30 März 2009 - Berlin

A full day - first day of classes, first time eating at the Mensa (the cafeteria at the Freie Universität), first REAL excursion into the city. After a narrow escape from the controllers (who patrol the S-Bahns and U-Bahns looking for riders who take advantage of the Berlin Honor system and do not have valid tickets with them), I successfully bought my week-pass, so that I can ride on the buses and trains, free from Angst (fear).

Through photography, I hope to capture real moments, real people in Berlin and greater Europe. I know it sounds cliche (and I don't have nearly a good-enough camera to be able to photograph instantaniously at a moment's notice), but I love walking down the street and noticing random things, almost out-of-eyesight Dings (things).

This photo was taken at the Brandenburg Tor, and the woman was wearing the most wonderful mix of patterns, silhouettes, and colours. She was so excited to be there, standing in front of the massive gate. This picture doesn't accurately capture the movement that was associated with her person, her excitement--but it does offer a sense of the moment, of the weather.

Also at the Brandenburg Gate, a scene of calm and relaxation amid the bustling tourists, Soviet reenactors, and hyper schoolchildren.


A little further removed from the gate itself, a real Russian. I like the mix of gold and stone.