(Yours truly at the Brandenburg Gate).
Berlin is amazing. Best city so far, I believe. We had the most wonderful 7-hour walking tour that introduced us to all of the main sights, and all of the history and controversy that goes along with them. (Such as: terrible irony: the gloss that covers the Memorial to the Murdered Jews is made by the same company that made the gas that killed millions of them in WWII -it wasn't known when they were choosing the contract. Also, did you know that Hitler's bunker is right in front of a boring apartment complex these days? It's an eerie sight).
It was a long day, but our tour guide had some treats along the way. His girlfriend left the city, forever, the night before, and he was easing his sorrow with Jaegarmister - which he shared with everyone so we could "keep warm". Gross alcohol, but a funny story. We made some good friends on the tour and afterwards, we all went out to celebrate the spirit of Berlin and scooped out a wine bar that operates on the basis of humanity's general goodness. You can drink as much as you want, and they only ask that you pay what you think you owe. Apparently I need some more practice before "Ich bin ein Berliner, stimmitlich," for in a city that comes alive at 2 AM and doesn't stop until morning, I only lasted until 12:45 AM. I am so Midwestern.
Today we visited the Pergamon and Egyptian museum, and went up in the big dome in the Parliament building, and then strolled along the Christmas markets. More Christmas shopping . . . expect small gifts, meine familie.
We catch a night train tonight (in . . . 2 hours or so) to Munich, where we meet up with Trisha, Lea, Janeane and Ryan. Jewell reunion in Germany - should be a good time.
THEN home. :)
We catch a night train tonight (in . . . 2 hours or so) to Munich, where we meet up with Trisha, Lea, Janeane and Ryan. Jewell reunion in Germany - should be a good time.
THEN home. :)
