We weren’t too sure what to expect from Berlin. We all know the history, but just how it would actually look was a little hazy. Modern Berlin is relatively new, 85% of the original city was destroyed during WWII bombing campaigns. The city streets are wide and somewhat dull, the buildings from the old east and west are in direct contrast. Grey & brown concrete apartment blocks on the east, and a little more colour and character in the old West Germany.
A guided walking tour took us through the main WWII sites, along with the Berlin Wall. Our guide gave us a lot of great history of the town, along with some lesser known facts and stories. The tour also took in the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. A very moving, massive and somewhat chilling memorial.
Our took happened to be on May 10, the anniversary of the famous Nazi book burning in Bebelplatz outside Humboldt University and there was a memorial of books set up to commemorate the event. Chairs were set up, with copies of books that were burnt during the original event. The chairs has stickers “ein ort zum lesen” (a place to read).
The following day consisted of a trip to the top of the Berliner Dome. From the walkway around the top of the dome, you get amazing views of the entire city for kilometers in each direction. Also a spot of shopping…….. for the both of us for a change 
We’ve officially filled a spare suitcase with shopping and souvenirs and have sent it back home!
After good German food on the first night, it was Spanish, then Lebanese on the following nights. WOW!!!! Berlin has some GREAT food 
and cheap, stupidly cheap. Also, our first real introduction to beer steins. Wow! Those Germans know how to knock back the amber ale!
Prague – here we come!
D&A