Here I am firmly ensconced in Berlin in a very nice Airbnb. It is roomy and lovely. I got a taxi from the train station. He brought me to Wilhelmstrasse but then said that it wasn’t far away as he was looking at the numbers, so I got out of the taxi to find that it actually was a way away…there I was plodding again!! It is at 110 Wilhelmstrasse and the SS headquarters and massive complex was at 102 Wilhelmstrasse. So, of course, as soon as I went out walking I found myself immediately in the ‘Topography of Terror” which is the memorial to WW11 that now stands on the site. I foolishly walked in…foolish because once in there it’s impossible to get out again. it is all so engrossing. I tagged on to a tour with a man from the centre and he was so engaging that I was totally absorbed. It is a magnificent memorial. I have to say the Germans are so upfront and honest about the past it is very impressive. This is also where a preserved part of the wall is, so it is a very interesting site and it’s all free. From there I walked along to Checkpoint Charlie which of course doesn’t actually exist and surrounding which is a great deal of kitch. Still it was interesting for me remembering emerging into West Berlin after my erroneous, ill fated journey through the East in 1972. Weird!!
I walked some more but by now I was exhausted, then lo and behold I found a lovely Italian Restaurant and had a Ravioli. Went to the Supermarket and stocked up on wine and came home. Tomorrow is going to be a lazy day I think. There is a Flea Market that has been recommended so I think I’ll do that as my only activity for the day. I might even try a CurryWurst!! This is a long, long weekend in Germany with Monday and Tuesday as holidays so the place is bopping. Chris is arriving on Tuesday for 6 days and she is already sending multiple bits of information about places to go, restaurants to eat at etc. I think she gets great information where I am the plodding sort of tourist…so it will be fun to have her here….also fun to have someone to talk to!!
Berlin certainly has a very vibrant sort of feel so I think I will enjoy it.