intensive period of study. Although it seems that when the sun reaches a particular point in the sky, a security guards comes around to draw the curtains of certain sections of the window, which can be a little disappointing if you have a pleasant shaft of sunlight warming one cheek. The library attracts all sorts, students studying, young parents with their children and, of course, those doing it a little rough looking to find a warm, comfortable place to spend the day. I really think Berlin's down-and-outers are an untapped resource, considering the hefty tomes I see some of them reading. Due to its size, the slightly off smell radiating from these less frequently washed library regulars dissipates, particularly as you move toward the back. Picking a spot is, however, quite important. I've learnt that those who read the papers are also often the ones that don't shower. The smell can be quite strong and hence distracting, one of the risks of studying in a public place. At home in Sydney, I would have never considered going to a library to work. But it has actually proved a productive work place, the bike ride there is energising and the ride back refreshing and revitalising. Apparently they are planning to build a big public library at Tempelhof Park and to close the Amerika-Gedenkbibliothek. This would be a shame, as it is a great library with historical significance located in a good, central position. 

I want to ride my bicycle!

Having never properly learnt to drive, the benefits of living in a bike-friendly city have been particularly significant for me. Buying my own bike was a big step up in the world and I still often experience a shiver of excitement with the realisation that I am on the road now and no longer a plebeian pedestrian. I ride almost everywhere I go, and may even sometimes avoid going places to which I can't ride. My initial angst at riding on main roads didn't last long and I generally find riding relaxing and a good stress reliever. Bike paths are prolific and drivers well accustomed to sharing the road. There is naturally some tension between bikers and drivers, and bikers and pedestrians, yet considering the number of bikes on the road, it does not seem to be an especially big issue. I just find it brilliant that I can ride to Potsdamer Platz, to visit an art gallery, or up to the library to study or to the many various parks around my area. I have ridden to clubs and restaurants, to work and to meet friends. For people who can drive, this might not be so exciting, but for someone until now restricted to travelling on public transport, it has meant a hugely positive change in my life.

Cafe Culture

A saving grace of living in a foreign city without a solid friend and family base has been the cafe culture in Berlin. It is totally acceptable to visit cafes alone and remain long after you have finished your single cup of coffee. It took me a while to relax into this excellent custom but now I happily take a book or my laptop and sit for sometimes hours reading or working. This is standard practice and garners no annoyance whatsoever from staff. The cliental in some cafes on a given day will almost entirely be made up of lone individuals tapping away on their Macs. Its almost to the point where you would feel more uncomfortable chatting to a friend over a coffee. For my current study-centred existence this is perfect. A comfortable cafe serving good coffee (of which there is no shortage) offers a pleasant change of scene from the library or my desk at home and my ability to drown out background noise has improved dramatically. It is a little harder to ignore the smell and resist the temptation of the often marvellous looking freshly baked cakes on offer. 

Plum Jam

It is the first day of Autumn and despite clear blue skies there is a slight chill in the air. I have heard horror stories about winter in Berlin, well-below freezing temperatures, long hours of darkness and the general dispiriting grey drabness of the city. Needless to say, I am fairly worried about my ability to handle winter and its lead up. So I am desperate now to capture the last of summer, bottle it and preserve it. I was able to do so literally this week, by making some plum jam. I didn't know that Germany produced plums, let alone really tasty ones. But it must be their season because they are everywhere and cheap. Plum jam has a beautiful colour and tastes of sunshine, which will no doubt be comforting during the deep, dark winter creeping ever closer.

Plum Jam:

1kg plums

500 g water

600-700grams raw sugar

a little lemon juice

Preheat the oven to 100-150*C, sterilise 4-5 jars, place them on a tray and into the oven. Place the sugar in an oven proof bowl and also into the oven to warm up. Wash and stone the fruit and cut into bite sized pieces, place in a large pot (wide and shallow, if possible) with the water and lemon juice. Tie up the plum stones in a muslin bag and add to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the fruit is soft. Turn off the heat and stir in the warm sugar until it has dissolved. Return to a high heat and bring to the boil, boil until setting point has been reached. One way to test this is to have a saucer in the freezer, tip a little syrup onto the cold surface, after 15 or so seconds push it gently with a spoon, if it runs freely it needs longer, if it is a little more resistant it may be ready, depending how firmly set you like your jam.