Berlin, after a 13 year time lapse. The last time we were here we were very green travellers. We travelled with a tour bus company. We stayed at the Berlin Hilton and ate out, every meal.This time we stayed in a hostel where we had our own kitchen and our own time to do what we pleased. Last time we didn't have much time to see anything. We saw all the main tourist attractions, but never got a feel for the place.
We were wondering if seeing the Brandenburg bridge would be as amazing as the first time. It was. No tour guide to rush us along after taking our photos. It was a very sunny day. No plan, just wandering.
We found out way to the Tier Garten..well you can't miss it . Acres of parks running either side of the Un Der Linden. The main road that runs past the Victory Column down to the Brandenburg gate and beyond. When you are deep into the park it was so quiet..a haven away from the traffic. We heard the peals of the bells from the Carillon. It was just standing there all by itself. It was 12 noon so lots of bell ringing.
I tried to get a photo of the kids in this pram/ buggy before they were let out. We saw a couple of these toddler movers. They had up to 8 children at a time..it looked like child care or kindergarten. Play equipment for them in the park.. Lovely.
My dad and his brother played in this park when they were kids. It was very emotional going there. His brother, Uncle Bernard still lives in Berlin and the last time we visited he was driving so he took us to where their parents lived and where they grew up and went to school. He also told us about the Second World War and what it was like to be in Germany in Hitler's time. It was an emotional time with him then and I was not sure if we would see him this time.
Evidence of previous turbulent times.
The Victory column was a great experience this time. We were able to walk all the way from the Gate to the Column and see it up close instead of just driving past. The frescoes were all mosaics..tiny, tiny pieces of ceramics.
Lunch today ..curry wurst. It was invented supposedly by a German mother who tipped her pot of curry powder accidentally over the sausages she was serving. Curry wurst was invented. Not sure if it was covered in ketchup though. It was delicious especially with a German beer.
Sunny day plus a river equals a river cruise. So that's what we did. It is always a different perspective to see a city unfold around a river. It is the life blood of a city and has been for as long as a city has been founded. Berlin's river is no different. The old bridges, the museums that were once used for other purposes like a palace or a church. A surprise around every bend.
The old and the new blend in beautifully. Of course a lot of the very old was bombed during the war. 80% of Berlin was gone. My uncle also talked about that time too. The rebuild. I really like the new architecture as well. It was enlightening to see it all from a boat.
This is part of the new government building . Their female leader has her office in there. The two walkways link the two main buildings. The top one is reserved for politicians when they cross over to vote and the public servants use it as well. The bottom one is for the public. Anyone can sit in on their parliamentary sessions as well.
It was a wonderful day. Reliving our earlier time here and seeing this city through totally different eyes. Great weather and we looked forward to our walking tour in the morning.
Posted with Blogsy
No comments:
Post a Comment