So I went to the airport to inquire about the passport,
but the information guys hadn't seen it, so they sent
me to the police, who entered me in a database but hadn't
found it either.

I had just time to scamper downstairs and meet lili at
her gate, as my trip by public trans had taken longer
than Mr. Google Maps had said, plus there were the
police interviews, and her plane (KLM from Amsterdam
I think) had been right on time. We got ourselves
together and took the bus back to the Carolinenhof.

We'd arranged to meet some friends at Marjellchen,
which has a reputation for making the best possible case
for the local East Prussian cuisine, which is heavy,
creamy, lardy, and not that imaginative.

Because of the peculiarities of street numbering, the
restaurant is a block away from where one might think
it was - not a big deal, just a touch of adventure.

We were greeted by a very amusing stoutly good-humored
proprietress, who pointed us to a table already half
occupied by bdnyc and BOB W. Drinks and conversation.

bdnyc for some reason got hare with cherry sauce - I
had a taste, and it was pretty good, the sauce not
being too sticky nor too dominant.

"Riding Master" was BOB W's choice - it's essentially
breakfast for three or four, with eggs, sausages, pork,
and lots of potatoes. Apparently good wholesome stick-to-
the-ribs food but perhaps a little too Prussian, jawohl.

lili got the Schweinshaxe, which was pretty good, the
crisp skin a little dampened by a good-tasting but
supernumerary gravy. I'd have preferred the gravy on
the side.

As I knew I'd be getting some roast pork, I went for a
cheaper and I (foolishly) suspected smaller dish, ham in
cream sauce. It was simple and good and also enormous. I
managed to down most of it as well as at least a third
of lili's pig knuckle.

A Spatburgunder of no great pretentions, no great
distinction, and no great price. It did the job.

Beer was acceptable.

We'd ordered an appetizer, and it didn't come, but it
was charged for, so we called over the jolly proprietress,
and she cheerfully took it off the bill and by way of
atonement bought us a a round of Dutch-style gin, sticky,
thick, and aromatic.

We rolled out of there pretty happily.