today is our last full day in berlin so an early start
we have an 8am appointment at the reichstag for an inspection
google maps and the berlin train system integrate perfectly yet again
the walk to the station, the tram ride and the bus timed to the minute
so we are in the first group of people to go through the security throng
ride the lift to the roof, pick up the english audio guide and start the ascent
german engineering has come up with a unique dome on top of the reichstag
centred between the 4 flag-topped corner towers of this imposing building
a circular ramp to the top is walked while listening to the commentary
plenty of information about various buildings, parks and monuments
we are literally in the hub of the german federal government
so some interesting facts and figures about all that also
but the dome - awesome - engineered to reflect light down
lights up the bundestag (parliament room) that can be observed
completed with a huge revolving sun screen to filter direct sunlight
the view of berlin is also incredible including the 270ha tiergarden park
down and out - we are on a mission - next stop the museum island
5 museums built surrounded by canals - more large ancient buildings
there's nefertiti's bust to be seen - much more besides but a tick for that one
lunch taken at an up-market (waiters) restaurant in a inner-city walking area
then a tram ride to potsdamer platz for more astounding german engineering
but upon arrival we are drawn to a large segment of the berlin wall
left in situ - look and feel - it's a totally poignant memorial
more so after yesterday's potsdam visit where the wall was born
churchill and truman wanting some part of berlin as the spoils of a won war
moving on - the sony centre boasts a huge canopy way up over an open space
creating a large area for wandering regardless of weather conditions
very futuristic feeling - next - the plan is to head to kurfurstendamm
berlin's answer to the champs elysee - but a poster is spotted
seems the berlin festival is on - ai weiwei has an exhibition
he the very respected and prominent chinese contemporary artist
we're close to the venue so the course is set and pay down the euros
evidence is the exhibition - a collection of pieces very anti chinese government
we're feeling very much part of the high-brow set of berlin - temporarily
the shopping strip calls so a pleasant couple of hours walking the walk
lots of expensive shops with not too many shoppers for some reason
our last day in berlin so a good excuse for a special dinner
trip advisor sends us off to a popular upstairs restaurant
berlin food the specialty - meat, potatoes, asparagus, beer
fine dining it is not but an ideal end to this visit
our impressions of this city - totally organised
very easy to get into - but - the people
they do seem less than totally happy
maybe lost their sense of humour
...or something like that...
berlin's answer to the champs elysee - but a poster is spotted
seems the berlin festival is on - ai weiwei has an exhibition
he the very respected and prominent chinese contemporary artist
we're close to the venue so the course is set and pay down the euros
evidence is the exhibition - a collection of pieces very anti chinese government
we're feeling very much part of the high-brow set of berlin - temporarily
the shopping strip calls so a pleasant couple of hours walking the walk
lots of expensive shops with not too many shoppers for some reason
our last day in berlin so a good excuse for a special dinner
trip advisor sends us off to a popular upstairs restaurant
berlin food the specialty - meat, potatoes, asparagus, beer
fine dining it is not but an ideal end to this visit
our impressions of this city - totally organised
very easy to get into - but - the people
they do seem less than totally happy
maybe lost their sense of humour
...or something like that...
