Berlin

Out of all the cities I've visited across North America and Europe I have to say I fell in love with Berlin immediately. One of Germany's major cities, Berlin has it all. This young, energetic, historic and beautiful city comes to life each night during the summer with so many things to do. The buildings and history here filled me with so much curiosity and interest.

Young and old lay on the grass or lounge chairs along the river drinking beer, wine ,  juice, water, whatever floats you boat. Bars and restaurants line the spaces underneath the railway behind us.

Tons of people-tourists and locals fill the large sidewalks and streets looking for activity; or just out for a stroll. 

An outdoor bar along the river was lively each night; Bringing all types, shapes and sizes to dance with lovers or watch with friends. 

On museum island, one can spend sunrise to sunset soaking in history and art. Countless museums line the streets offering much education about our past.

Many museums still have bullet holes and patch work from damage from WWII

Cathedral and museum

Ok this city is Wynwood on steroids. Below is just one of thousands of works I saw.

Holocaust Memorial

There's a lot left of the Berlin Wall to go around.

Me at Museum island (below)

More wall

And more wall

US Army Checkpoint going back into West Berlin (now a tourist attraction)

Vee vant to take zee pictures vis zee fake army peeple. (I probably would have too if it wasn't packed)

You are entering the American Sector!

Literally a city pisser......

Brandenburg Gate

Compilation of the S and U Bahn

S-Bahn (above and below)

U-bahn (below)

I'm Gona throw some Miami-Dade atchya....

S-bahn below

Regional

Cold War era bunker

Bunker

Bunker

Oh Berlin why do I have to leave you?

I will return!!!

An airline that gives out German Chocolate at the end of your flight? Damn right that's my airline.

Peace...

Adventures in Slovenia

So many of you are asking yourselves, where is Slovenia and what is it? Slovenia is a small little baby country on the outskirts of Northern Italy. It is where Ernest Hemingway wrote his famous book "A farewell to arms" and home to seekers of extreme outdoor sports.

I went here summer 2013 with my family and then went to Berlin. Above is a photo looking down on the Soca Valley from our villa.

Rushing rapids give way to calm rivers and the beauty is unbelievable. The people are friendly and the towns are quaint. 

Our villas were great! With only four on property our family took up half the hotel.

Soca river below

White water canoeing (below) who woulda thought?

So many hikes so little time (below)

This province wins the award for most clock towers

Ok so I know I got into abandoned buildings which is somewhat dangerous but I don't think I could bring my self to do this. However my sister and mother did it and loved it. 

Chapel from the 1600's

National Park

WWI Ruins

That's my Slovenia trip now onto the next. BERLIN!!

Peace... 

Hialeah Park and Race Track

The Hialeah Park Race Track is one of the oldest recreational parks in South Florida. It was opened in 1921 by aviation pioneer Glenn Curtis and his partner James Bright.

 In 2001, Hialeah Park stopped hosting racing after a change in the state law kept it from having exclusive dates in its competition with Gulfstream Park and the Calder Race Track (two other Miami race tracks).  Consequently, owner at the time John Brunetti closed Hialeah Park to the public.

On March 2009, it was announced that track owner John Brunetti was awarded a racing permit after being stripped of permits in 2004 for not being able to hold races. Design firm EwingCole was selected to develop a master plan for renovation and further development, including a new casino. A $40–$90 Million restoration project was begun in mid-2009. Photos are from today June 8th, 2013, with much of the facilities restored, but still much work to do.

On May 7, 2009 the Florida legislature agreed to a deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida that allowed Hialeah Park to operate slot machines and run quarter mile races. The historic racetrack reopened on November 28, 2009 but only for quarter horse races. The park installed slot machines in January 2010 as part of a deal to allow for two calendar seasons of racing. The races ran until February 2, 2010. Only a portion of the park has been restored and an additional $30 million will be needed to complete this first phase of the project. The full transformation was expected to cost $1 billion since the plan included a complete redevelopment of the surrounding area including the construction of an entertainment complex to include a hotel, restaurants, casinos, stores and a theater. On June 2010 concerns were raised over the preservation of Hialeah Park's historical status as the planned development threatened to hurt Hialeah Park's status as a National Historic Landmark.

Above and Below: Betting Booths

Betting Booths

Currently the park is set to open to full racing December of this year (2013).

 

The whole time I was here I thought I was trespassing. The only people around were construction workers. I soon found out that they were simulcasting the Belmont Stakes today. I should have stayed to explore more. I will go back again soon and update. :-)