More Berlin

We enjoyed the rest of our stay in Berlin, spending time at Checkpoint Charlie, The Brandenberg Gate, The Jewish Memorial, and the Kaiser Wilhelm Church. I've posted pictures of each of these in order. I posted 2 of the Brandenberg Gate..one from earlier in the week, and one from 12/28..showing how they are starting to get things set up for a New Years celebration. One of the funny things about the gate is that it is one of the iconic symbols of the division of East and West Berlin, it is so historical, and now, in the present day, what sits next to the gate...both a Starbucks and a Dunkin Donuts! We went to Dunkin Donuts for 1/2 dozen donuts--5 of our favorites, plus one that seemed to be the most popular w/ the locals--a honey covered donut sprinkled with sliced almonds. I still prefer the Boston Creme, but it was fun to try a different flavor. We also both got our regular coffees. Mine, unfortunately was totally burnt, so after a couple sips, I went back up to the cashier to ask for a new one. She was NOT happy with me. She said, while looking at me as if I had 3 heads, "It is just how our coffee tastes". I said, "No, I've had DD coffee before, and it is good, this cup is burnt."...I had also seen her pour my cup from a pot that had just the bottom stuff left, so it was not a fresh pot. When I asked her for some fresh stuff, she acted so peeved with me, and still argumentative, said, "it is coffee, it cannot burn". "ummm..yes it can, and it does", I thought, but didn't say, and just again asked for a fresh cup. She poured me one, while I think sharing her disgust of me, in German, with her co-worker, gave me the new cup without really even looking at me, and I took a big sip, said "mm..much better and not burnt"..to kind of make my point, and then we left. Josh was surprised that I let this incident get under my skin so much, but come on..as a Boston girl, I know my Dunkin's...just like Italians know their wine, so her attitude did bother me, but thankfully, I got my good cup of "regula", and continued on my way:)

The Jewish Memorial was an incredible site to see. The memorial consists of concrete slabs (all of various heights--see picture), representing tombs, and then the museaum exists underground. It was very moving as you walk through the site, and think of all the millions of Jewish people who lost their lives. A very powerful memorial!

The Kaiser Wilhelm church was also a poignant reminder of WWII. The church was nearly completed ruined during a bombing, and what is left is just one part of the church, complete w/ bombed off spire/steeples (see picture). This 'remnant' of the original church is now used mainly as a museum type site, but flanked on either side of it, there is a new belltower and a new worship hall, created primarily with square, blue glass panes. A simple design on the inside, with just rows of chairs, and a statue of Jesus at the front...the simplicity intended to keep attendees focused on God. The blue glass glowing inside is absolutely beautiful, and a bit of a surprise, since the outside of the buildings are not that appealing, looking more like plain, concrete structures.

We used the rest of our time in Berlin just driving around, taking in the scenery, checking out some additional neighborhoods, and admiring the cleanliness and order of such a historic city.

One neat thing we saw and read about was the 'pedestrian walk light' on the traffic signals. The 'guy' is wearing a hat! I read as the lights get changed out, they replace these old pedestrian 'mascots' with newer, Western ones, to the chagrin of some of the locals who like the older, pedestrian 'symbol'. Just another example of how the new ways of Berlin are taking over some of the old.