Cheese

I have been patronizing the cheese vendors at the local open-air market, but my selections are completely haphazard. They are generous with samples, and I buy everything they offer. The two vendors look like Botero sculptures. One wears a beret. Perhaps before I leave they will permit me to take their photo. This week we are eating 1) a great Brie, 2) something they call Deichkaese, dyke cheese from the Netherlands, and 3) a light yellow not quite hard cheese from Spain, slathered with figs preserved in syrup so that the syrup oozes into the cracks of the cheese. it is so delicious. Soon I will look like a Botero sculpture!> > Last evening we braved the rain to attend the Vesper service at the cathedral. The organist and the organ are outstanding, and for foreigners the service is good because there is minimal preaching and liturgy. The Berlin marathon started yesterday with in-line skaters, and rolling racers and runners compete today. The half-way point of the course is very close to our apartment, so we watched some of it this morning. A small group of African runners was far in the lead. Chris, we are thinking of you. >