i am really enjoying reading your berlin blog. you have a way with words that draws me in. too bad about marcel van cleef…i had the same thing happen here at a bar downtown. this guy comes over to our table (2 brits and 2 yanks-all girls) and wants to join us. i give him my standard polite turndown-we are having a catch-up after not seeing each other for a long time-he recoils in disgust at my accent and says, “oh you are american. a bush lover, christ!”. i said “actually, i probably hate bush more than you do because i had to live under him.” it does suck when you are judged by your president, who happens to be the world’s worst leader.