A Long Walk to Lunch with Blister

Since M is recuperating from an illness and I wanted to give my legs a break from the amount of walking I've been doing, I didn't have any big plans for today. Ummm... about that...

Our only plan for the day was lunch, and because it was a splendiferous day (the high hit 64 -- really!), we decided to walk. According to google, the distance was a little over 3 km. According to P's running app, over the weekend our walks had been close to 4 km. On paper, it appeared do-able.

A gratuitous shot of a narcissus I spotted on our walk.
I'll try to bring spring back with me when I come
home next week.

I can't say why the shoes I've been wearing and walking in should suddenly decide to rub, but I'm now sporting the most "fashionable" of heel blisters. Thank you Bandaid brand for your most wonderful blister bandages. I just wish I'd remembered I had a couple in my purse before it got quite so large.

Along our route, we passed a few landmarks that I'd previously seen from the bus and intended to go back to, so that was good. And part of our walk took us along the bank of the Spree, so that was good too.

First we passed Berlin's criminal court building, which is huge. I couldn't get the entire building in one photo, so have two.

M spent one of his law internships in the building. In fact, the walk turned into M's internship tour, as he pointed out building after building along our route where he had worked. This was the only one I photographed, though.

At the far end of the building is the jail where they house prisoners awaiting trial. M said he could hear the prisoners yelling at each other when he worked there.

Further along, we passed behind part of the Chancellery. Without M along, I wouldn't have known what was behind that wall. The ubiquitous Fernseturm was visible in the distance.

I'd seen the Moltkebrücke (Moltke Bridge) from the TXL bus on every trip, although until today I didn't know its name.

It's exceptionally ornate, with griffens

That's the Hauptbahnhof (main train station) in the background.
You've probably seen it in a few movies.

and other statuary.

Yes, I know there's something on my lens.
I've been trying to clean it off, but my lens-cleaning cloth
seems to just keep moving it around.

I've also been fascinated by this building with its use of massive solids and softer round shapes. I don't have the architectural vocabulary to describe it exactly, but it appeals to me... although I still have no idea what it is.

I find the shape of the supports for this bridge to be interesting, as well.

A couple more corners and we arrived at Issaan Thai Restaurant on Carlplatz. I thought the presentation of the food was about the prettiest I've ever seen. The food was good, too. I had crusty sweet and sour duck.

After lunch, we took the bus and subway home to minimize the walking. Once home I tended my wounds.

Ever the glutton for punishment, I headed back out to go to P's weekly riding lesson again. This time I left a little earlier to get some photos of the facility before it got too dark.

Her riding club is housed in Trabrennbahn Karlshorst. Although it's a harness racing track, it also serves multiple uses. Last year its claim to fame was hosting the International Icelandic Horse Championships.

From the S Bahn station, it's about one km to the barn. The way passes the track and grandstand; 

the barns are at the far end on the opposite corner.

Her lesson is held in a ring behind the barn. It got so dark that I could barely see her as she rode by. I've no idea how her instructor was able to see what the students were doing.

Out the back door of the barn...

 ... to this less than picturesque riding ring. A ring is what a ring is...

I did see a pretty sunset though, before it got so dark. And cold. With a long hobble back to the train still waiting.