REICHTAG
It had been a very hot summer in Germany. From the time we were in the Koblenz area the temperatures were soaring. This unusual heatwave was not anticipated by us. There were days when we felt we should be in the swimming pool all day long instead of roaming the streets in Germany. During our stay in Oldenburg, I had a bit of an infection. Thought it was a bug bite. By the time we reach Berlin, which was late evening, I was running a slight temperature. This small bite that I thought turned out to be an abscess and I had to get immediate medical attention. I must say that the doctors and the hospital in Berlin were really efficient. I never thought I would be ill during my travels. But, I got the problem taken care of. Happy to say that I was on the mend and still trying to recover. I must emphasize at this point that travel insurance is absolutely a must. Everyone should take it before travel. This is the one thing that gives you peace of mind during travelling.
On our journey on the train we had a passenger who we talked to. She was a Berliner. I mean she used to live in East Berlin before the wall came down. We asked her many questions, and she said that life in East Berlin was not really difficult for her and her family. She was well educated and had a job and so did her husband. The only difference she said was that they did not have the variety of food that was then available in West Germany, e.g. there would be only one type of bread. That was very interesting to hear from someone who had lived there. She also told us that when the wall came down, they heard it at night and just went to sleep, thinking “here we go again, someone trying to pull a fast one on us”. After waking up the next morning they found out that it was true. She did say that the Berlin Wall coming down had been good for her Son, it had given him lots of opportunities.
Our excitement was immense as we took the train from Oldenburg our last stop before Berlin. Since we had never been to Berlin before, we did not know what exactly to expect. Reading about it gave us information on all the history that the city has. Germany is so well connected and organized, and so was Berlin. The transport network was convenient and the food exceptional. Berlin is really a melting pot of cultures. Food is exotic, you can get everything your heart desires. We also went to a local park to find out that there is Thai food cooked food served every weekend. I am surprised that something like this is allowed and that there are no hygiene rules applied to this picnic area that locals love.
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Berlin the capital of Germany is a city of art, artists and museums. If you need a quick history lesson, head to the Reichstag, the seat of the Parliment. As you walk up the dome you can hear the commentary about the city and its buildings. A city that has a mix of historical buildings and modern architecture. When you first think of Berlin what comes to mind is the Brandenburg Tor. For decades, this has been a symbol of division, the beating heart of this city. The famous gate depicting the goddess of victory, Victoria, riding a four-horse chariot was added in 1794. After the Berlin Wall was built in 1961, Brandenburg Gate became impassable for 28 years, and now is a signature attraction of the unification of East and West Germany.
At Brandenburg Tor
Reichtag
Inside the done of the Reichtag
Checkpoint Charlie
Remains of the Berlin Wall
Sunset from the Berliner Fernseherturm
A city that is continuously evolving with creativity, art, inspiration and culture. It is a bustling city as well as laid back.Hackesche Höfe is in the city Mitte district and has a very easygoing and relaxed feel to it. Little cafe and boutiques line all the streets. The Fernseherturm (TV Tower) is a point from where a 360 degree view of Berlin is seen. We went around sunset. We allowed ourselves to be inspired, seduced and enchanted by this city, a perfect excuse to come back and visit.