Germany

Packing and Logistics

Well, here I am. I’ve now started packing, and things are trying to come together with the move to Ireland. It looks like I may have to get some approvals for the move, however, because logistically – I’m just not finding an easy way to move the dog.

I thought I was going to be able to fly him – but being Riddick is 35 kilos and is 11 years old – most of the pet carriers simply don’t want to touch him because it’s risky. So, I’ve looked up the logistics and submitted to the company that I may need to drive from Berlin to Cherbourg, France (1400 km) to catch a 19 hour ferry up to Ireland. From there, it’s a 3 hour drive (on the opposite side of the roads) to Dublin and my new flat. It’s a little bit more expensive than expected, so I’m now waiting on approvals.

If the approvals come through – I’m going to book a ferry. This could be a bit of a logistical problem again – because the ferry only goes once every 3 days. While that’s do-able, the other issue coming up now is that the ferry only has 1 kennel that’s big enough for my dog. It looks like it’s booked out at least 2 – 4 weeks in advance and I will have to have a reservation for it. *crosses fingers* That means I’m already a week late – and hoping to be in Ireland by the middle of the month.

Packing, Packing, and more Packing….that’s what I’m doing right now. Good thing I left some stuff in Ireland when I went earlier. It may take 6 weeks before I get my stuff from the moving company, but at least I’ll have something of my own there.

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Happy Independence Day

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This year, the Democrats abroad threw the American Independence Day picnic party at Templehof Airport park. Despite the super hot day (it was 38*c / 104 *F) and the lack of trees, I decided to round up the doggie and my friend Jean who was in town from Ireland and head to the park. It was fun – especially with the dog being able to play with a few other doggies in the dog park. A few pictures are in the photo set here, or you can check out the photo stream below.

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Christopher Street Day

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One of the biggest parties in Berlin every year is the Gay Pride Parade, also known as Christopher Street Day. Christopher Street Day (CSD) Parade is an enormous outdoor Gay / Lesbian Pride Party which has taken place every summer in Berlin since 1979. The festival is named after the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in New York City which was directly caused by a police raid on a gay bar on Christopher Street.

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Amongst the largest Gay Rights parties in the world. Straight or Gay, when you’re there you’ll find costumes of all varieties and colors and styles, Huge Tractor Trailer type floats with sound systems, and plenty of live music, and DJ sets, and most importantly — plenty of Beer and happy people.

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This year’s theme was Normal is “other” (Normal ist Anders). Sort of saying that no one has a normal love – and that all love is “different”.

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I have to say that by far, it’s one of the most enjoyable parties in the city (they march several kilometers – thus the photos of the INSANE SHOES they rocked the entire parade walking in) – but make no mistake, there are plenty of political agendas put forth here too.

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Among this year’s ajendas were the rights for Gays to adopt children (they can already get married in the eyes of the law – if not in a church), putting forth better equality laws to protect people the world over – regardless of race, creed, religion, or sexual orientation.

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This year, my friend, Jean was in town, and I convinced him that we had to go to the parade, expecting that he’d want to leave after a few hours. Once he got there, he too had a great time – agreeing to stay from the beginning to the end – nearly 3 hours worth of parade. One of the things that he noticed, which I noticed at my first CSD was that there aren’t any protesters, just party people. Likewise, there were entire families that had come out to the party – just to teach their kids and encourage them to be more open minded.

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Even though I’m straight, Many of my closest friends are Gay, and I love them for being who they are. I feel like by attending, I show my support for them and their rights just as much as my own.


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After all, I believe that love can come in many shapes and sizes, and where it appears, only the heart can ever know.

For more pictures and the complete slideshow, you can see below or click the link here.

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