Berlin

After a short adventure in Prague, we then took the train up to Berlin where the ISHAM conference was being held – the main reason for our travels over the Atlantic. But we were still able to escape during free time to explore the city and some surrounding areas.

Berlin Cathedral – where the royal family went to church when their palace was across the street

Our first sight-seeing trip was done with Fat Tire Bike Tours, where our super knowledgeable guide, Kate, told us everything we wanted to know about the buildings and history we were seeing in Berlin (if only I could remember all she said). We even had a lunch pit stop at a biergarten.

Brandenburge Gate – most popular landmark in the city

TV Tower – highest tower in the city

Formerly Prince Henry’s Palace. Also where 1933 Nazi book burnings occurred

Brick lines throughout the city showing where the Berlin wall used to stand

Section of the Berlin wall that remains – protected by it’s own gate

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Victory Column in the Tiergarten

Reichstag – German Parliament

We also took the train out to Oranienburg to visit the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, but I am only sharing a photo of the memorial built within – I don’t think anyone really wants to see the camp itself. I will share one blurb I read from a resident of the town at the time, who said she only thought it was a prison. She had no idea what was really going on.

Soviet Liberation Memorial

After the first bike tour, we were convinced that it was the best way to to sight-see so we all signed up for another one touring the nearby town of Potsdam – where the Prussian kings and German Kaisers lived until 1918. There was the option of getting a castle camper rental but we chose to opt out of it, the tour was incredible regardless.

Palace built to house visitors

Servants quarters across the street

Frederick the Great’s “modest” residence – Sanssouci

One interesting thing about Potsdam is that since the people could not travel all over the world to experience different cultures, interpretations were brought to the city and as you can imagine didn’t get it quite right. How can you know what something is supposed to look like without ever seeing it before?

“Chinese” tea house

And of course back in Berlin we had to immerse ourselves in the excitement that is the Eurocup! We joined the masses on the Fan Mile outside the Brandenburge Gate for a viewing of the Germany vs. Netherlands game.

Blending in

There is still so much construction going on in Berlin, I would love to come back in a few years to see how much it has changed!

Skyline view from on top of the Reichstag

One year ago: Zucchini Bread