The Psychology of Quality and More

Berlin Blog

Eleri and I spent a few days away in Berlin in July 2015. Here's notes about our experiences.

Monday 20 Jul

After nearly losing Eleri's shoe in the Heathrow security machine, we left a rainy Britain and soon arrived in a sunny Berlin. The TXL bus (outside desk area 15) went directly to Alexanderplatz and our Park Inn hotel.

Having a half day left, we sauntered down the main drag, past the big tall tower and several churches to Museum Island. Had coffee. Sat on lawn and listened to a bunch of infants playing creditable sixties pop. Had green woodruff beer. Strange.

Pottered down Unter den Linden. Diverted up Friedrichstrasse and back (Snoopy shop!). Then on down to the Brandenberg gate. Back via Behrenstrasse, curious holocaust memorial (lotsa concrete blocks) and local restaurant in Mauerstrasse where we sampled the potato pud (potato fritters and apple sauce).

Tuesday 21 Jul

Bought Berlin Welcomcard at hotel, giving unlimited travel and free Museum Island entry for 3 days, for 43 euros. Wandered down to museums to find long queues. Got to door and they sent us away to get welcomcards stamped. Sigh.

Gave up and took train to Spandau. Ok but not special, so had coffee and headed back via underground to Charlottenberg for potter around very Parisian backstreets. Must say the public transport here is excellent.

Then back to Pergamon museum for fab Middle Eastern history. Like the Brits, 19th century German explorers had no compunction about carrying away whole edifices. Perhaps just as well given recent desecration.

Delicious Italian dinner at Marcelino's in Poststrasse near the delightfully-named Rathaus. Staggered back, pooped, for plonk and zeds.

Wednesday 22 Jul

Off to Potsdam. Crowded commuter train to Friedrichstrasse, then another to Potsdam which broke down so we had to switch trains. Jumped a tram which headed off into residential district. Jumped off and looked like confused tourists for a while. Jumped back on another tram and ended up back at the station. Stayed on tram as it seemed to be heading into town then got off too early and headed in the wrong direction. Saw interesting bits like brand new old buildings (Berlin is still rebuilding in the classical mould).

Having a potter is pretty standard stuff for us which we christened 'doing a Harry'. Stopped for beer (thirsty work, harrying) in what appeared to be Disneyland, where we also found we had hathairtack, a condition caused by sweating under a hat until you hair sticks indecorously to your head.

The centre of Potsdam turned out to be surprisingly big and rather nice. Even international. After wandering down a street of Dutch houses, we found a distinctly Parisian area with cobbled streets and endless little dress shops. Stopped at La Madeline on Lindenstrasse for a crepe and Breton cider, as you do.

Discovered the Sans Souci park and the rather curious palace. Lots of show with 'hanging gardens' effect in terraced front. Mini double-colonnaded St Peter's square thing at back. Yet only one floor and one small room deep.

Trekked out to park by Heliger See via Swiss-style yet apparently Russian wooden Lodges. Strolled around the lake past @@@ until we were schlossed out. Got to our destination of water ferry terminal, aiming to gently cruise back to the station, only to find next ferry is in 3 hours. Had beer and marched for an hour back to the bahnhof. Train was kindly waiting and went all the way back to Alexanderplatz, right by our hotel. Found Deen de Bortoli Durif plonk in shop for eight quid so retired to room to quaff after another delish Marcelino's din.

Thursday 23 Jul

Eleri experienced German diplomacy at breakfast. I had gone back to the room when a woman marched up to Eleri and started lecturing her in German. Ein, zwie, drei, she shrilled, pointing at the empty chairs and clearly wanting Eleri to immediately vacate the table for her. Eleri smiled and replied she didn't speak German and the frau stumped off. We met many friendly and helpful Germans, but there was a grumpy rump of sourpusses (largely female) for who rudeness knew no bounds.

Museum morning. First the Neue with Egyptian and other antiquities, including an amazing bust of Nefertiti -- a stunning woman or a brilliant artist. Then the Bode, with medieval religious stuff (yawn) and nice statuary.

Harryed around Hackescher Markt area, including lots of nice little courtyard hofs (and one or two seedy ones too). Not as much walking as yesterday, but feet firmly flat. A bit of souvenir shopping, yet another museum with fab Roman statues (getting our money's worth from all-in ticket), and Italian again for dinner.

Party thing in Alexandeplatz. Grooved for a bit, watching fire breathing dragons, clowns and Primark-laden locals. Then back, watch sunset, pack, polish off the Durif and ready for 4am wakeup for early flight home. Ach.

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