1 Week, 2 Countries and 1 Lucky Lady

June 3, 2014

Berlin! Where do I begin? The city's atmosphere is as eclectic as the architecture. 

Over the last two days I found myself strolling along the river, joining a four hour walking tour and exploring a square near the flat. I have purchased a one week pass for the public transit system. So proud that I have used it several times already! The walking tour was very educational and I am glad I decided to take it on one of my first days in Berlin. Now I can revisit the attractions and take my time exploring. 

Our tour guide and several of my fellow tourists commented that they believed I was one "lucky lady" because I am able to be in Berlin for a month. I have to agree. 

The main train station. I will be leaving for Prague from here on the 13th.

A stroll along the river. These two scenes reminded me of my brothers. Surveying for Bob and biking for Dave. 

These are locks left on a bridge. I know there is a tradition in Prague. Research project? 

Ryan (with hat) our tour guide from Scotland. Excellent guide. 

The two photos above are the place of the first Nazi book burning. Bebelplatz. Very moving. Our guide had some thought provoking questions for us. 

Four photos above are of the Brandenburg Gate. 

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Under this nondescript plot of grass was Hitler's bunker. This is where he and his wife committed suicide. The German people have decided not to memorialize the location. 

Checkpoint Charlie. Our guide told us the "soldiers" are male strippers who pose for photos during the day. Interesting that there is a McDonald's nearby. 

Final photos for this post are from a square close to my flat. I climbed the Franzosischer Dom (573 steps) for a view. 

Anfangen ist leicht, beharren eine Kunst.

To begin is easy, to persist is art.

~Friedrich Heinrich Wilhelm Körte (1861).