Weinbergsweg Park series: #1 Rose Garden

WEINBERGSWEG PARK - ROSE GARDEN

Just near Rosenthaler Platz in Mitte stands Weinbergsweg Park, or Volkspark am Weinbergsweg as it is officially titled by the District of Berlin. The name Weinbergsweg originates from its former function as a vinyard (Wein=Wine, Berg=Hill) on the outside of the city walls some centuries ago. It is now one of the most popular and beautiful inner city Parks in Mitte. Directions here:

Pond at Brunnenstrasse entrance (C) MJT

We visit the park regularly, particularly with dog, and it is stunning to see the seasons so clearly defined by the changes that the park undertakes during the year. 

#nikolaithehusky (C) MJT

I have taken many photos of the park in its various guises, hence wanting to start a series at Weinbergsweg. 

Weinbergsweg Rose Garden (C) MJT

Commencing with the current season, we are fortunate enough to be here while the rose garden is in full bloom. In previous years we have missed the sunniest months, but since spring arrived so early this year, everything has grown and bloomed for much longer. So here are some of the examples at the northern part of the park before the Children's Playground. 

Roses / Weinbergsweg Park (C) MJT

Roses / Weinbergsweg Park (C) MJT

Roses / Weinbergsweg Park (C) MJT

Plus there is a small cafe at the edge of the Rose Garden with only outdoor seating. Though we have never tried it... perhaps I smell the aroma of another coffee blogpost...

MJT.

Kaffee in Berlin series: #5 Five Elephant Coffee & Cakes

FIVE ELEPHANT COFFEE & CAKES 

Off to explore a different area of Berlin, we found ourselves in the leafy street of Reichenbergerstrasse (Nr 101) in Kreuzberg, parallel to Görlitzer Park. Directions here.

Here a subtle but clearly popular cafe and roasting house has established itself well into the hipster and ex-pat demographic of Kreuzberg. Five elephant coffee has a very nice taste; strong enough without being bitter. A very melbourne like blend. 

(C) MJT

The cakes part of their title is equally important, and an array of homemade cakes is yours for the choosing. However I cannot recommend strongly enough the chocolate cookies. A mix of white and milk choc-chips, the cookies are just the right texture and consistency to enjoy on their own.

(C) MJT

Sitting outside is extremely pleasant since the street has little road traffic. Nevertheless the various rooms and interesting interior would also make it a pleasant place to enjoy a coffee inside during the cooler months.

(C) MJT

In summary, Five Elephants Coffee & Cakes comes in at a good recommendation, particularly for the cookies and the smooth coffee, however I was disappointed to be ignored by three staff at the counter when trying to order...:

Coffee: ★★★☆

Service: ★★☆

Atmosphere: ★★★☆
Recommended Drink: Cappuccino
Price: €2,50
Best quality: The cookies, but the coffee was indeed good too.

(C) MJT

Berlin getaway: #1.2 SZCZECIN Rose Garden

SZCZECIN - ROSE GARDEN

 

After kilometres of walking through and around Szczecin and through the Park Kasprowicza and Rusalka Lake, we arrived at the Ogród Różany - or Rose Garden. Directions here.

(C) MJT

(C) MJT

(C) MJT

(C) MJT

Unfortunately we were just a couple of weeks too early for everything to be in full bloom, however it was still a very impressive example of just how many variations of roses exist. 

(C) MJT

 

 

(C) MJT

(C) MJT

Luckily after closer inspection we were treated to individual examples of the many variations.

(C) MJT

(C) MJT

(C) MJT

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(C) MJT

And not just the gardeners were keeping as busy as a bee....

(C) MJT

(C) MJT

Nevertheless it was well worth the visit, and I would recommend a visit particularly from May until the end of Summer. I assume there are different species in bloom through the spring/summer season.

MJT.

Berlin getaway series: #1.1 SZCZECIN - COLOMBUS COFFEE

SZCZECIN - COLOMBUS COFFEE

Since many of my blog posts revolve around coffee, it is perhaps apt that I start with an awesome cafe that we found in the middle of the street....

COLOMBUS COFFEE

(C) MJT

Granted this is a chain coffee store (I discovered that it was founded in 1999, and appears to only be in Poland), but the architecture of this particular café is SO cool.

(C) MJT

Located in the middle of an intersection between two discarded tram lines (now transformed into a paved narrow parkland), the use of the narrow space is compensated by numerous levels and an amazing open plan glass structure. A word to the wise however, the top level, where we made our regular table, is the warmest area - being a fully glassed enclosure with no windows to open - and in warm, summer temperatures I suspect the heat becomes overwhelming. 

(C) MJT

Nevertheless it is a very relaxing view looking out onto the Park towards the river.

(C) MJT

Otherwise the downstairs floor (beneath the service area) has very comfortable arm chairs, which provide secluded areas for private conversations. 

(C) MJT

(C) MJT

As for the coffee itself, we only tried the "poco cappuccino". It was a great relief to find a decent coffee. The price equated to around 2€. The array of African references, pictures and dedicated time-zone clocks suggests that is where their beans come from. So the coffee was good, even if it did remind me a little of Starbucks...

(C) MJT

(C) MJT

The selection of panini, salads and doughnuts were very good for picking up a cheap and quick lunch. And the staff were extremely friendly, courteous and spoke English surprisingly well.

(C) MJT

Obviously Colombus Coffee is a reliable place to pick up a coffee, yet this particular café is a definite stop if visiting Szczecin. They even have a facebook page, named "szczecin meeting point" - visit it here: www.facebook.com/szczecinmeetingpoint and for finding it on googlemaps here:

Oh, and if you are likely to be there for more than 6 visits, it is worth getting the loyalty card, so that you get a free coffee...!

(C) MJT