Saturday, June 1, 2013

bits of berlin, part 1

Though I spent last weekend in Berlin, I hardly took advantage of the city in my first 48 hours there. You see, I'd taken a late flight from Paris on Friday night and spent nearly the entirety of Saturday (and most of Sunday) at the betahaus, reveling in the energy of The Hive (<- recap to come soon, by the way!) By 4pm Sunday, I was desperate for more than the 15-min walk from my apartment. So, thankful for clear-ish skies, Lauren and I set out on a wandering tour. We began from Berlin's Central Station by chance...
As I've said before, I am not one to research pre-trip, but I'm usually able to depend on general knowledge in recognizing historical sights and buildings. I was struck by my own ignorance this time. While Lauren photographed Brandenberg Gate, I ran into an information center for a free map and learned we'd walked passed the Band des Bundes, Reichstag, and Roma Memorial on our way. Later on, we ended up strolling down Friedrichstraße, Berlin's most legendary street (unbeknownst to me), through "the most beautiful place", Gendarmenmarkt, and finally, to Checkpoint Charlie. (I looked everything up as we walked.) I was absolutely amazed at the juxtaposition of architecture, even though my cousins had warned me in advance. And the grey weather amplified the feeling of the city's recent history. But! I didn't have time to reflect on it. Soon after arriving at Checkpoint Charlie, I bid adieu to Lauren and headed to another part of the city I had yet to meet, Kurfuerstendamm, for a lovely dinner with the boy's parents...

12 comments:

  1. Oh, this takes me back! I can't believe it's been four (!) years since I was there. Can't wait to see more!

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  2. Berlin looks so beautiful! I can't wait to go <3

    xx

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    1. It is! I had such a good time. Hope you have better weather when you go! xo

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  3. Looks like we followed more or less the same itinerary on our respective walks! And that weather made it very hard to take decent pictures, didn't it? I really wish it had been sunny, I'd love to have better shots to remind me of all those beautiful buildings, at least until I make it back to Berlin again!

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    1. It did in some ways, but is also added an emotional touch, I think. Another reason to go back though! :)

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  4. Oh great you actually had good weather to see some of the sights. I am glad. And yes come back when we have sunshine. It's nice then too.

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    1. I did, Tobia! Thanks for your help to the metro. As I alluded to above, we missed our transfer but we made it to all the sights anyway :) would love to come back in sunshine.

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  5. What a whirlwind! These photos are chock-full with (somewhat disturbing) history. Would be an amazing place to visit. I've heard it has an awe-inspiring art scene.

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    1. Right? I'm glad it translates through the photos but it really was an overpowering sense. The following day had much lighter weather. I really need to go back for more of the art scene!

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  6. I was so annoyed I'd left my map! But, you know, that wandering was so nice! And we had a really nice chat, too, which maybe would not have happened if we were studying a guide book? See you soon xx

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