#61

Jean Ross was Christopher Isherwood´s inspiration for Sally Bowles, the main character of his novel collection “Berlin Stories”. This Sally Bowles was John van Druten´s inspiration for his play “I Am A Camera” and John Collier´s inspiration for the movie with the same name. And ultimately, this was the inspiration for Masteroff, Kander and Ebb in 1966 to write their world-famous musical “Cabaret”. 

That´s the way it sometimes works, when you take a closer look at Berlin, like “a camera with its shutter open”. (Christopher Isherwood, “Goodbye to Berlin“, “The Berlin Stories“) 
So let´s see what today´s inspirations will set in motion…

For being able to truly process inspirations, you need a functioning brain. We´ll probably agree on that. But a brain being an inspiration itself? Yes, that´s also an option, as Berliner Medizinhistorisches Museum der Charité currently shows with its temporary exhibition “Das Gehirn in Wissenschaft und Kunst” (Eng.: the brain in science and art). It deals as well with the current state of brain research as artistic interpretations of the connection between our brains and being a human. But don´t worry: they don´t have a washing machine. So, no danger of brainwashing there. (© Photo: Jürgen Baumann; Birgit Dieker: „Hirnschnitt“)

But a human being isn´t just brain, as we all know. So let´s do something for our stomachs. Jones Ice Cream offer fantastic ice cream and waffles, we´ve found that out already. But today we are about to discover their fabulous cookies! Soft inside and crunchy on the outside, usually still warm… what else is there to say?

Another perfect place for a snack is Dussmann. Kulturkaufhaus Dussmann, the mall for books and music? Yep. That´s the one. Ah, camera, one floor down, please.

In the basement of this temple of modern culture (with a large English section as well) we find a small oasis of peace and relaxation. Next to a goldfish pond and a waterfall of plants we can perfectly think about which of the treasures we found upstairs to read first while having an outstanding cup of freshly brewed coffee. “One short day in the emerald café”… or something like that.

If you feel more like enjoying a nice view of the city, East Side Mall might be your place to be. A shopping mall, are you sure? Yes, we are. Just get your favourite hot or cold beverage at one of the stands of the food corner on the first floor and off we go to the terrace. The views of bridge Oberbaumbrücke and the Mercedes-Benz-Arena are especially beautiful in the evening sun.

The kids aren´t tired enough to go to bed yet? No problem. Let´s head towards the district of Gesundbrunnen! Climbing hall Magic Mountain offers everything a climber´s heart wishes for, indoor and outdoor. That adds to climbing courses (also in English), fitness workshops, climbing partners´ meetings, equipment rental, organic café and sauna. (© Photo: Pablo Quevedo) 

So, the kids are fine now. But we´re actually starving! So let´s head home. We´d rather not think about this beautiful evening at Orania.Restaurant from the bird´s eye view now...