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Published: June 22nd 2013
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Bradenburger Tor; Berlin Wall; Christmas Market; Holocaust Memorial The idea of taking a heavy coat, scarf, hat and gloves is not always the first selling point of a holiday, but I had always loved the idea of a small European city break. Going to Berlin the week that the Christmas markets opened meant that there was excitement and anticipation in the air; the wet cobbled streets of Berlin were crowded with rosy cheeked Christmas shoppers taking a break with everyting that the traditional markets have to offer. That sounds like I'm making it up and I'd clearly had one too many mulled wines...well maybe I had or maybe it was the fact that I was at a German market...in Germany.
Arriving on a cold frosty evening, the sky was jet black by 5pm. We made our way straight to Alexanerplatz after planning where to go and how to get around on our (stress-free) journey from the airport. The transport system is great in Berlin, as you expect from well backpacked European cities
The German Christmas market was like one you would generally expect in the UK; gingerbread house style stalls carrying various smells from sweet ambrosial crepes to savoury redolunent bratwurst and of course, the familiar aroma of Gluwein. However, what differed from this experience was its authenticity. It wasn't bringing German culture in an unnatural habitat- this is how it always is. Apologies if I've brought that up too much, I just got a kick out of saying
“Zwei Gluwein”
because I had to, not because I was being a drunk idiot trying to show off.
We sat around a fire on high stools with our gloved hands wrapped around our warm wine as more logs were thrown on to the centre piece to keep us warm from the sharp bouts of winter.
After filling up on a bratwurst (for one Euro!) and settling our stomachs from hot wine, we decided to explore the city on foot instead of taking the Metro (or Ubahn). Being Christmas time, the city was all finely decorated with fairy lights so it felt more inviting to walk around instead of being underground.
Strolling around the city didn't fail us as we came by the Brandenburg Gate and the Holocaust Memorial. Eerie is one word to describe the memorial, especially on a dark night. As you can imagine the feeling you get if you were in a deserted grave yard at night- cue start of a B-rated horror movie.Being pulled away from the Christmas buzz...it felt juxtaposed in the city of magic that I'd been mesmerised by five minutes prior. It is breathtaking to see gigantic concrete blocks in a vast area of land. At first, the blocks apaear the same height as an average bench in a town centre, but as you walk further into it, and turn back, you find yourself sloping down, like you're in an optical illusion and the blocks get higher and higher above your head. I for one, thought Voldermort was about to appear and challenge me to a duel.
Going back to the Brandenburg Gate. Wow; it looked more beautiful than I ever imagined. It stood in pride of place, reminding me of the Arc de Triumph at first, minus the busy roads, which lets you appreciate it more- no fear of being fit by a car, commuter, touirst etc while look at this fine piece of architecture in awe.
Past the Tor, the street was dominated by an attractively lit Christmas tree. I say 'dominated', but as the Brandenburg Tor was one hundred yards away, the Christmas tree tried it's best. On our walk, we also passed the Berliner Dom. Going past late at night, it was rid of any tourist's flashing bulbs. Surprisingly, it wasn't well lit- or lit up at all- giving it an ominous feel. I felt liked I'd got a VIP pass to see it in its natural state- a tourist with benefits. It had overwhelming beauty and magnitude sat alone, with its silhoutte through the dark purple sky.
We spent the few days we visited doing more sightseeing- in daylight- seeing all the monuments as most as we could. The local people were very attentive and friendly which gave the trip an even more pleasant vibe (whether they were already on the Christmas Countdown like me- usually starts in the last week of November- I don't know). The city looked magical and everywhere we went was clean and great value for money- I can see why the idea of the German Market has made its way to the UK; (plus a few extra pounds- I mean the money, not the weight- you're allowed to put on a few pounds at Christmas!) the concept of Christmas is hightened and fully immerses anyone and everyone into the Christmas spirit. Be right back, just going to watch Miracle on 34
th Street, It's A Wonderful Life, Home Alone...
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