Wednesday, January 14, 2009

From Paris to Berlin....








Ok, so I didn't make it to Paris, but that is how the song goes. Berlin was AWESOME! My co-worker and I took the train early Saturday morning. The train was a good experience. There is a photo posted of one of the trains we were on (and me looking insanely dorky!). We arrived in Berlin, got a cab to the hotel, dropped our luggage and began toursit-ing. First stop was Checkpoint Charlie. This historic marking served as a crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. On the way to the Reichstag, we passed the Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor). This is the only remaining gate of a series through which one formerly entered Berlin. The next site was the Reichstag. This is where the German parilament meets. It was a beautiful building (the glass dome) and we got to go to the top and walk around the glass. We then walked to the Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas (Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe). This is a unique memorial in that there are 208 'blocks'. The designer never stated why he chose 208 or the symbolism behind each of these 'blocks', but it is dedicated to the European Jews who lost their lives in the Holocaust. Next stop was the Potsdam Platz, but on the way we saw Vapiano! Woo! One of my true loves in Arlington! ;) Saw Burn After Reading, had dinner and then came back to the hotel. We were exhausted but it was a great first day!

Sunday, woke up to the best breakfast ever*! Walked to see the Berlin Wall and went to the Jewish Museum. Early afternoon came and we headed to the train station to go back to Schweinfurt.

Great weekend away!
*Due to numerous requests, I will go into detail of the breakfast. When we checked in, they told us breakfast was included. I was thinking, oh goody croissants and pretzels. However, when we arrived at the restaurant, I was wrong. There was an omelette station, eggs, sausage, pancakes, a fruit bar with yogurt, a large variety of cheeses, breads (rolls, croissants, no pretzels), and a pastry section, with perfect size chocolate croissants, pound cakes and delicious apple strudels. The coffee was great and the juice was fresh. Ok, so you may not think it was great, but it was! ;)

8 comments:

  1. Crazy! As if Vapiano were German or something!

    No details on the best breakfast ever?

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  3. Thanks for the update on Breakfast -- not a usual breakfast in Europe as we know! Sometimes an egg just hits the spot!

    Love your blog -- it looks terrific and can't wait to live the experiences through your eyes.

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  4. Hi Jessica- Glad this is up and running! Will you be posting pics of your digs? Looking forward to the next installments. Keep those geography, cultural and culinary updates coming!

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  5. I loved Salzberg -- it was a wonderful place with wonderful food (why is it always about the food!!!).

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  6. I like that you went to the museums. Breakfast is good, but one can always eat!
    Glad you are having such a good time.
    Buddy

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  7. The Dolomites are so awesome!!!! One of my favorite trips! (and the food is good too!)

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  8. Hey you don't have New Jersey on your list of travel places!

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