Berlin. Always reassuring to see the Brandenburg Gate with open land each side. First saw it in the 70s, then again in ’89, the wall almost touching, west city, so little behind. Checkpoint Charlie, Cafe Adler (now part of the fine Einstein Coffee Shop chain), art nouveau par excellence. Rubbish tourist shops all around, but easy to ignore. I ignore very well when so minded. Trike ride, just like a proper tourist, rickshaw for a couple of exploratory hours. Einstein Under den Linden. Nowhere better for coffee and sustenance. It’s quite cold here. Colder than the UK. Really autumnal. Before tomorrow’s soundcheck and the real work begins, I plan to visit the Alte National Gallery. And the lyrics of new songs are in my pocket or my grasp at all and any time.

SH