Up early - and out to the tran with hundreds of other passengers. We boarded a train at Warnemuende for a 2.5 hour ride to Gemany's capital. Once in Berline, Ruth our guide joined us for a whirlwind tour of the "top 10 sights" of this bustling city. Beginning in the formerly east section of the city where the archetecture reflected the starck communist past - esp in it's grey highrises.
First stop a section of the Berlin Wall - that is used as an art gallery. Almost a quarter mile of the orginal wall where artists were invited to paint their reflections of the meaning of this symbol of division.
First stop a section of the Berlin Wall - that is used as an art gallery. Almost a quarter mile of the orginal wall where artists were invited to paint their reflections of the meaning of this symbol of division.
Check-point- Charlie was next...where we got our passports stamped... for a couple of euros of course.
Other highlights - lunch in the Lowenbaur (with beer)... Brandenberg Gate, and the Reichstag Government Building, site of Germany's Parliment. Charlottenburg Palace.
Holocost Memorial.... not enough time to really explore. Sal and Sue had been there before so we knew what we were missing.... surprisingly some of our fellow traverlers viewed it as a playground... arrugh! Good news - they were Canadians/ not from the US... Sally was able to lob off a very respectful reprimand.
The largest department store in Europe, KaDeWe - was the venue we chose for shopping.... Leah was able to purchase a gift for her dad and brother - they will love their gift! We love the sixth floor - the food court (you cannot picture this - trust us!). Leah said it was Whole Foods meets Ikea on sterroids! We were able to purchase some contraban to smuggle on-board... FYI rsm friends - water bottles work much better than Listerine bottles - for future reference!
Finally - a train ride back to the ship - lovely and sometimes "fragrant" countryside. We shared a compartment with a lovely young couple from Newfoundland.... nice!
There's much more - all-in-all it was a wonderful albeit exhausting day!
The day ended at a tappas bar and standing on the observation deck as the boat pulled away from the port - Sarah Brightman sang - "Time to Say Goodbye" - not quite Andrais.... but well done!
Today a day at sea.... relaxing.... Leah was off to the gym early.... Sal and Sue read the paper... all is well - and enjoyment is high!
There's much more - all-in-all it was a wonderful albeit exhausting day!
The day ended at a tappas bar and standing on the observation deck as the boat pulled away from the port - Sarah Brightman sang - "Time to Say Goodbye" - not quite Andrais.... but well done!
Today a day at sea.... relaxing.... Leah was off to the gym early.... Sal and Sue read the paper... all is well - and enjoyment is high!
Sounds fantastic! Great narrative!
ReplyDeleteKeep the story coming!
Marty Gallagher jr
P.S. I don't know how to spell! HaHa!!
Sal_ what was the reprimand?
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