Day 6 : Berlin

This morning was a quiet one. There was some laundry to do and organization that needed to happen. By the time we left the hostel it was about 12:30. Mind you, from that point on we were on a walking tour of the city and what a tour it was! Our guide was named Matt, from Leeds, and he knew so much information about the city and the history of what had happened everywhere. All of this information from a FREE tour. I recommend trying out a free tour while in any city if you are tight for cash but really want to learn about the things that you are seeing.

While we saw the typical Berlin landmarks like the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and the spot the Royal Palace used to be on. There were also some silly things learned/saw while on our tour, a scale replica of the Titanic made out of chocolate, learned that the "guards" at Checkpoint Charlie are actually strippers and last but not least saw the infamous balcony that Michael Jackson held baby Blanket out of.

We also saw some historical things that were off the beaten path, like the possible final resting place of Hitler and his wife. Which is that seemingly innocent photo of a tree to your left. I say possible because there is much debate as to whether it was actually Adolf Hitler in the grave, which incidentally is in the middle of a car park. This actually used to be Hitler's backyard and supposedly has a giant bunker underneath of it running from all the edges of the car park and could comfortably fit 20 families indefinitely down there.

Furthermore, that car park is almost across the street from a giant memorial to the dead Jews of Europe.

This place was incredible. You are walking and there is only enough room to walk single file and if you turn down another row or waiver from your straight line there is an overwhelming sense of loneliness that overcomes you. You call out to the person with you and if they don't answer straight away you begin to believe that there no other people around and you are the only one walking amounts rows upon rows of giant cement slabs. It was a very interesting feeling, not depressing though.

On our tour there were a couple of people we met and decided to head out for dinner and a drink with, Rebecca from Philadelphia and Will from Melbourne. We sat, ate, drank and chatted for a few hours and then headed in our separate directions. More walking and more subways to figure out, but we made it home safely and then almost immediately passed out for the night.

Words learned today...

Donnerstag : Thursday

Briefmarke : Stamp (postage)

Schloss : Palace

Badezimmer : Bathroom