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Published: July 20th 2008
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Berlin Wall
So much history in Berlin - it is impossible to escape the Wall. Greetings everyone!
Unfortunately, today is a very windy and overcast day in Germany's capital, Berlin. With most people from my tour going on a Third Reich walking tour, I decided to head out on my own (very excitedly) to the Berlin Zoo; just a 5 minute walk from our hotel.
I was quite impressed with the Zoo; mainly for it's huge range of animals, some of which I'd never seen before. I spent the most time in the Carnivore House, sitting on a bench and watching the leopards, tigers, pumas, lions and panthers for an hour! The polar bears were also a favourite, especially their energy and enthusiasm during their feeding session! If you are ever here, the Zoo is a must! Being a true animal lover, I still managed to get through the Zoo in 4 hours.
Berlin is packed with typical souvenir shops, mainly selling T-Shirts and bags, everything plastered with the word Berlin. From a desire to purchase something a little more left-field, I decided to head to the big Flea Markets near the main Museum district (this district literally has about 6 huge museums, mainly covering German history). Well the markets were great! Mainly
Dresden
You must stop here! So relaxed and classy! art and jewelry, I spent a few hours trawling through the unique goods. I bought a couple of gifts but due to tonights group 'Pub Crawl' I needed to save my euros!
Tonight we will be heading to three of Berlins most popular pubs for steins of German beer and then to a large nightclub - apparently a must here in Berlin as the Germans know how to party. I would never consider this normally but being in a big group I think we'll all be very safe and have a lot of fun. Also, it's our third last night together on the trip; with Amsterdam on Tuesday being our last night with the big farewell Boat-Cruise bash!
Last night upon arriving in Berlin, we headed to a local pub for a typical dinner of sausages, mash and sourkraut - quite yummy indeed! Of course you have to have a beer too to wash it all down 😊
I've enjoyed Berlin quite a lot and I think I would have enjoyed it much more if the weather had have been better and I had some people to share it with. However, it seems fairly commercial - and
Berlin Zoo
Visit Knut, the world-famous Polar Bear at Berlin Zoo - he's beautiful! I haven't even entered the main CBD area! I think to get a better impression of Germany I would have liked to have spent more time in Dresden. We stopped there for 2 hours yesterday on our drive through to Berlin from Prague. Everyone was so friendly and like LJ in Slovenia, had a great atmosphere. I just felt it was more authentic and loved every minute of being there. We also stopped by the Berlin Wall yesterday afternoon - it was such an awesome experience! I loved reading the graffiti and looking over the artworks; just imagining what it would have been like for families and fellow-countrymen to be separated for so long...it's an intense experience.
On the topic of war, one thing you notice about Germany are the large number of damaged historical buildings; due to bombings during the war. Here in Berlin, and Dresden especially, it's amazing to see how the population have overcome their history and still managed to be such lovely friendly people - I haven't had one bad experience and everyone who's served me or spoken to me has had a big smile and been very gracious. I would definitely return to Germany
Pub Crawling
With Adam, out on the town on our Pub Crawl (our shirts say I HEART BERLIN with a photo of The Hoff) - the food & drink alone are worth it 😊
Tomorrow is a massive driving day to Amsterdam, about 12 hours. As Amsterdam is my last stop on my journey and then it's to London for 2 days with Olivia's friend Cate, I may not write until Thursday morning - wish me luck!
xx lots of love, miss you all! Alyse-Grace
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raine
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Hi Lycey, Boy can't believe you have been gone over 3 weeks now. Hope it has all been fun overall and that you enjoy your last week. I bet you are loaded with goodies. Can't wait to see it all. Lions won thank goodness. Stay safe talk to you soon. xxx