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Published: June 29th 2017
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Geo: 52.5235, 13.4115
Its hard to enjoy yourself, walking around in 36C. It felt so much hotter. Plus it was a long day, 9am to 10.30pm, walking for most of it. We started with buffet breakfast in the hotel, taking a packed lunch for later. We walked from our hotel, near the zoo, along the Street of June 17, through the gardens, past the Victory Column towards to Brandenberg Gate. We got scammed along the way, at least we got it out of our system early. A sad silent gesture, 'Sign my Petition to help, I'm deaf and handicapped......and give me money.' It cost us less than the minimum recommendation, 2€. Later we saw someone scream in the vicinity of these people, and them run off startled, laughing. Each subsequent scammer that approaches me gets a rude rejection, as they deserve.
We stopped by the Reichstag for a photo then passed through the Brandenberg Gate. We continued on, straight down Unter den Linden, towards the city centre and Museum Island. On the way, we purchased a welcome Berlin Card, similar to the one in Rotterdam. It gives free public transport and discounts for some attractions rather than free entry, for a cheaper price.
Once we passed the university square and arrived before the grandeur of Berliner Dom Cathedral it was time to decide, what next?
DB Museum sounded like a good idea. Interactive the description read, engaging and fun. The more accurate description of the actual experience was small, overcrowded, hot, and generally uninteresting. Worst museum yet. Hot, hungry and a bit deflated we sat on museum island for lunch in the scorching heat, listening to a busker play slow sad music on a saxophone. Id intended to go to the Permagonmuseum, as I enjoyed it on my last visit, but feared both my lady companions would not enjoy it. They conquered. Both wanted to learn of something more German, more Berlin. Next then, to the DHM; German History Museum. This was an excellent museum in my opinion. Covering from 200BC, all the way to present day, about Germany's history. Paintings, stories, artifacts, maps and movies. There was a stack of information to absorb. The ladies found much of it a bit dry, Natalie enjoying the modern history around the World Wars.
Time to give the brain a breather, on to the Berlin Aquarium, Sea Life. As far as aquariums go, it was better than
average, with an impressive layout, interesting fish and touch tank. Its feature attraction was the worlds biggest elevator tank. You are surrounded by fish all around as you rise and descend within a 40 metre tank. Not bad.
Our next elevator ride, would have us much higher at the Fernsehturm Tower. After a half hour wait, our admission ticket number was called for a ride to the top. The observation deck offered sensational views over the city of Berlin.
Finally, famished, we got on the train and headed back to our home station. We opted to find an Italian restaurant listed on our Berlin Card that would offer a discount. The walk was a little further than expected, and we were interupted by a marathon or fun run. Finally, we were chowing down tasty pizza and pasta. I even managed to enjoy a duck related beer Duckstein! Never have ducks and beer come together in such a lovely way. Tomorrow, exploration of Berlin continues.
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