Guten tag meine Damen und Herren!
It’s always handy to have friends from across the world!
I had the privilege of having the guest bedroom of a close friend’s family home whilst I explored this historic city.
I was also fortunate enough to have the sun embrace my entire visit. What more could I have asked for!
Below is the beautiful Berliner Dom. Tourists and locals alike basked in the sun on the Lustgarten (“Pleasure Garden”) which holds a special place in the history of Germany as a parade ground.
German Historical Museum
And of course I had to see the infamous Brandenburg Gate, formerly used to represent the separation of the city between East and West, it is now symbolic of Germany’s unity.
Reichstag; the meeting place of the German parliament.
I couldn’t resist myself when I saw the generous selection of pastries at this Bakery!
I had to get my hands on that gigantic Streuseltaler. Normally shared between 2-3 people, I guiltily managed to munch my way through the whole thing! Crumbly sugary goodness!
Berlin’s signature fast food dish; Currywurst.
I’ve got to say, nothing spectacular but nonetheless, a dish to be had when in Berlin. It’s typically grilled pork sausages cut into slices and covered in curry ketchup, served with a side of fries.
Herta Heuwer invented this iconic dish in 1949 when she obtained ketchup and curry powder from British soldiers in Germany. She then patented her sauce and called it the “Chillup” sauce.
The family I stayed with insisted that we went to Konnopke’s. According to them, there was no other place for the best currywurst in the city.
A day out with a 9 year old had to consist of a trip to the Berlin Zoo.. even the seals were out basking in the sun!
Another place to visit whilst in Berlin is the East Side gallery where you’ll find art spread across miles of walls in expression of the separation and unity of Germany.
My host family took me out on a Trabi safari! This automobile is iconic to East Berlin.
Aren’t they just adorable?
Quite a tight squeeze though! They were originally made to fit a family of four and enough space for a luggage in the boot. Check out where the gear stick is!
This handrail was the only thing I could hold onto during our drive!.. well apart from the flimsy seatbelt I had on.
It was a fun-filled adventure in which we accumulated many smiles and looks along the way. We also managed to climb up one of the remaining watchtowers that you would be unlikely to notice amongst the towering buildings in its surroundings.
Here we are, Checkpoint Charlie, the crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War.
All in all a trip to be remembered, especially with the generous hospitality of my dear friend and her family.
Auf wiedersehen Berlin!
