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Berlin
The famous Brandenburg Gate. A pity about the relocatable building behind. Thursday 2 July 2015
With three days to see Berlin, we decided to make a little list which soon turned into quite a big list. Berlin has a lot to see. Next step, group the sights according to location then find out how to use the public transport system to get there. We have enjoyed using the integrated tram, train and bus systems in several European cities and plan to do the same in Berlin . The extreme heat being experienced in much of Europe has arrived in Berlin too. Fingers crossed the transport will all be air conditioned in the 30+ degree temperatures.
With a list for the day and plenty of water we emerged from our comfortable hotel in what was East Berlin and set off for the nearest underground station, ten minutes walk away. We're off to see the Brandenburg Gate and other sights in the vicinity, which means a couple of changes of train, but first the one day tickets. All went well, shame about the air conditioning, but soon we and crowds of fellow travelers emerged blinking into the large square with the Brandenburg Gate offering the only shade. We found the Memorial to
Berlin
The Reichstag. Roma and Sinti who were persecuted and murdered by Nazis, then walked in the welcome shade of trees to see the Holocaust Memorial, a maze of columns varying in height and spread across the area the size of a football field of undulating paving. People walk among the columns, appearing and disappearing. There was some evidence of graffiti, but this was well erased.
In the heat, frequent water stops were needed, as we searched for the elusive Gemaldegalerie full of paintings by the Old Masters. Despite having a city map as a guide we almost gave up our search, then a sign pointing the way was spotted. It still took some finely tuned Kiwi skill to establish which building and where the entrance might be. Once inside some lunch revived us and we enjoyed a leisurely look at many paintings by Rubens, Rembrandt and Van Dyk.
Feeling pretty tired after this we decided to make our way back on the trains and relax after this sultry day. The temperature on the crowded underground was uncomfortable even for folk from Central Otago, then as we waited for the train that would complete our journey, an announcement was made that
Berlin
Some of many memorial crosses to those who died crossing The Wall. resulted in frowning passengers making hurried phone calls. We guessed it must be bad news about our train. Police appeared on the platform and one officer with a little English confirmed an emergency had closed the line and we should leave with everyone else and catch a bus, No 171. Finding the right bus stop then watching as bus after bus filled with commuters went right past, was a real test of endurance. The late afternoon sun would have been enjoyable in a shady spot but we couldn't lose our place in the line. Many police cars, ambulances and fire vehicles were converging near the station, All with sirens blaring. The only people unfazed were the many cyclists pedalling at speed through the congested streets, using the strip of footpath designated for them. This strip cut through the waiting queues of bus passengers resulting in some near misses despite the frantic ringing of the bicycle bells.
Well, we did finally get on a bus and began the slow ride with standing passengers pressed together in the heat. Skip now to the happy arrival at destination, the air conditioned mall where we found a quick evening meal and cold beer.
Berlin
Part of the Holocaust Memorial. We deserved this end to the day. Tomorrow we may not plan quite so much train and bus travel.
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