Russia
2006 Journey Day Fourteen
Berlin
, Germany
[
27 July, 2006
] The day was a pure tourist day - riding the No. 100 double decked bus with a "tages karte"
(all day card) pass. First stop was the Brandenburg Gate (1791), the only remaining gate of the original 18 that
surrounded the city. The gate became "no man's land" between the Berlin double wall from 1961 to 1989. During
our last visit, it was covered in scaffolding and full ground to top banners; however, it is completely restored and
is was worth the wait to view.
Next stop was the Reichstag building at the Budestag (German Parliament). It was originally completed in 1894 and
restored with a new glass cupola in 1999. The new Reichstag building contains a circular stairwell within the large
glass cupola that allows for viewing of the Parliament below and a Berlin panorama. The top of the cupola is open
and rain is drained within recessed vents.
Other sights included the Kaiser Wilhelm Church - left "as is" after World War II to serve as a memorial. The newly
opened Jewish Holocaust memorial was sobering - varied sized squared stones with a lone tree denoting hope. The
"Buddies Bear" peace collection had finished it's world tour and was back in Berlin. Each bear represented an
individual country.
Berlin is one third park and trees and well known (including old songs) for it's boulevard with Lime trees ("unter
the Linden"). A special series of "Land of Ideas" outdoor sculptures were set up around the city. All were focused on
German inventions or contributions.
Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate) with Goddess of Victory chariot sculpture
Reichstag Building with glass viewing cupola
Spree River "Land of Ideas" outdoor sculptures (Athletic shoes and pharmaceutical pill)
Kaiser Wilhelm Church Berlin Cathedral
"Buddies Bear" Collection USA Bear Cambodia Bear Bears and Books Sculpture
Holocaust Memorial S-Bahn Entrance
Lobby Return
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Last Updated on
July 30,
2006, CE