Birdy friends in the heart of Berlin

My husband and I discovered quite by accident a beautiful outdoor aviary near Zoo Station in Berlin. It houses wonderful colourful, much missed by me, Aussie King Parrots and Lorikeets and other parrot family members from South America also. It was such a delicious surprise and makes my heart sing to visit them when I need a dose of Australia!

To find it, go through the Post Office at Zoo and then walk out into the square of a modern building that sits behind the street. There you will probably hear the parrots shrieking joyously.

Literaturhaus Berlin

Also in one of the more elegant streets of our new area is Berlin's Literaturhaus - where you can hear writers reading their work, attend literary symposiums and exhibitions. The historically listed villa was built in 1889 for Richard Hildebrandt, and saved from demolition by citizens' action. The grounds, which are used for the attached café, are very gracious - there's a majestic tree in the garden which was beautifully lit at night, when we discovered this tranquil retreat. It's next to the Käthe Kollwitz museum, also on Fasanenstraße.

Puppen & Teddy Klinik

In my new neighbourhood there is a charming little Rosy's Puppen & Teddyklinik (Doll and Teddybear hospital), the loving creation of Rosy Blanke, which has been here for 20 years. I love that places like this still exist. If your old teddy's stuffing is bursting out, he can be stitched up and if your china doll's bits break, you can take her in for a new arm or leg, for example. Old West Berlin treasure!

Uhlandstraße 148
10719 Berlin-Wilmersdorf
030 873 6004

Tues - Fri 11.00 - 18.00

Australian Icons

So I'm not the only Aussie in Düsseldorfer Straße! In the next block is the shop Australian Icons, devoted to clever, beautiful design from Australia. Delights including Third Drawer Down tea-towels and pillowslips, recyclable shopping bags, Robert Foster's elegant designs and nifty and lovely Zaishu chairs/tables, amongst many.

I was thrilled to learn that I'm right next door, for those homesick moments...

Düsseldorfer Straße 76
10719 Berlin
030 8639 3668