Berlin

Omi and I rode the train to Berlin. Upon arrival, we checked into our hotel, Arcotel John F. Berlin which was very nice and close to all of our desired attractions. Chipps was the closest restaurant (located directly behind the Arcotel Hotel) and we really lucked out for not doing any research because their breakfast was amazing! Omi’s eyes lit up when she saw the cup of whip cream.

I rented a wheelchair for my Omi so we could cover more ground. Can you believe we did ten miles in two days?! There was only one close call. I can’t even type this without laughing hysterically but there was a small curb that I thought if I sped up, I’d be able to push the wheelchair over it with no problem. So I sped up, we hit the curb and the wheelchair indeed did not go over the curb. Omi flew forward but luckily managed to stay in the chair. We couldn’t move for five minutes because we were laughing so hard. Bystanders were laughing with us.

Berlin City Hall was the first building on our radar. I know I’ve mentioned this before but I love the architecture in Europe. I wish the United States would keep more of their historic buildings and quit replacing them with modern rectangles of garbage. Just around the corner is the Neptune fountain (Neptunbrunnen), St. Mary’s Church (St. Marienkirche evangelical church) and the television tower (Berliner Fernsehturm). The tower has a rotating restaurant. St. Mary’s was my first time seeing the interior of a European Church. Yes, they’re different. I was raised Christian- Nondenominational. Our churches back home were more like conference halls. This was like I stepped into heaven itself and St. Marys isn’t even on the list of “most beautiful churches in Germany.” Regardless, the detail leaves you speechless.

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As we crossed The Spree via the Schloss Bridge, my Omi noticed a statue, pointed at it and said, “Look, a penis! I haven’t seen one of those in years.” We laughed and she continued to tell me how her and Thelma (another woman that lives in her building) talk like this and no one is there to stop them. Omi was really a hoot during this trip! Spunky little lady!

Okay, back on track. You cannot miss the Berlin Cathedral with its green limestone and gold domes. The foundation for this building began in 1894 and the church was consecrated in 1905. Sadly, the church was badly damaged during World War II and restoration was not complete until 1993! That’s four years after the Berlin Wall fell.

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The gold cross on the middle dome was replaced in 2008. Unfortunately we didn’t make our way inside because the steps would have been too strenuous for Omi but we spent some time in awe at the marvelous exterior from Lustgarten Park.

We explored the German Historical Museum, just across The Spree. The museum entrance has a beautiful glass spiral staircase (Spiral Staircases and Waffles are my thing.) The museum houses an abundance of German memorabilia such as VW Beetles, old record players, history segments displayed on every wall and even pieces of the Berlin Wall. There are numerous museums in the area but we only had time for one. I was pleased with our decision.

On our stroll back towards the hotel we passed the Humboldt University, Reiterstandbild Friedrichs des Großen statue and the St. Hedwigs Cathedral. We had a suboptimal view of the Berlin Cathedral from our hotel window. Notice the construction obstructing the view. Berlin is STILL trying to recouperate. There is construction everywhere!

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That night we enjoyed brühwurst and beers at Hofbrau Berlin. It was a popular place with dancing and singing. We had a busy day ahead of us so we woke up early and had breakfast at Einstein under den Linden. I thoroughly enjoyed the food but my favorite was seeing newspapers hung along the coat rack. Yes, there were people reading the paper!

Our busy day consisted of the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial, remains of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and the East side Gallery. The Brandenburg Gate has always been a landmark for historical events but now symbolizes unity and freedom in Germany. Hundreds of thousands of people adjoined at the gate on November 9, 1989 to celebrate the demolition of the Berlin Wall. The Gate used to symbolize division and now represents unity among the country.

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The Holocaust Memorial displays 2,711 columns in remembrance of the three million jews that were murdered during the holocaust. Just being there gave me a sad, eerie feeling.

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Checkpoint Charlie (aka Checkpoint C) was a Berlin Wall crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War. After the reunification of Germany, it became a tourist location with gift shops absorbing most street-level building space. Omi and I purchased some yummy hot chocolate at The Mauermuseum Shop before venturing to the East Side Gallery.

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The gallery was quite a haul from Check point Charlie. I got us an Uber, loaded up the wheelchair and had our driver drop us off at the beginning of the gallery. I had no idea that it was just under a mile long! We got through most of it, despite the rain. Omi was a trooper!

We managed to see everything we wanted to on our short two-day Berlin trip. Omi and I grabbed dinner before taking the train back towards Hamlin. Here she is checking out her photos from the day.