Ich Bin Ein Berliner

Berlin is an amazing city. I don't really know enough about the rest of the country to say I'm a big fan of Germany, but I definitely would go back to Berlin. I had Bratwurst everyday and even found where to buy Dr. Pepper!

Highlight of the Trip: I saw the greatest movie ever created. In 3D. In IMAX. In English. Avatar. I happened to be wandering back towards my hostel from West Berlin. I figured I'd make a stop at Potsdamer Platz, a glass and metal re-creation of Mt. Fuji, and see what was happening. Turns out a German movie premier was happening. German actors and actresses were walking down the red carpet; people were yelling and taking pictures, looking for autographs and reaching for interviews. Naturally, I joined in the fray and started taking pictures. After a few minutes of pushing and picture-taking, I got over it and stumbled inside the theater. I happened to see a sign which had three significant, stand-out words: Avatar, 3D, English. I had had yet to see these three words put together in one sentence so naturally my excitement was slowly rising. I went to the ticket desk and saw that the next showing was at 9 PM. It was 8:45 PM. I asked the ticket man, "Is the 9 PM showing of Avatar 3D in English?" He answered me with a yes. Immediately, I forked out 11 euro and bought the ticket. I settled down into the most comfortable theater seat I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing which also happened to be in the center of the row in the center of the theater and slapped on my 3D glasses. The movie started, and my life was changed. I left the movie, kept the 3D glasses, and fully intended to someday buy the soundtrack. I can't wait until it comes out on DVD. Everyone who hasn't seen it yet should go see it. Right now.

I thoroughly enjoyed the historic aspect of the city. It's hard to talk about all the different things I saw because of how much I was able to get around to. Maybe because I really enjoy history seeing the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, and Checkpoint Charlie were the most exciting parts of the trip to me, but it seems to me that people don't seem to share the same enthusiasm. One of the museums on Museum Island has the Gates of Ishtar from Babylon set up completely on display, and it was mind-blowing. These are the same gates the Israelites walked through when they were forced into exile. I stood above Hitler's Bunker which has since been collapsed and filled with cement. I walked amidst the Memorial for the Murdered Jews of Europe. I walked past a remainder of the Berlin Wall which happened to be directly in front of the now defunct SS Headquarters. I walked on what was formerly the most feared street in the nation which contained the Ministry of Ministries, SS Headquarters, and the Death Strip. All these things, no one could have done a little over 20 years ago.

I took a free walking tour the second day I was there. I really had a good time since the tour consisted of a 3 1/2 hour excursion through the historic parts of the city.

On the day I waltzed over to the heart of West Berlin, my first stop was the Zoo Station. This is the same Zoo Station that inspired U2's Zoo Station / Zoo TV tour. That's right. I walked where Bono walked. While in West Berlin, I was able to obtain a smoothie, speak English, and purchase "Faust: Die Rockoper." The Kaiser Wilhelm Church was the most amazing part of West Berlin; it's a church that was partially destroyed during the wars, but it was left how it was after the damages were done so there's a huge chunk missing out of the top of the spire. The new church building right next to it is equally impressive. The cultural division between East and West Berlin are unavoidably apparent. In the West, I was able to speak English to everyone while in the East I had to rely on hand signs since I knew absolutely no German. Berlin's a great city. I recommend it. Stamp of Approval given.

Look at pictures!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=152556&id=548989703&l=deb0bc6060

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=152558&id=548989703&l=f208254140

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=152567&id=548989703&l=b525fbd4f1

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=152568&id=548989703&l=a0fee79f1d