Living by the river, todays wake up call was that tape they start on MS “Captain Morgan” right after leaving their landing stage: “…On the left you will now see Charlottenburg castle built between 1695 and 1699 by architect Arnold Nering for Kaiser Friedrich III.`s wife Sophie Charlotte. The castle is built in the italian Baroque style…” at that point the boat passes the curve, thank you Captain Morgan, I am at home then. I am left alone with birds, neighbours having breakfast on their balconies and the sound of Mr. Justin Timberlake accompanied by that teenager’s dancemoves upstairs (It could be worse, imagine little boy/heavy rock or german hiphop).

I am leaving the house and try to enter Schlosspark in order to stay in shape. The park is located next to the river. Originally layed out in 17th century by Simeon Godeau as a french baroque garden it had to be changed when french influence was totally out of fashion with the German emperors during the 18th century. They reshaped it to the more appropriate English garden style. But back to my experience: The park is a daily routine and it is a public park, except today. Our president seems to await an important guest. He uses Charlottenburg castle for official events while his home Bellevue Castle is being renovated. A 100+ choir is exercising classic singing right now, it seems to be a very important event as the singing is accompanied by the neverending sound of police helicopters observing the neighbourhood. At the entrance to the park a policeman is asking for my ID. I am wearing shorts, t-shirt, pair of socks, running shoes. I am not allowed to enter. People who have an ID may enter. I learned: Always carry your ID, even when you try to do sports in the park next to your house. Say cheese. The park is worth a trip though.