Berlin trip

I've just returned from 3 weeks in summertime Berlin and have learnt something new - the German weather Bureau is definitely not to be trusted.  If they say hot and sunny, prepare for rain. If showers are forecast, get your bathers out.  I thought Melbourne had the monopoly on 4 seasons in one day, but Berlin took that status and perfected it as only Germans can.  

In between the showers, we did a fantastic Segway ride down Unter den Linden to the Brandenburg Gate and back to the Alexanderplatz.  It was SO much fun, and the guide was fantastic.  I have family living in Berlin so this isn't the first time I've been there, but I still have a long list of places to see and experiences to be enjoyed.  If you are thinking of going there and can afford the time, spend at least a week and you still won't have seen all it has to offer.

I returned 4 days ago and today my missing suitcase was returned to me.  Kudos to the wonderful people at Adelaide Airport who diligently tracked it down for me.  Unfortunately it looks like it's been fighting with a well-armed Ninja Octopus who then got his friend the Elephant to sit on it.  I can only warn you all to keep anything you really don't want to lose in your hand luggage.  Make sure your baggage is well labelled and securely locked, of course.  It's also probably not a bad idea to take a photo of it which will be extremely handy when describing it if it ever goes missing.   Having travel insurance is also a no-brainer.

I'll keep you posted if my travel insurance claim goes anything but smooth.  So far the airline involved (who for now shall remain nameless) has been in contact and is going to replace my suitcase and is sending a form to fill out re my lost property.  However, initial questions like "how old was the case?" and "Do you have receipts?" for the lost items (6kg worth) make me fear I shall have my work cut out proving my losses.