Hotel Room Door in Berlin
Got up this morning so very excited to fly to Berlin.
I was so ready that even my little fear of flying did not get in the way of escaping back to just Han and I keeping each other company.
We turned the car in, checked in, had a little lunch then headed towards our gate. On the way there was a stand with bottled water featuring an honor system of payment. I saw an elderly woman digging in her purse for a euro but could not find one so started walking away. I felt inclined to offer her the coin which created some confusion until Han explained in French. She was quite delightfully surprised that we did that. Just that simple little gesture really made my day.
The Ryan Air flight was quite turbulent but I was handling it fairly okay, but all of a sudden a calm came over me that I have never felt before and I began to pretend I was riding a roller coaster. I was getting kinda sick up until then and I hope this is a turning point for me so I can be more relaxed.
Nothing can prepare you for the taxi drivers in Berlin. Buckle up people. Just do it. Han and I both are dang positive that our cab driver was high on something. I would have rather been back in the plane. No joke.
Crazy enough but the taxi fee was the same amount as one of our plane tickets.
We finally arrived at our hotel which was built in 1903. My first impression was not favorable, but after going in I became more enchanted. The elevator is original and wow what a step back in time. The previous owner had wanted to renovate it into a fairy tale type theme, but only had just began when she ended up selling it. It is quite the mixture of eclectic rooms and decor. The rooms range from hostel size to elegant. We stayed in a very small yet comfortable room with two single beds. I actually liked the cozy feeling of it. I was being a hotel snob but no more.This hotel was located in a quiet neighborhood, less than 100 meters from a Subway station and the breakfast offered a large variety of European fare and everything was good, filling and fresh. We usually only had to grab a small snack for lunch. I am learning constantly to stop assuming and continue to grow as we travel. This part of my life is becoming life altering.
Also do yourself a favor. Check out the restaurants in your neighborhood where you are lodging. We found two and both were excellent. We also had a grocery store very close. Occasionally I really like just staying in for dinner from something grabbed at the local store. The extra rest is essential.
Berlin Central Train Station is like a small city. It has six floors with everything imaginable to do, see and buy.
It is stunning modern architecture. The subways and public transportation is fairly straight forward if you can read a map. If possible or needed, purchase tickets in a pass form. It will save you money than purchasing it every day.A three day inner city pass is only $13!
Don’t be surprised to see elementary age children (even five year olds) riding subways by themselves. They learn early to be self-reliant and all public transportation is free for minors as part of the school system.
I felt very safe riding all types of transport, with no problems.
Do not bother taking sandals or high heels if you plan on walking. The cobblestone roads and sidewalks make it uncomfortable and virtually impossible to navigate without proper shoes.
Walk as much as you can. You become more immersed in the atmosphere, people and sights when going by foot.
It also encourages unnecessary weight gain from all the delicious food you will be eating.
Try a currywurst. I am not a huge fan of curry, but I was literally humming through my meal and it is one of the main food items that Berlin is known for.
We visited the majority of must-see sights of Berlin by foot, but also took a tour on the City Circle line buses which give you the ability to jump on/off pass for the day at $15 p/p. It also gives you the history of each area or sight in multiple languages.
We decided to do the East Berlin purple tour by bus.
We went all the way around, then jumped off at second stop of Hackescher Market because I was in search of Humana Vintage Clothing Store I had seen on Oranienburger Street. We first ate a large and satisfying lunch at a small cafe directly across the street.
A few of the sights stand out most in my mind and they are:
The Berlin Wall – http://www.berliner-mauer-gedenkstaette.de/de/
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe – http://www.stiftung-denkmal.de/startseite.html
Spree River and the government buildings along its meandering course – https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spree
Alexanderplatz Square – http://www.berlin.de/en/attractions-and-sights/3560109-3104052-alexanderplatz.en.html
Also any of the magnificent churches and cathedrals are a must. The interiors are awe inspiring.
We were fortunate enough to be there during the African Festival Market. I bought some hanging baskets that will one day work perfectly for organizing in a tiny home. That is our goal. Tiny home, tiny cleaning.
Also I have been purchasing postcards because I have plans to wallpaper a wall with them to portray our memories with a brightly papered wall.
Of course I had to check out one of the largest department stores in the city called Galeria Kaufhof. To say it was overwhelming is to make light of it. It is over the top extravagant and pricey. Han had a drink downstairs while I went off to take a look, but I did not even go past the next floor until I figured that this was not really what I was looking for and went in search of Han. He bought me the most delicious pistachio macaroon and I was very happy.
On the way back to the hotel via the subway, I happened to be sitting next to this couple who had just gotten back from a vacation in the Canary Islands and were watching some drag shows that they had recorded on their phone. I simply could not ignore their laughter and joined in. I laughed until I had tears rolling down my face which had some old people looking at me like I was crazy, but then the couple had to go ruin the fun by asking me about the upcoming elections. I actually told them just that and some of the other passengers erupted with giggles. It seems all of Europe is interested in the upcoming US election, but also very misinformed as to the true nature of the running candidates.
I try to keep it simple and avoid discussing it if at all possible. I will also keep my opinion to myself here too.
Tomorrow, our adventure continues into Prague, Czech Republic. Time to get some shut eye. We are taking the train and it is five hours travel time. This will be my first time being on a long distance train ride.
Hints:
There is normally no AC in rooms. Purchase a small fan in Europe and travel with it. It helps drown out noises you’re not accustomed to and keeps you cooler as needed.
Bring a few washcloths with you. It appears that hotels only offer bath towels and hand towels.
Do not be shy of asking advice or help because everyone is very kind and friendly.
I have said this before but it repeats saying, “purchase a pillow.” I have been so relieved to at least know I will have a comfortable pillow at each stop.
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