We flew to Berlin early this morning. This was to be our fast-breaker trip, booked back in the Summer using credit from other cancelled flights. We suspected we’d not be allowed into the US yet, so instead of making our usual pre-Christmas jolly there, we headed for a favourite city a bit closer to home.

The travelling companions are feeling the pressure right now!

We’re staying in our favourite location in Potsdamer Platz, just across from a small but very useful shopping centre. Our first discovery was to find it closed. Hmmm. Our plans of a simple afternoon over there thwarted, we carried on into Leipzigerplatz, towards another shopping centre where we could spend an hour or so browsing. On the way, we passed the small Christmas Market by the station - the main markets don’t open here until next week.

The weather here is grey and overcast and the forecast doesn’t offer much hope of better whilst we’re here. Never mind. We’ll cope.

We like all the quirky things here - as soon as we went to cross the street, the Ampelmann made us smile!

There are other reminders here too, of the recent history of this city.

The line of bricks across the road here in Leipzigerplatz is a quiet reminder of how things were.

We enjoyed browsing a little in the shops here, which are well geared up for Advent and Christmas, though my only purchase was a couple of pairs of my favourite socks, aptly named, I thought.

Having enjoyed tea and cake, we’re just taking a break from the buzz of the city before meeting our Dutch friend Ilja, who just happens to be here as well! I’m hoping that dinner tonight might be a little Bavarian-flavoured!