I made the most of my last day here in Berlin. I rented another Porsche convertible (metallic gray this time) and drove back to Warnemunde for the day. It was obviously meant to be because when I returned to Berlin this evening Michael (the concierge) informed me that it had rained in Berlin but for me it was spectacular and sunny all day.

Friday’s Porsche, front & side view

Friday’s Porsche, rear view

Friday’s selfie with the top down and the Prada sunglasses

Before a bit more about the Porsche, I must say that I’m so glad I went back to Warnemunde. I really hadn’t seen much of it at all on Tuesday – basically stayed on the beach – and it’s a rather charming little beach town. I walked around all day and didn’t actually go to the beach since there were so many other things to see while still soaking up the sun.

Charming little house on one of the side streets

I started with a tour around the harbor. It wasn’t the most scenic boat tour I’ve ever taken – very industrial, in fact – but it’s always so wonderful to be on the water. I actually took quite a few pics of some really impressive boats, which I’ll share later as I need to post this quickly and then start packing.

My favorite part of the tour was the dog sitting two rows behind me – him (I assume it was a male dog) and his people were so cute.

Do you see why he was my favorite part of the tour? Just adorable

I also found some items I felt just had to be purchased. Always glad to do my part to help the economy wherever I go. Packing it all should be fun…

Now some random thoughts about the Porsche – I’ve already told you how much I love the acceleration and the handling. Here are some other tidbits to consider:
• The car is a major bug killer – both times on the way back to Berlin I could hardly see for all the dead bugs splattered against the windshield; I tried to “wash” them off tonight when I filled up the gas tank but that wasn’t very effective
• Maybe because of the dirty windshield or maybe because it’s some fancy version, but looking through the rear-view mirror was an absolute joy; the view was so crisp and clean, no back window to interfere… no dead bugs
• I was good (this second time) with how everything else worked on the car but starting it remained an (embarrassing) challenge; finally, however, one German explained that I have to keep my foot on the brake (not just tap the brake as I had previously been told) when starting an automatic; is that true in American cars? I wouldn’t know as I still drive (and love) my manual transmission; I don’t know why I didn’t figure out that brake thing myself – I’ll plead utter fascination with the whole Porsche experience itself clouding my thinking ability; in any case, now I know for the next time
• Another feature was the engine automatically shutting off when stopped for an extended period of time (i.e. at a traffic light) and starting back up when you take your foot off the brake; do newer American cars do this? It’s interesting and frightening at first when you don’t know what happened (and when you’re having trouble starting the car); the Porsche today did actually stall once or twice – I’m not sure why so for a while I was slipping it into neutral but it all worked out
• It was actually a wee bit cool today for having the top down but I was determined to drive that way so I just cranked up the internal temperature and the seat heater – love those! It would have been a crying shame to have the convertible (or should I say cabriolet) and not have the top down
• Finally, the entire experience of driving the two Porsches was absolutely fabulous; the only thing I would have changed would have been the tunes – I was definitely missing my own music or a known radio station; I played German radio and occasionally got a great song but it was the one item missing; I would have played classic 80’s, maybe, or some Frank Sinatra…the possibilities are endless but you know I would have figured out the perfect music for driving a Porsche convertible

That’s all for tonight – must go pack and get to bed for an early pick up tomorrow for the trip to the airport. I refuse to think about my vacation being over because I’ll have so many pictures and memories to share on the blog in the next few days and weeks that it will help it seem like I’m still on vacation… that’s funny – as if! But it will definitely help keep the memories fresh in my mind and that can never be a bad thing.

Here are a few pics from the boat tour today, more to come later.