Month: December 2017

Berlin – Day 3 🇩🇪

gingertravellerblogLeave a comment

This morning we had a posh breakfast in the Käfer restaurant next to the Reischtag dome. A gorgeous 3 egg cheesy omelette to start the day, what could be better! The dome itself is a spectacular glass construction giving you fantastic views across the city.

Whilst in the area we also visited the slightly puzzling Holocaust Memorial, the suspiciously similar Homosexual memorial and the rather dead and crispy Tiergarten. We tried to hire one of the ‘Nextbikes’ however the app was slightly confusing, so to avoid another huge fine we locked it back and eventually worked out how to let the app know we had done this.

Ater warming up with a coffee (and sharing the back room with a huge tour group) we headed out to try and ride on the ‘Hi Flyer’. Unfortunately it was too windy but is definitely something we will try to so if we return.

As I wasn’t able to visit Spreepark (I have a weird love for abandoned things) we decided to visit the abandoned airport; Tempelhof Feld. For someone who spends rather a lot of time at airports, it was so exciting to be out on a runway, and something I definitely recommend doing whilst you are here as it’s so easy to get to.

This evening we had a look around the Topography of Terror. This museum is free and you could easily spend a whole day here reading everything, so make sure you put aside enough time. It is also opposite parts of the Berlin Wall.

As we have eaten food from every other cuisine we finally had some proper German food, and it was so so so good. An early night tonight (with a bottle of white) as we leave this wonderful city tomorrow.

Berlin – Day 2 🇩🇪

gingertravellerblogLeave a comment

This morning we travelled to Potsdam. Big thanks to a very nice man who informed us the train decided to terminate and which new one to get on! The joys of having absolutely no understanding of the language. At least we looked touristy. Had our VALID tickets checked twice today; more than happy to show them this time 😉

The sun was out and the sky was blue which is always a winner when taking photos. Potsdam was very quiet which meant we pretty much had Sanssouci Park to ourselves. Unfortunately due to the time of year (this seems to be becoming a theme) the statues and fountains were boarded up and switched off, but the palaces still looked beautiful, especially against the blue sky.

Back in Berlin we headed for the East Side Gallery. We were rather ravenous by this point so decided to grab a burger at Burgermeister which used to be the local toilet. My first burger was unfortunately hairy, but it was soon replaced and it was absolutely delicious.

Bellies full we walked the length of the East Side Gallery, an absolute must if you are here. Some of the art was questionable, but really interesting to see it all.

We then headed over to Beliner Dom and used our discount card to head to the top. After another set of heart attack steps we made it to the top in time for sunset. The views were beautiful, especially over Alexanderplatz Christmas market. It’s just a shame the city is covered in cranes.

As we were right by the Alexanderplatz market, it was rude to not stop by and grab another Glühwein and festive snack; I really loved the atmosphere at this market. I also realised how awful I am at ice skating, but I eventually managed to let go of the sides!

 

 

Berlin – Day 1 🇩🇪

gingertravellerblogLeave a comment

A very early start this morning (2am!) for an easy run to the airport. Oh no! Stuck on the delightful M5 for what felt like forever, and we hadn’t even got to Droitwich!

After a few technical issues with the plane (why can’t our trips ever run smoothly) we arrived in Berlin. We dumped our cases at the hotel and headed off for our first tourist attraction; Charlottenburg Palace. After reading the reviews on Trip Advisor we expected the gardens to be empty shells of trees and dried up water fountains, however we were pleasantly surprised. There was still lots of Autumn colours and beautiful reflection shots.

Following this we had an unexpected detour to the Olympic Stadium, built for the 1936 Summer Olympics. Unfortunately we didn’t have much time here as it was about to close, but it was amazing to have the stadium all to ourselves, even though we did get a bollocking for being in the wrong bit.

On our way back to the hotel for our first wee of the day we went through our first experience of a proper German market, and it was beautiful. So many people enjoying all the delicious food and drink on offer. We also stopped off at the Ritter Sports shop; a chocolate lovers haven and so so cheap! I have already scoffed a whole bar. Definitely worth a visit.

After a cheeky charge we headed back out to experience the markets at night. After doing some research we started at the Potsdamer Platz Market; however there wasn’t actually much atmosphere here and decided to quickly move on to the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market. This will set you back a whole Euro, but is definitely worth it. Carol singers, Glühwein and Langos (which I discovered in Budapest and is one of the best things to put in your mouth) perfect end to a long but lovely day.