swisshiker, thanks, I'll see what I can do about a link to photos, and yes Frankfurt is well worth a look - for me anyway I loved it.

Day 9 – New Year’s Day, 1 January

Bit of a late start today. Breakfast at the hotel was really good, especially as it was a budget place. Everything you could possibly want to eat was there: breads, jams, cereals, cold meats, boiled eggs, fish, fruit salad, yoghurt, cheeses (yum), pickled veggies, teas, coffees, fruit juices. I tried most things at least once, except for the fish and cold meats. It was great and everyone in the breakfast room was in a jovial mood – all said ‘guten morgen’ upon entering. I thought that was nice.

I had the option today to take the train back to Nuremberg for a look around, but I didn’t feel like it and if I’m honest, the Nuremberg train station has put me off, I just wanted to stay put in Bamberg and take more of it in, so that is what I did today – basically walked miles, sat inside lots of beautiful churches, and just wandered about.

When I first ventured out, it was so eerily quiet, no traffic, no animal noises, just a small handful of people – including a kid being dragged along by sleigh – he gave me such a look when I got a picture of him! I love these sleighs and I want one, wish I was a kid again and living in Germany :)

I was really very surprised to see that all the booze bottles from last night had disappeared – and most of the firework leftovers had been cleaned up as well. I couldn’t believe it. There must have been a team of ompa lompas working overtime to get it cleared away, and full credit to the authorities in Bamberg!

I was really wishing that the shops here were open on New Year’s Day – I saw so many lovely things in window displays and much of the pricing seemed reasonable. In fact out all of the shops, the ones in Bamberg appealed to me most of all, it was a great shame I couldn’t get into any of them.

Firstly I walked down the main shopping street and passed by St Martin’s Church – I didn’t go in (well it didn’t look very open at the time and unfortunately I didn’t even try – wish I had as it wasn’t until I got back home to NZ and saw some inside photos of this Church – just stunning). Then I ended up over on the Markusbrucke, then walked back through the ‘little venice’ area – very cute. It was snowing again by this time. Spent time walking along Habergasse and Am Kanal, then over to Hainstrabe, to Ottostrabe and along the canal on Muhlworth. It was just gorgeous. Crossing the canal I spent some time in St Stephens Church, then Obere Church, before heading back to the Dom for another look inside.

Finally I went back to the hotel for a wee rest. Late afternoon and I ventured out again for my final look at Bamberg at night – really spectacular – what can I say, I love this place. If I win lotto, this is where I’m moving to.

This time I walked around the area of St Jakob’s Church. It was dark and my stomach was beginning to get hungry. Found a nice looking restaurant along Kaizenberg and went inside and got myself a table. Ordered a chicken schnitzel, chips and salad, and asked the guy to recommend a special Bamberg beer, which he did. It was yum and just what I needed.

There was a German bloke sitting at the table next to mine, he was also alone, and tried to talk, but alas that language barrier again! I wish I could say something else apart from just ‘hellos’. Anyway in his very limited English we did manage a few sentences. He thought I was on a photography tour – must have been because I snapped a couple of pictures of my food! He was very nice when he left and wished me a lovely time in Germany. I’m finding that the people in Bamberg are ever so friendly.

After dinner, which from memory was about 11 euro including beer, had a final wander around the bridges and canal, then back to hotel for bit of packing up.

NZ101
I am looking forward to more posts about the completion of your Magical Journey.

Can't wait for more, thoroughly enjoying this and feeling like I was there with you.
Susan

Day 10 - 2nd January

Up early this morning as I had to be at the train station by 9.15. Got down to breakfast at 7am, right when it opened, but hardly any food had been put out - obviously they weren't expecting anyone in at this early hour. However it was really pleasant, I sat there in the nice old dark dining room and started with whatever food was available. While I waited, I poured over the Bamberg map and debated whether to walk to the railway station or not. Finally came to the conclusion that yes I would try it, save myself a taxi fare and besides I just felt like the walk.

Finished breakfast and said goodbye to my wee hotel room - and managed to get my bag down the many stairs. Check out was a breeze. Very happy with this hotel and would definitely stay again!!! Walked out to the main street and the place was deserted. Lights were still on and Christmas decorations still shining - it was really only just light at 8am. I took my time, lapping up the last glimpses of Bamberg, struggled with the wheels across the main snow filled street, but it wasn't too bad once on the footpath - perhaps I am getting used to it and the muscles in my arms becoming stronger. I took quite a few pictures and once I got to Luilpoldbucke, took a few shots of the river etc. I saw the cutest sight - a baby size snow blow heading in my direction – its especially designed for footpaths. I quickly snapped a picture and the driver smiled at me – no doubt he thought I was a little nutty. Passed by a bakery, which was one of the few signs of life. An old bloke rode by on his bike yelling out 'guten morgen' and smiling away, I yelled back 'guten morgen'. The people here are so friendly - and I’m a little surprised. This town is such a high tourist area, you'd think they'd be sick of the sight of us all. Apparently not.

Got to the train station in no time at all - about 25 minutes, with me just taking my time and stopping lots for photo opportunities. I picked up a filled roll for the train journey and wandered around the bookshop - which amazingly was open. Purchased a book on Bamberg, and then just hung about the station for a while.

Got on the train and just thought how much I wanted to stay in Bamberg and never leave.

It was a very long day - 7.5 hours of travelling - I almost regretted going 'regional' but it was an experience too and a chance to mix with the locals. The first change of trains was at Saalfeld Saale, which I don't remember at all - gosh I wish my memory wasn't such a sieve, I want to remember EVERYTHING. Obviously I had no dramas for this train transfer. The next train was reasonably busy with people coming and going. I remember one young family in particular, with a toddler playing with his cars on the floor. His mother had bought along a box of biscuits for him, which he could help himself too and she would say 'eins, eins', which was great for me as I learned how to pronounce 'one'. :)

The next change of trains was at Leipzig, and wow what a fantastic station it is – great combination of the old and new combined. It was so pretty with the amazing Christmas lights. The place had three levels of shops and restaurants and I spent the next 40 minutes having a look around, got myself a coffee for about 2 euro, but it was so strong and bitter I couldn't drink it. Also got a couple more yummy things to eat for the next portion of the trip. The only negative thing – nowhere to sit – and this is actually typical of everywhere in Germany.

I had to use the bathroom - and found it without too much trouble – another one of these 'McClean' places. However, the only way in was via a turnstile and there didn't appear to be an entrace for those with large bags, which is ridiculous. Silly me, I knew it was going to happen, but I went through the turnstile anyway, and of course my suitcase got stuck behind me on the other side! I was not happy - why does a simple thing have to cause stress! So I'm struggling to lift the bloody thing over the turnstile and a young woman is waiting to get through, so I just ask her nicely if she can help me, which she does – she had no choice really. Then the next problem is trying to fit oneself and the suitcase into the cubicle!!! That was another problem everywhere, but in hindsight I'm sure it would be okay to leave luggage outside the door, who would want to nick it anyway, lets be honest.

Back on the train leaving Leipzig, next stop Wittenberg - this was a much smaller station and I wasn't sure if I was on the right platform as the train said 'Rostock' and I was looking for 'Berlin', but apparently this one goes via Berlin, I checked with a couple of backpackers before getting on and they confirmed that yes it did go to Berlin. I should have known though as lots of people were catching this train – so of course it must have been going to the big city. Once on board I had trouble finding a seat - The aisle seemed very narrow, and there was just no room to leave bags at the end of the carriage as it was simply filled with other peoples gear. I spotted a 'four seat together' set up, with one girl in it hogging three seats to herself and leaving only one. So I sat down in the spare seat and had no choice but to move my suitcase in as well. She gave me the filthiest look, but what was I to do – couldn’t leave my luggage blocking the aisle - the overhead racks were so narrow, nothing but the smallest bag could fit in there, and she only had to move her legs slightly anyway to make way for me, but she didn't like it. I smiled nicely, but to no avail. She was very much NOT nice. Anyway, I left her to it and gazed out the window. She spent most of the time on one of her three cell phones - no sooner would she get off one call, then the other one would ring. By the sounds of it, all the conversation was from the other callers as the only thing coming out of her mouth was 'ja, ja, ummmmm ja, ja'.

The train got really full and people were standing by the doors, and one couple kept looking at me - of all things, looking at me! But what could I do - there was no room for anyone else in our seats - unless they wanted to sit on my suitcase or my knee. There was just no room and it amazes me that on this route, they had such a small number of carriages available.

Anyway, getting closer and closer to Berlin, the scenery outside is pretty much uneventful - very flat, and not much to see. Its fully dark before we enter the first suburbs of Berlin. I keep checking the electronic board they have inside the train carriage to make sure I get off at the right stop - but of course no need to worry about it. I grabbed my bags and left my 'friend' behind and arrived into the great Hauptbahnhof - I can't describe it, the place is a monster, and in the 5 nights I spent in Berlin, I never did quite figure out how many levels it had in all - because some of them criss-crossed over. Huge place and I didn't really know where I was going, just followed everyone else - up the escalators and headed in one direction, which fortunately, was the main entrance/exit and the one I wanted. Saw an amazing Christmas tree, about three stories high, covered in Swarovski crystals.

Leaving the main entrance of the station - people and taxis everywhere, and I'm hoping and praying to myself that the hotel is where they say it is - right next to the station, and sure enough I look to my right, and there it is !!! I'm quite relieved, because its dark, cold and my tired and fed up. Really all I have to do is walk to the end of the taxi queue and there is the front door of the hotel - the Meininger - I chose it for two reasons - because of the proxmity to the station and the price! Its a large hotel with the smallest reception and people everywhere in the lobby. No problems checking in and I'm handed one of those electronic key cards - my heart sinks a little as I'm hopeless using these cards - for some reason they never seem to work for me. She said I should be okay with it, and she's right. I get to my room on the third floor - room 334 I think, and the card works first time. The room is really nice - very new and modern and clean. Flat screen tv on the wall - large window which looks directly onto the Hauptbahnhof – so close, I feel as though I could touch it. The decor is browns and greens, white bedding, bright white bathroom, plenty of hanging space and room to put my luggage. Everything I need for a few nights. All that is missing is a glass for some water (not experienced this before ever in a hotel room). The main problem for me however was the noise - tvs from other rooms, people yakking and moving about. How I got around this, was to turn on my air conditioning - I decided I'd rather listen to this running, than someone's tv or chatter. One night I could even hear a barking dog! What really annoyed me though was on the first night, I got 4 different people either knocking or kicking on my door - they were looking for someone else – obviously had the wrong room number. So the fourth time this happened, I lost my cool, yelled at the woman standing at there and slammed the door !! Not a good start – this hotel is like a zoo.

Hope you have time to finish your report soon--I'm anxious to read your thoughts feelings about Berlin.

Sorry, I've been totally consumed watching tv coverage of the earthquake the last week. Promise to get the next installment done tomorrow, I'm eager to finish it too :)

January 3 - Monday

Approximately -3 degress.

Up early this morning (yeah, again) as I planned to do one of the Sandmans 'free' walking tours. When checking in the night before, the desk clerk gave me a map with this tour company printed on the back, and as it sounded good, and the meeting point was ideal for me, I decided to do it. I think the one I picked was the New Berlin tour for a general overview of the main sights in Berlin.

Had to meet outside Starbucks by the 'Gate' at 9am, and since I really didn't have a clue how far away I was, I left the hotel just after 8am, in almost darkness. The area around the central train station is quite strange - just a large expanse of bare land - probably part of the tiergarten, but in winter its just white land with hardly any shrubs or trees, just some large office/government type buildings around the outer edge. I walked across the river Spree on the footbridge and walked across this snow covered park. I could see the Reichstag way over to the left and it was surrounded in guards with guns, walking around outside it, and others sitting in vans. It was a little intmidating and I felt 'guilty' for some silly reason, feeling like I shouldn't be there! I almost felt reluctant to take my camera out for some photos - but I did, then quickly put it away again. There weren't many people about at this hour. There were alot of firework bits leftover from the big celebrations of New Year's Eve, obviously there had been alot of people here, and the odd booze bottle lay about, but mostly it was black fireworks, which looked odd against the snow, with black 'dots' all over it. It didn't look particularly pretty.

Anyway, as I walked down the right hand side of the Reichstag, I felt a little thrill upon seeing the Brandenburg Gate for the first time - it was a 'side on' view, but never mind, there it was, and lit up in all its glory. It was impressive to see for the first time - almost like one's first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, but not quite as great ! It was large, but not quite as big and overpowering as I imagined. I walked through it, took the obligatory photos, and had my first view then of the Under Den Linten, and once again, I was excited to see this famous street. There are a few embassies and banks at this top end and they all seemed to be guarded. Oh yes, and there is the Hotel Adlon where Michael Jackson hung his baby over the balcony. On the street itself, the only people around were Council workers removing barriers and some seating - cleaning up after the New Year party. There was a bit of rubbish lying about which made the place a bit grubby looking.

There was no one else hanging around Starbucks looking as though they were ready to join a walking tour but I was hugely early, so no doubt this is why. It was a bit freezing so I decided to go and have a look at the nearest underground station, which was right there - the Brandenburger Tor. That killed five minutes, then I was back upstairs and out on the street again. Gradually a few people arrived, and as I heard them speaking English (they were American), I asked whether they were waiting to join the tour - they were, so that was good, we got to chatting about how long we were all in Berlin for etc - they were only there for one day! More folks arrived - a girl from Malta and her English partner, and we got to chatting too. Finally the guide arrived, and suddenly alot more people showed up at the last minute - about 37 of us in all. The guide introduced himself (can't remember his name) but as he said about himself "I look like Prince William and talk like Hugh Grant". He was young, knowledgeable and had a wicked sense of humour. He gave us all the facts in a story telling way and had us smiling and laughing many times.

The tour obviously started at the Brandenberg Gate, we walked from there to the Halocaust Memorial, which was only a couple of minutes walk away. It was interesting and we spent about 20 minutes walking around in the maze of the memorial slabs. The ground was very much uneven and undulating - and very very slippery with the snow and ice - two people ended up on the ground - one person went down with an almighty whack on his head, he was an old guy from Australia (one of only two Aussies I saw on the whole trip), I thought he would be quite injured, but he managed to get up and continue. I took really small steps and held on to the slabs as I walked around. The tour guide mentioned that we really must visit the Memorial Museum if we had the chance (located directly underneath the eastern side of the Memorial - I'll go here tomorrow I tell myself). From here it was another short walk to a carpark, where underneath, lies Hitler's Bunker. Unfortunately its all closed up now and there is 'nothing down there'. Next it was to see some old buildings which were the Nazi Headquarters. Near these buildings, stands one part of The Wall, and truth be told, its quite ugly. Next we walked towards the area of Checkpoint Charlie and the tour guide wasn't too impressed with this area and didn't want to hang about too long talking about it. He said that everything about it now is fake - the signs, the checkpoint, etc. As well, the area was full of beggers asking 'do you speak English', then they want your money. One woman from our group got into a nasty argument with one of them. By this time we were about halfway around the tour and it was freezing - I was really feeling it, and why did I feel as though my right foot was wet?????? I was literally moving my toes, feet and almost jogging on the spot to keep warm.

At this stage we had a coffee and bathroom break. The prices at the coffee shop were 3.50 euro for a coffee or 2.50 for a gluhwein - guess which one I had. Yes, no brainer really, and the wine sure warmed my feet up. By the time the break was over I was feeling quite fine. :)

Next, the tour took in the lovely Gendarmenmarkt sqaure, however it didn't look so pretty for us as it had massive tents left over from the christmas markets which were being dismantled. Then we came to the Bebelplatz where the book burning ceremony was held. There's a glass window in the ground where you can see inside to a whole room of empty shelves, but unfortunatley the window was fogged all over and we couldn't see a thing. Nevermind, I've had a look on the Internet to see what it looks like.

From here, we ended back on the Unter den Linden and I have to say that I was quite surprised that most of the major sights are quite within walking distance. We walked by the famous University, the German History Museum, and to the Neue Wache, which houses the sculpture of the mother and her dead child. From here it was just a short walk over to the Museum Island and here the tour ended in the gardens in front of the Berlin Dom. I took note that everyone gave the tour guide a tip. Obviously, even though they are so called 'free' tours, I don't think anyone would not give. It wouldn't be right and these guides do a wonderful job.

After the tour ended, I wasn't quite sure what to do, but since I was in the area, decided to walk across to the Berlin Dom - there is a 5 euro entry fee, and I thought that it must be good as this was the first time I'd had to pay to enter a church. Well, it was absolutely stunning and so colourful, and I spent some time parking myself on a pew for quite a while just looking around. Apart from this, they have a small museum upstairs - but unfortunatley the stairs leading to the top of the Dom was closed due to 'technical issues', and this was a little disappointing as I was looking forward to going right to the top. Following the signs to the shop and exit downstairs, I came across the crypt (hadn't realised there was one here) - wow, very impressive indeed, there are 100 or so coffins down there, men, women and children. It was quite eerie and no way would I want to be locked in here overnight. The one thing I didn't like about the Dom was when I went to use the bathroom - of course you have to pay, and it was fine by me as this time the toilets were nice and clean, but you are actually locked in until you do pay - I don't mean the cubicle is locked - but the main entrance into the bathroom - you can't get out until you pay. I also note that most woman I saw who ran these bathrooms are the most sour and unfriendly people you could come across.

After leaving the Dom, I decided as I was on Museum Island, to take the opportunity and pick a museum. I had read that the Pergamon was really the number one choice here, and so this is where I went next - easy to find, nice buildings, still a bit of construction work going on. Seemed to be alot of people at the museum, but only waited a minute or so in queue, paid the 10 euro entrance fee and I was in. Picked up an audio guide and chose the 'shortened version' which was about 30 minutes rather than the longer version. Once inside, I sat on the steps of the temple, like dozens of others, but be warned if you sit close to the sides or on either of the two top steps, you will be asked to move - you are only allowed to sit in the middle area - guards were constantly telling people to move. On the whole, and I may be shot down by some of you out there for saying this, but I found the museum on a whole as 'okay'. To be honest it didn't do alot for me, but I am still glad I went, to have seen the famous Ishtar Gate. I spent about an hour in here all up, which was more than enough time for me, and it wasn't a large museum anyway.

After this I have to say I was feeling pretty exhausted from all the walking and getting rather hungry. I slowly made my way back along the Unter Den Linden, walked by the History Museum, then decided to go back and have a quick look inside - which I did, walked around the lobby for a while and poked my nose into the museum shop. At this stage I decided my stomach was ruling and went to find something to eat. I walked a few minutes more along the Unter Den Linden and saw a nice looking restaurant, Jedermann- had a look at the menu which was on display outside, and my mouth watered, decided i wanted the spinach and feta canneloni right then and there. Went in and got myself a seat at the front by the window, and had a look over the menu - but still chose the canneloni - with a glass of German wine of course to wash it down with. The meal was delicious, about 10.60 euro. While I was eating my meal I was texting a friend wanting advice whether to go the Jewish or the History Museum. He said the History Museum was definitely best, and I was quite happy about that choice as I was just a few steps away from it, whereas the Jewish Museum was a train ride away, and I really didn't feel like walking much at this stage.

So after having satisfied my stomach, I went back to the History Museum and bumped into my 'friends' I met that morning on the walkikng tour - the couple from Malta. The woman said to me that she could give me her 'sticker' so I wouldn't have to pay to go in (only 6 euro entrance fee normally). So we went outside and chatted on the pavement and she gave me her sticker - I was hoping no one would see the exchange! I really wanted to talk to them some more, but at that moment a gypsy woman came along asking 'you speak English' I said 'nein', then she asked me if I spoke German, and I said 'no'. ha ha. I was a bit annoyed with her as she broke up our conversation. We said quick goodbyes and I was back in the museum. I thought someone would stop me and ask to see a receipt or something, but I was okay and no one asked where I had got my sticker from.

Somehow I ended up in the exhibition hall where there was a special Hitler exhibition showing. It was really great if you are interested in this, and lots of people were there. The place was heavily guarded as well. It was stifling hot inside and all I wanted to do was take off my coat and carry it, but when I did this, twice, was told off and to wear the coat - I could have fainted in the heat. How ridiculous, what do they think I'm going to do by carrying said coat in my arms? The exhibition was mostly in German with some English. Lots of interesting photos, and I remember one in particular of a classroom photo of a young Hitler taken in 1899 - had to imagine he was a child at one point. After this exhibition I found myself upstairs at the Begas sculpture exhibition - I found this only mildly interesting - not really my thing. At this stage I was trying to find my way out and back to the main entrance so I could investigate the rest of the museum - it took me about 10 minutes to do so - how ridiculous, just as well there wasn't a fire while I was in there or I'd be long dead. Finally got out, ended up in the atrium and walked through to the museum proper. By this time it was after 5pm and the place closed at 6pm, so I was quickly running out of time. What I was mainly interested in now was the period of 1900 onwards - this museum is laid out in centuries, and it would have been good to see it all, but my main interest was the 19th century and I spent the rest of the time in her. It was fantastic - and really so very interesting - covered both world wars, the cold war, the Wall being erected then coming down, etc. It was outstanding and I could have stayed in for longer. However, come 6pm we few people still in there were asked to leave, no one appeared to be in a hurry and made no signs of going, so I didn't either. Then got in trouble again by another guard and shown to the door!! Okay, I can't complain, this poor man had a home and dinner to get to, I just had the evening ahead of me to do what I liked.

Left museum after shown where the door was and walked back up the Unter Den Linden, a few shops were open, and I popped my head into some of them, mainly souvenir shops. A large crowd gathered around one place - turned out to be a Mercedes Benz shop - so followed the crowd in and oggled at the lovely cars I would like to have when I win that lotto.

By the time I got back to the hotel I was pretty much exhausted - must have walked about 20 miles or it felt like it anyway.

Just love your writing and the photos are magical. Thank you.

January 4th, Tuesday, overcast and snow on the ground, approximately -4 degrees.

No need to get up early this morning, after yesterday decided I deserved a sleep in. Outside my window I could see workers on the roof of the Hauptbahnhof, clearing snow - it took them a few days to do this.

Today I decided to buy a day pass for the transport system as not really sure where I was going or where I would end up. Managed to get it without a problem from the ticket machine in the Hauptbahnhof. But I still for the life of me couldn’t figure out where to catch the local trains in here. The one word to describe this station is ‘massive’, it really is. I had to ask at the DB office where I could find the No. 5 line – to the Brandenburg Tor – no wonder I couldn’t see it, it was hiding down a side wing, then down some stairs – very nice though it was when I did find it, and brand new. This line will eventually run through to Alexandra Platz, but for now it ends at Brandenburg Tor – fine with me. Only took a few of minutes.

Exiting the Brandenburg Tor station and I’m facing the Brandenburg Gate for another look. To my left is the DZ bank – which I havre been told is worth a look inside for some unusual architecture. I’m feeling a bit reluctant as the entrance is guarded, but I heard that its not to be missed, so I pluck up the courage and go inside. I’m the only one in there apart from the guards. I smile nicely and ask to take a picture of the architecture, which is just before me through some turnstiles, which they tell me I cannot enter, as i try to do so. I get out my camera (and all eyes are on me) and put my handbag on the floor so I can take a picture easily and then get out of there. I’m told not to put the bag on the floor and I must hold it. For heavens sake, what do they think I have in there. I wish I hadn't come. I snap my photo, and say thank you, and go. The guard was quite nice though and smiles, says goodbye and holds open the door for me. I’m glad to be out of there. I have to say that these bloody terrorists have to spoil things for everyone don’t they. I don’t like feeling like a suspect or that I may be carrying a bomb around in my handbag.

I walk around the corner back to the Holocaust Memorial as I am going to visit the Museum/Information Centre there – its only just gone 10am, opening time, and there is a small queue already. The entrance is down some stairs and they have guides standing at the top of the stairs to help you. Immediately upon entering there is a security check – bags in x-ray machine and walk through scanner – just like at the airport, except you aren't flying anywhere. The Information Centre (but I think of it more as a Museum) is fantastic and I absolutely recommend it. Its very well laid out, efficiently run, organised, and completely free. I also thought it was extremely interesting. It tells the personal stories of every day people. There is a 'room of families' (complete with photos) individuals and complete families – what they were doing before the war, what happened to them during the war, and afterwards. The exhibits are very impressive. One room shows notes and letters that people had written to loved ones during the war – some on scraps of paper, to be hidden away, and found later - expressing their feelings, trying to understand what was happening to them, saying goodbye to their familes, etc. There is also a 'room of names', where you can sit in near darkness and listen to names being read out, and hear a little about that particular person, and what happened to them. I spent about 1.5 hours in here, but could have stayed longer. It was absolutely great - one of the best museums I've been into and so moving. I think that this deserves to be on everyones must see list for Berlin.

There was also a good bookstore here and i found myself a brilliant little book on Berlin - detailing what the city was like from during the second World War, during the time of the Wall and how it looks in modern day Berlin after the Wall. Very interesting.

After this I continued walking to Potsdamer Platz, and it wasn't far at all, just a few minutes - I was quite surprised by this. I had been told that this area is the place to be go, but really I just found it okay - I didn't think it was anything special - mind you I had been told that night time was the best to see it all lit up, but I was only there during daylight hours. Or perhaps it is best during the Berlin Film festival. I found the Sony Centre and walked around it. Then I walked across the road to the Kollhoff tower to visit the panorama deck - I went up here and that was good - nice views of the city, could see the Brandenburg Gate, Holocaust Memorial, down to Museum Island, Tiergarten, etc. I stayed up here for quite some time - it has the fastest elevator in all of Europe - up to the 24th floor in next to no time. I shared the elevator with two other people. At the top they have interesting information boards on what the Platz was like before, during and after development, plus other things pertaining to Berlin, such as more information on the Wall. It was good and a cheap price I thought (in comparison to say Auckland's Sky Tower) at 5.50 euro. As I was walking around, I noticed a couple walking up some stairs, so decided to follow them - there was a sign in German, but of course I couldn't read it. At the top we ended up at another observation level - had the place to ourselves. A few minutes later a woman came over, yelling at us in German I presume, I didn't know wht she was saying, looked at the couple next to me, and then the woman said that we weren't susposed to be up there, it was too dangerous, closed, and we had to leave. Okay, so back down the stairs again, giggling like naughty kids, I said to the others, 'well I was just following you'.

Back on the main deck again and I found the coffee shop - it was deserted. i thought it must have been really expensive as no one was in there, so i went in for a look and ordered a coffee - not bad prices at all, especially for where it was - 2.60 euro. However, the coffee was very strong and bitter, could barely drink it, but managed to get it down. I stayed for about an hour, just taking in the view, and gradually a few more people came inside. It was lovely actually, could have sat and gazed out the windows all day.

Back down on ground level again and at this stage what I really wanted to do was to find the shopping mall, which I knew to be around here somewhere. It wasn't at the Sony Cente, or at the observation deck, so where on earth was it? I ventured down another street that looked promising, crossed over the road, followed others like sheep, and voila, shops ahead ! Great. I was desperate to do some shopping - I didn't just come to Germany to look at the pretty sights - had to shop too. This was another three level centre with the usual shops and eateries. I spent a couple of hours in here, wandering about, buying a few bits and pieces and came across by chance a famous gelato ice cream cafe I had read about in a tour book - spent ages trying to decide on the flavour and in the end got the Tiramisu - it was really delicious and only 1.20 euro - incredible !!!! Just goes to show you can still find some bargains in Europe !!!

By this time I was getting a bit weary and decided it was time to start heading back to hotel. However, I thought I would take the opportunity to try and find Galleries Lafeyette, which I managed to do eventually. I was a bit confused with the S Bahn and U Bahn - not used to undergrounds at all, I thought these were intermingled, didn't realise they are often in different locations from each other.

I spent some time in here looking through all the floors and oggling at the food hall. I found my way to the womens clothes, where there was a sale on, and thought about buying a skirt, but decided not to as everything was overpriced even with the sale. So I left empty handed. Got the train back to the Hauptbahnhof and went into the small supermarket they have there, picked up a potato and gherkin salad, bread roll, and some kind of lemon meringue desert which looked quite nice. Staggered back to the hotel and crashed on the bed, watching telly and munching my dinner - which didn't taste as nice as it looked.