12.26.2011 an abandoned circus

There's no such thing as boxing day shopping extravaganza in Berlin. Christmas holiday is a time for families and spending time with people you enjoy. We were invited for brunch at my coworkers place and it was really nice. Her kids are absolutely adorable and fun to be around. When I go back home, I would totally do brunches comme ca. It's really simple, just breads, meats, cheeses, confiture, stories, and laughter.

"Are you sure it's this way?" she asked, slightly worried

We told everyone we were going to the abandoned circus, and they told us to be careful because it was patrolled by security. One of them also said that it would not be worth it. "There's nothing there to see, just a bunch of dead trees and moss and maybe a giant plastic swan," said the guy. "All the more exciting!" we thought. Undeterred, we went, and it was pretty cool. The place is guarded by dogs, and entirely fenced up so you cannot actually walk into the fairgrounds, but you could always climb your way through. I was wearing my white converses and it was muddy everywhere so we didn't. The likelihood of getting chased by dogs seemed high and I would probably lose my shoes in the muck. But if I go back another time, I will be prepared!

onlookers

The circus is a leftover of the communist times of old Germany. The fencing is patched and moss and grass has consumed parts of leftover rides and machinery. Apparently the owner of the circus had gone bankrupt and run away, leaving the park behind. 

The giant ferris wheel is the first thing we saw as we got closer to the end of that long long pathway. We could hear it creak in the wind as it slowly spun it's empty gondola. At the base, trees have intruded the operator's platform. Seeing the images from other people who actually snuck inside makes us wish we did too. There is much more than what we found by the borders, like a rusty coaster that travels into the mouth of a rainbow faced tiger, and a headless stegosaurus sculpture.

circus tent, weathered rides still standing

wanna jump the fence?

deserted, swans! 

ticket booth?


popcorn growing on bushes