Berlin

We had such an amazing time in Berlin this past weekend.  Bryan and I realized how much history we don't know or don't remember from school.  I wish we knew more, had more time to read, or watch historical movies/broadcasts.  We are trying.  I am really glad we did a walking tour with Sandeman's.  It is a free tour where you learn the history of big cities like Berlin, Prague, or Paris.  

 The first day we had reservations to go up the Reichstag building or parliament house.  You walk up the spiral walkway with headphones explaining all the views of Berlin.  It is supposed to be the best spot to see everything.  We also went to the second largest department store in Europe called KaDeWe.  The 5th floor was dedicated to toys and the 6th floor had amazing foods from all over the world.  Expensive, but worth the visit.

The second day we did the Sandeman's walking tour which started at Brandenburg Gate, the iconic symbol of Berlin.  We we very impressed with our tour guide. We learned more than we could have ever on our own.  We went to the area were Hitler killed himself, the most famous/expensive hotel, the memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe, the area where the 3rd Reich existed, Charlie Checkpoint, and much more.

Oberbaumbrucke close to the East Side Gallery. 

The longest stretch of the Berlin Wall called the East Side Gallery.  At the 20th anniversary of the wall falling, artists from all over painted the wall.  Unfortunately, many of the art has been covered with graffiti.

 This marks the spot where all the books were burned opposing Nazi ideologies.

 Berliner Dom with Television Tower.  Bryan makes fun of me because I am always talking about the TV Tower.  I just learned an interesting fact and maybe you'll enjoy it too.  When the TV Tower was part of East Germany, the sun would reflect a cross on the tower.  The Soviets were considered a non-religious people and tried everything to make the reflection disappear.  Eventually they just called it a plus sign because the Soviets were better than everyone else.  HAHA

Our third day we walked around the outer areas of Berlin.  We went to a palace and the gardens, walked past the famous church that never reconstructed itself after the WWII bombings (Kurfurstendamm), and ate lunch in the Tiergarden.  We did a lot of walking.

 Our fourth and final day was awesome! We went to this indoor tropical island just outside of Berlin.  There is a beach, waterslides, animals, jungles, food/beverages, kids playground and water playground, and hotels/tents/camping.  So cool.  I always tell people it is like the Truman Show.  Do you remember that movie?

The best part was it was warm and the sun was shining through the glass.  We really did feel like we were someplace completely different.  Especially since it was like 6-9 degrees Celcius the whole time we were touring Berlin.  Kate had a blast not being towed around in a stroller and bundled up like a burrito.