2 Mai 2009 - Berlin

The second of May was quiet, the calm after the storm. The streets were still littered with broken glass and other remnants of last night's drama. And apparently this year's May Day was not too bad...

I went to Kreuzburg, the main scene of the demonstrations, looking for flea markets. I think the website I used to find locations must have been out of date, for I wasn't able to find any. Schade.

So I went to the Pergamon Museum, a massive museum that houses the Pergamon Altar within its depths. Countless stone steps leading up the top, gigantic pillars, and surrounded by the largest Frieze, the Altar is massive. The Frieze depicts the Greek Gods in their struggle against the sons of Gaia, who are huge titans with snake legs and other deformations. This is a closeup view of Zeus and Athena, both in the midst of engaging several titans.

A shot of the stairs of the Pergamon Altar. There were large numbers of people sitting on the stairs, looking around at the Frieze and the statues, which was fun to see.

Another part of the Frieze, which depicted just about every Greek god and goddess that I have heard about. This shows the Gorgons bravely battling some titans with snake legs.

A detail shot of one of the three Fates, in the middle of hurling a pot of snakes at a titan. The expression on her face is indescribable-- beautiful and serene, but determined and fierce, almost with a glint of vengeance in her eye. This photo doesn't do it nearly enough justice.

This is the famed Ishtar Gate. King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon dedicated it to the goddess Ishtar. It was the main entrance into Babylon.

It was preceded by the Processional Way, which was decorated with motifs of 120 Lions.

A detail shot of the tiles covering the Ishtar Gate and the palace. Absolutely gorgeous-- the colours are unreal.

A famed statue of Athena, my favorite. It's an interesting representation of the goddess, because it depicts her without her helmet, breastplate, or any other of her usual, warlike accessories.

Another of Athena, this time more traditionally shown with her helmet and a dire expression-- in contrast to the former, more serene, statue.

This is a statue of a woman. She isn't a goddess or a queen or anyone else of great importance, but clearly she must have done something extraordinary to warrant this statue being made in honor of her. It is exquisite-- the detail of the fabric is remarkable.

Later, we went to the Deutsche Oper, to see a performance of the Magic Flute.

Die Zauberflöte was pretty cool-- there were supertitles shown above the stage during the songs (which were naturally in German), and so I could actually understand what the actors were singing! Sadly, I could still not understand the dialogue...