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‘A Wonderful Place’

Pictured is the Alte Nationalgalerie museum in Berlin. Submitted photo

A trip to Berlin wouldn’t be complete without a side visit to Potsdam. What an unexpected surprise for me. I had no idea that Potsdam had such a beautiful neighborhood of 18th Century Baroque architecture.

These homes were the former residences of Prussian royals. Potsdam is a great walking city with cobblestone streets and colorful outdoor cafes along the Havel River waterfront. Berlin is only 30 minutes away by train or ferry. Definitely take the boat.

The Sanssouci (French for without a care) Park and Neuer Park were the summer homes of the Prussian royals with palaces, fountains, gardens and lakes. What a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the views over a delicious Currywurst (hot sausage with curried ketchup sandwich) and a German beer.

Potsdam is known for playing a central role in the history of film. The world’s first major movie studios opened in 1911 in Babelsberg, just south of Potsdam, developing the area into prewar Hollywood. Modern filmmakers continue to use the studios.

Many spy thrillers have been filmed here, along with Fritz Lang’s classic sci-fi film Metropolis, and The Blue Angel, the 1930 film that brought fame to actress Marlene Dietrich. Film buffs will enjoy seeing how a film is created in the historic Filmmuseum Potsdam.

It is also interesting to note that the Russian KGB used Potsdam as their headquarters during the Cold War era.

After a scenic river boat ride, we arrive in Berlin. The political changes that occurred all over Eastern Europe in 1989 led to the fall of the Berlin Wall, and Berlin became a cutting-edge cultural scene with art, design, fashion, theater and music.

A first time visit to Berlin is bound to be an incredible experience. We’ll start with the Reichstag, the seat of Germany’s Parliament. The striking Norman Foster-designed glass cupola affords a spectacular 360-degree view of Berlin and is not to be missed.

March through the Brandenburg Gate and stroll down the tree-lined boulevard Unter den Linden (under the linden trees), while marveling at the beautiful Prussian homes and architecture. The Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin’s major landmarks and it’s an excellent frame of reference for navigating the city. This magnificent Neo-Classical structure was completed in 1795 and was modelled on the entrance to the Acropolis in Athens.

Stop for afternoon tea in the aristocratic lobby of the old world Hotel Adlon Kempinski. It opened in 1907 with the Kaiser, his wife and other notables in attendance. The Adlon continued to operate normally throughout World War II, even constructing a luxurious bomb shelter for its guests. The Nazis preferred a hotel down the street. It was largely destroyed in 1945 in the closing days of World War II and was rebuilt in 1997 with a design inspired by the original.

After lunch on the Unter den Linden, head to Museum Island in the middle of the Spree River where you will find five world-renowned museums. The Altes Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most beautiful Neo-Classical structures, focuses on the art and culture of ancient Greece.

One could never visit Berlin and not experience the vibrant entertainment from classical drama and cabaret to theater and music. There are probably as many cabaret acts in Berlin today as there were in the 1920s. At any moment there are so many things going on in Berlin that it would be impossible not to find what you’re looking for.

On my travels, I always enjoy trying the local cuisine. While on my recent trip, a friend who lives in Berlin picked me up for dinner one evening. She arrived in a sports car so low I was sure I would be sitting on the pavement in no time. Traffic in the city travels on one speed–FAST–and it’s wise to know where you’re going in order to get out of the way. She maneuvered with bravado and ease as I held on for dear life. Never so glad to see a glass of wine in my life after that ride.

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