Eastertime 2016

Good Friday, a federal holiday, no shopping, verrry quiet.  And rain.  No one sitting out in this weather!

It seemed a good reason to visit a museum, so off to the Paula Becker Modersohn Museum on the Böttcherstraße.  We like it a lot.

Currently they're showing a Scandinavian artist, Per Kirkeby, a geologist by training. He did a lot of large abstract works, but if you look carefully - and if you know what you're looking for - there are always some natural elements to see:  tree trunks, sunlight, stones.

And some don't need an interpretation. This was untitled, but I immediately thought of Posey's down at the St. Marks River.

And he designed brick and stone memorials.  Of all he designed and were built, this "Traffic Tower" in Bremen was the only one that ever had a practical use.

Getting home train adventure Nr. 2 for the year.  Because they're replacing track at the central rail station (less traffic on this long holiday weekend) we had to take a special bus from an earlier station.  Wouldn't you know - shades of Brussels! - the driver didn't know Bremen and didn't know where she was going!!!  Werner saved the day and sat next to her and gave directions.  Some of our fellow travelers joked that Werner should send a bill to the Bundesbahn!

Saturday, there was a birthday to celebrate - our friend Vera.  She apologized for inviting folks to a party the day before Easter.  Yes.  It's an odd time to have a party, here in Germany.  Easter is such a serious holiday, bunnies and eggs notwithstanding.

But it was a party with classical music and food and lots of good conversation.  Vera is a few years younger than we are, so there were folks there who have not yet retired.  Talk about a mixed group.
And sunshine!  What a lovely day we had!  Afterwards, a bike ride, the first one this spring really just for pleasure.  There will be many more.

 We came across a Chainsaw artist's place - interesting!

And then later it was the Osterfeuer - the Easter Fires.
It was really, really big this year!   By tradition, old man winter has had his fangs removed and kicked back to last year.  These days though it's just another reason to have an outdoor party - Band, Beer, Bratwurst.