The Snowlady Chronicles: Berlin with Jackson

Saturday September 8, 2018

New York, NY

Cool, Cloudy, Autumn is almost here

After a full and fabulous day in Prague it was time for us to take the train to a another city that was on my bucket list - Berlin. As a treat I got first class tickets on the train for Jackson and I. It was a bit confusing to figure out where we were sitting, but we managed to find it. The train ride was very nice and beautiful. After about 4 hours, we took a cab to our hotel - The Waldorf Astoria, another splurge as Berlin is where I send Jackson off to his adventures around Europe. Thought he would enjoy staying in a nice hotel before he starts his trip.

We found that our hotel was next to the famous zoo and also a shopping district. After we settled in the hotel, I decided to walk around and go shopping as Jackson needed a few things for his solo trip. Berlin is very happening! And is a shopping mecca. When I got back, we decided to go to a local Italian place for good pasta and had an early night.

The next day, we had a full day walking tour. Our guide arranged by the hotel was fabulous. We first took the metro to the former East Germany side of Berlin to visit the Eastside Gallery. Here we saw some of the most famous paintings on the Berlin Wall. Although we were "east" Berlin, we saw very little evidence of the old communist environment. New apartments and buildings were rising everywhere! Problem though I found out is that there is no industry so apparently there is tension with the Bavarian region as the Bavarians feel they are "funding" Berlin. Nevertheless, the energy level was high throughout the city.

From the East Side Gallery, we walked along the Eastern Wall and learned about the dark history of that wall where many people tried to escape. We then took the metro again and started our walk towards Berlin's famous Unter den Linden Boulevard - Linden Tree Boulevard. It did not disappoint. It truly is a beautiful street. And so much to see. While heading towards the Boulevard, we explored many of the sights and also passed the famous Museum Island. But unfortunately did not have the time to visit any. You truly can spend 3-4 days just visiting the museums in Berlin.

After a lunch break, it was time to continue our tour. We walked by checkpoint Charlie, which is a major disappointment as its fake. But we were very impressed with the Jewish Memorial. We also stopped by a parking lot which is famous as Hitler's underground bunker. We ended at the beautiful Brandenburg Gate and ended at the Reichstag Building where we had dinner at the very famous Kafir Dome Restaurant on top of the Reichstag. Jackson had the waiter choose his meal and ended up having veal hearts but he loved it.

The next day was an easy day for us. I shopped for souvenirs and Jackson joined me briefly but spend most of the day resting. We also had to get his bag reorganized for his big adventure. For our last dinner together we went to a famous weiner schnitzel restaurant known for serving a huge portion. Jackson become famous there for having 2 orders of the huge schnitzel!

The next day, we had to get up early as Jackson had an early train to take to his first destination of his adventure - Budapest. My week with Jackson was one of the best weeks and also very special. Can't wait to hear about his adventures! Its his first time traveling overseas on his own.

Jackson and I on our way to Berlin

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