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Paul the psychic octopus couldn’t solve this dilemma

An uncomfortable moral dilemma looms for me today. Germany take on Spain and suddenly I’m faced with a choice. Two years ago, for the final of Euro 2008, it wasn’t even an issue and I celebrated with gusto when La Furia Roja finally brought a trophy back to España.

— What do you think? —

Which team will win?

  • Germany (53.0%, 9 Votes)
  • Spain (47.0%, 8 Votes)

Total Voters: 17

Irish feeling patriotic for Germany ahead of der Klassiker

Germany’s Miroslav Klose celebrates his goal in the national team’s match against England in the second round of the 2010 World Cup. Germany went onto win 4:1. Photo: picture-alliance / M.i.S.-Sportpressefoto

Germany’s Miroslav Klose celebrates his goal in the national team’s match against England in the second round of the 2010 World Cup. Germany went onto win 4:1. Photo: picture-alliance / M.i.S.-Sportpressefoto

Now that the French are out of the way with the unexpected bonus of more Schadenfreude than we could possibly have asked for, Irish World Cup ambitions revert to seeing the English knocked out as soon as possible. For me personally, this takes on added significance as the task falls to Germany, the country I now call home.

The Eliasson Exhibit Will Have You in Awe!

Mikroskop

Mikroskop (this room ends at the first line…just an optical illusion ;)

You wouldn’t believe the incredible exhibition that had me in awe for days. I couldn’t wait to tell you all about it!

First, I would like to point out that Berlin is known for its buoyant art scene. If its antiques at the beautiful Museumsinsel in Mitte, contemporary art at the infamous Hamburger Bahnhof, or even the historical Jewish Museum, Berlin embraces art with both arms wide open.

The Martin-Gropius-Bau belongs at the top of the list of must-see museums. Located in the center of the city just around the corner from Potsdamer Platz, the large old building hosts various exhibitions simultaneously; right now there are two. On the top floor you’ll find Frida Kahlo’s Retrospective, and on the ground floor is the impressive installation that had me in awe: Innen Stadt Außen by the Danish Artist Olafur Elissaon.

Karneval der Kulturen - Why it is a Must!

Asian Invasion-Beautiful Asian Truck

Asian carnival participants

Since my first Berlin-Blog post on Young-Germany.de, I’ve been excitedly waiting to write about one of Berlin’s particular events: the annual Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures).

The Karneval der Kulturen stands out of the slew of cultural events held here, combining multiculturalism with international foods and music for a spectacular must-see highlight!

Germany From a Saudi Perspective

by Eman Al-Nafjan aus Riad

The glass dome that tops the Reichstag in Berlin was designed as a symbol of transparency in government.  Flickr user alles-schlumpf

The glass dome that tops the Reichstag in Berlin was designed as a symbol of transparency in government. Flickr user alles-schlumpf

I was invited by the German Foreign Ministry to spend ten days in Berlin as part of a blogger tour initiative. I’ve never been to Germany before as a tourist, let alone a guest of the government. It was an educational experience in which I learned a lot about Germany and also the countries of the 14 other bloggers who were invited too.

As a Saudi coming from a strict Islamic country, it took me a couple of days to get into the swing of things–like walking around without my mandatory black cloak on and not stopping to wonder when the next prayer break is when everything has to shut down for thirty minutes.