Berlin - 1 Small Step of a Big Journey

Trip Start Jun 22, 2009
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Trip End Nov 03, 2009


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Flag of Germany  ,
Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Breakfast is included. It is amazing but the farthest thing from healthy. Buffet with 6 types of cheese, many dried meats, lots of breads … It lasts me until dinner.

The mass-transit is excellent which helps since it is a large city and my hotel is well outside the center. The feeling is of a vibrant city but many of the stark soviet era buildings intermix (on the East side where my hotel is)

I start with the Brandenburg Gate, symbol of Berlin. It is great seeing something in person which you have seen so many times afar.

The Holocaust museum and monument is compelling. It is absorbing, heartbreaking …

Gemäldegalerie is an amazing museum as long as you appreciate Renaissance art Berlin
Berlin
 . I found it compelling but with my jet lag but was unable to fully concentrate. I feel guilty as I move quickly through so many great artists. With a guide, I could spend days here. But, I have only 3 days for Berlin so I must move on.

Since I speak no German, the prevalence of English as an additional language comes in handy. Unlike my time in South America, I have seen extremely few backpackers. Many tourists but mostly older and on tours.

After exploring on foot, I am ready to take a break. Close by is a pool on the river J It is a pool inside a boat, along the shore. A sandy beach with a bar is alongside. I start on my tan for the beach time coming up. A good German beer and some sun. A band is setting up for later that night.

At the hotel, I take advantage of the sauna. It is elaborate with several areas. I am not sure what to do. It is coed but I am the only one. I opt for the dry sauna. Do I take off my clothes? All my reading suggests that is what one does. But, no one was topless at the pool. Hmmm…. I take it all off but keep my towel around me. I imagined a family walking in, seeing me naked as the young girl screams … Luckily, I had full privacy.

The dining scene is similar to other parts of Europe with its sidewalk cafes. The temperature is cold so everyone has blankets around them. As I head back to my hotel, I am surprised to see many people drinking beer on the metro.
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