Another cold day in #Berlin, but we had things to see. We took the U-Bahn to near the iconic Brandenburg Gate and on to the former Reichstag that has been home to the German parliament for about 20 years. After the country reunified the building was rebuilt under the direction of Sir Norman Foster. I think he did a great job. Our guide emphasised how the building makes everything visible. There is lots of glass and the public gallery is right over the politicians.
It was a very good tour and it's free. At the end we could go up on the roof and up in the glass dome for a great view over the city. We did this part in our last visit, but it was in the dark.
The dome provides light and ventilation to the chamber. @dickturpin just visited the UK parliament which is barely for four purpose and they could learn a lot from the Germans. Tradition is all very well, but it may hamper productivity.
We ate out in different regional German styles. Lunch was some warming soup in a Koelscher restaurant (as in Cologne). I didn't have their beer this time, but my friend had one.
After this we visited the Neues Museum that holds lots of ancient artifacts. There's some great Egyptian stuff that includes the famous bust of Nefertiti. I haven't got any pictures available from in there, but I'm sure there's plenty online.
For dinner we went Bavarian in a Weihenstephan bar. They are the oldest brewery in the world at almost 1000 years! They had some excellent beers. I went for the Vitus Weizenbock that I really enjoyed. That's the one on the right.
I had a very nice bit of zsnder followed by apple strudel. Great food and a friendly waitress. I could get by in German, but just about everyone here speaks excellent English.
Another good day.
We tried to get in the Reichstag but you needed passports / an appointment or something..., the gate is impressive though.. the things that it has seen!
That beer.. oh don't get me started on German beer.. there's nothing quite like it.
We had to show passports, but we knew that from our previous visit. We were booked for the tour anyway. Our tour group was very international with people from the USA, Israel and Ukraine.
There are some people who will just go for standard beers they know, but they are missing out.
I was introduced to weissbier while in Berlin. It's not everyone's cup of tea but I loved it. The pils stuff is also so much better than everywhere else too.
Apple strudel and Vitus Weizenbock sounds like a nice combination to me! Looks like a fun trip. I've always wanted to taste and authentic German beer in Germany! Tip one back for The Dood! Cheers!
I've never visited Berlin, but I had a couple of friends there and I hope to visit the city soon and not just because I love so much the apple strudel :P
german food'n'drink lesson.Hey @steevc, looks like you get a
Hope you had a lot of fun!
It's been great. I've had a good variety of beers on this trip.
That is awesome I think it would be really cool to visit Germany some day. My aunt used to be stationed there when she was in the service. I grew up across the street from a lady who was from Germany. She was always really funny with her thick accent. Chances are if the States or UK were to ever rebuild their government chambers they would probably make them a bit more practical than they are now. Given the age of them that probably plays a part in how they were built.
I like Germany and the people are friendly. Good food and beer too
I like Germany
And the people are friendly.
Good food and beer too
- steevc
I'm a bot. I detect haiku.
This is really cool. I have not been to Berlin, but it is on my list. We were meant to go this past American Thanksgiving, as my American friend I was in England with has a cousin who lives in Berlin and we were meant to go there, but we were too exhausted from house hunting. I'm hoping this November to go, I wonder what the weather will be ?
I have heard Berlin's art scene is pretty epic so can't wait to see galleries and such.
It's a buzzing place. Lots of culture going on. You'd love it.
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