Berlin is a very happening, rich in culture and diversity, and visually enchanting place to visit. What I have learned is that watching and following what the Germans do, saves you from having to ask in a language you do not speak. Such things like where to punch your ticket on the bus, or how you need to open the subway door if you really want to exit at a station!
One scary adventure we took was hiking out to see the Listening Towers from the Cold War. Hidden on a mountaintop, surrounded by a million trees, three fences surrounded these towers overlooking Berlin. We did not sneak through the fence, even though a friend told us it was totally worth checking out the interiors of these towers where artists have taken over to create a friendlier environment. The whole area was hidden in overgrown vines with only two entrance ways cut into the fence, and a lot of fixed fence where people had tried to make ways in.
On the second day of our trip I photographed two armed policemen as we ran to the train. I forgot to turn off my flash, which alerted them and they quickly descended upon me. I knew to erase the photo in front of them and was grateful that was all that was necessary. After that I decided I would not do anything wrong anymore.
The aquarium is always a rich and wonderful experience for me. Berlin did not let me down. Most amazing was a creature that was part shark, part stingray. It had a transparent nostril area. We were there during reptile feeding time and witnessed some escaped crickets. The anaconda was wild...
This city is rich in public art, it is everywhere you turn. Anticipation is high at every street corner you turn. Some amazing things, a church interior lit by blue faceted glass, a extrodinary Bauhaus exhibit, and a wall full of sheep painted and made in fabric. It was a cultural journey rich in adventure and amazement.
