All good things...

We are home! Our time in Berlin has come to an end, and we are safely back on Welsh ground!
Berlin has definitely been an experience I will not forget. I met some lovely people, from all different nationalities and they all helped me enjoy my time, and realize how much more of the World I am yet to see!

It is hard to pinpoint one highlight of the whole trip, as so many days and moments were memorable, its hard to choose a favorite one. I really enjoyed talking to new people, and the gang from Wales, relaxing in Berlin's beautiful Park such as Gorlitzer, Victoria, and the old  Tempelhof airport!
I could not believe how big Wansee, Schlachtensee and Mugelsee lakes were, they were stunning places and close enough to escape the big city without being too far from everything.
On the plane home, we had a lovely view of one of the lakes from above, and thats when we saw how big they really were!

Life in Berlin was so relaxed and laid back, nothing ever felt too rushed and we could really take our time to enjoy the moment. Time has flown since February when we all first met in one of Llangollen's (many) small pubs, and now we have separated and gone home. Back to reality.

I like being back in Wales, and I missed my home, family and friends so much, and I cannot wait to see them all! I know I will miss the independence, the good weather, the food and most of all, the company of people I will never forget in Berlin! As cheesy as it sounds, I met great people, and will miss not being able to send a quick text to see if we could make plans for the day!

Waking up in my own bed, in my room was surreal this morning, and I definitely was not expecting the good weather to travel back with us! I'll miss Berlin, and I will go back, but not for a while. I think it's time to see other countries before I make my way back to Germany... and I can't wait!

Last weekend..

Wannsee and Sachsenhausen


Last weekend was our penultimate one in Berlin, and I spent both days going out making the most of the time we have left here!

I spent Saturday afternoon at Wannsee, one of Berlin's beautiful lakes just West of the city, a short train ride away! The weather was warm and it was a short walk from the s bahn station to the lake itself.
The lake was beautiful, and so big it looked more like a sea! Entrance fee was cheap, as I used my student discount, but I noticed that family tickets weren't expensive either. Its one of the few man made beaches in Berlin, but ia big attraction to both  tourists and locals in Berlin,and I could see why!

Wannsee beach isn't huge but the beach was long, and had great views of the lake, and the blue sky was clear once the clouds had cleared! They had several little seats dotted around the beach, which looked like they would cover you from the wind, cwtch up with a good book,and just enjoy the peace and quiet! I visited on a quiet day, as I dont think the Summer season has kicked off quite yet, but I can imagine with the yachts, pedalos, and small boast that it would be great for a day out with friends or family!

  
Wannsee Lake 


On Sunday, a few of us took the S1 North to Sachsenhausen, an old Nazi concentration camp, just outside Berlin. The journey took over half an hour, as we took the s bahn from Gesundbrunnen (on the ring) right up to Orianenberg (the last stop on the S1).




Sachsenhausen 


It started raining as soon as we arrived, and it being a Sunday, the buses only ran every couple of hours, so we braved the weather and decided to walk. The camp was clearly sign posted so we had no trouble finding the place. Despite it being out of Berlin, there were family houses on both side of the streets right up to the camp's entrance, which I found odd, for some reason I imagined it would be a little further from houses or the town of Orianenberg.

The information centre was a small building, but the staff were friendly and we purchased audio guides for only €3 each. We made our way outside where small models of the camp had been created, and listened to the audio guide explain what each building used to be, and its relevance to the camp.
Information boards were everywhere, showing pictures, quotations and interesting information on the time the camp was used during Hitler's reign.




"Arbeit macht frei" was written on the gate, at the entrance of the camp itself, which translates to "Work makes you free".  The camp was triangular shaped and was big in size, however I had pictured it bigger for some reason. The surrounding walls were tall with barbed wire, and watch towers at each point. The old building were still in place, where the medical center, kitchens, and infirmaries stood. They have preserved the camp as much as they can to keep it as it was from the 1930's.

Many tourist groups were there when we visited, and despite it being a large area, it was still eerily quiet as you walked around, and everyone seemed a little on edge, as we read and learned more about how the Jewish people were treated here. As we walked around the camp we saw the shooting or death trenches that were lined with flowers in memorial. The weather was so cold, and the atmosphere was so quiet and I felt a little strange walking along the same path that so many innocent people did, so many years ago.

Each building had been renovated a little of course, but were filled with shocking and upsetting information on everyday lives of the prisoners. In one of the buildings, there were television monitors playing video clips of survivors telling their experiences and stories on the camp. I listened to quite a few, as each clip was short but what the survivors were saying was so shocking, it really hit home that these men had survived such punishment that happened in the very camp we were visiting.

I am glad I have been, as I felt that I have learnt a lot about the camp and the poor inhumane treatment, and would tell people that if they are interested to go and see for themselves. I will not go back to Sachsenhausen, and am not interested in going to see another concentration camp as I cannot imagine it will be completely different to my experience here. I did not like how the place appeared as a tourist attraction and that so many visitors were taking pictures of themselves with friends or smiling at the camera. I don't see why you would feel the need to take such pictures, as it was and still is remembered as a place where so many people were murdered in cold blood, I understand why people are interested but it's hardly one for the photo album.

If you are interested in learning, or just seeing the place for yourself, you should definitely go. Im glad I saw it and I do feel like I understand the history and the place a lot better now.

May Day in Berlin

Yesterday saw the beginning of May in Berlin,with beautiful hot weather, and big crowds celebrating a great day off from work throughout the city! May day saw celebrations all over, as crowds gathered to relax, bbq, dance and spend time with friends in many parks and streets of Berlin!

I spent the day with a friend at Tiergarten in the West, and it was such a nice day we walked most of the way as everyone else seemed to be doing too! Walking through the Park, you could see how big and how green it really is, and how the lake looked so peaceful and still! It was such a relaxing day, there was no need for us to rush , we could just take our time enjoying the weather and a delicious ice cream, of course!

The cafe and restaurant situated in the middle of the park, and next to the lake were packed full of hungry and beer drinking people! We managed to find a seat on the wooden benches after buying half a litre of Summer rose wine with a hint of mint mixed in! It was lovely, but hard to keep it cold as the heat was warming the wine with every minute that passed! Um, Ice please?

We had heard that Gorlitzer Pakr would be full of people and that djs were going to play live music for the people! From what I have heard and seen on facebook and twitter, it looks like everyone really enjoyed!
Fortunately, we managed to reach a Turkish restaurant near home, before the rain hit! It was like it came out of nowhere, and we could soon hear thunder and lighting! We filled up on pizza, Turkish cheese and mushrooms pizza and very good humus and walked home in the rain feeling very full!

It is known that on May Day in Berlin, many people gather at night to protest against current issues facing Berliners, and reports show that last night was no exception! I could hear Police sirens and loud noises from our flat that went on until the early hours of this morning!  The police seemed prepared for the protests and enough appeared at the scenes, and I have not read that people have been injured or seriously hurt, and I hope that i do not read this, given how it was a day of celebration and everyone appeared to enjoy!



Sun is shining at Tiergarten!

Lange Nacht der Opern und Theater

The Long Night of Opera and Theatre 


Last Saturday night, we spent the evening going from one Theatre to the next, enjoying what the long night of Opera and Theatre had in store for us! We had heard of this night a while ago, and had been looking forward to it for a while!
It cost €11 for a student ticket, and lasted from 6pm until the early hours of the morning! Having spent a very hot day at the Beautiful airport turned Park, Tempelhof, we were reluctant to leave, not wanting to miss out on the good weather and company.

We started our night at the beautiful, grand Komische Opera house to watch the renowned Italian Opera: Carmen! Having never been to an Opera before, I was curious as to how I would find it, and I am happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it! The performers had incredible voices, and the production itself has been modernized to Berlin in the 21st century! The seats in front showed a small screen with a subtitles option which was really helpful, as the singing was in Italian, and the dialogue in German!
It lasted for half an hour, and only a few songs were performed, but I found myself wanting to see more, and I will definitely look into seeing another Opera!




Komische Opera






Our second visit of the evening was to Stage Theater des Westens, close to Zooligscher garten. This theatre was also very big and grand, but had more of a comfortable feel to it, like many of the theaters back home. Tanz der Vampire (Dance of the Vampires) was on here, and the ensemble cast performed a few pieces for half an hour. The first song performed was a German version of "Total eclipse of the heart" , which had us all singing the English version along with it! The costumes were brilliant, and the set was eerie and well made. Again, I found myself wanting to see more of it, as I enjoy musicals anyway,and think it could be an experience to watch a Vampire one in German!





Stage Theater das Westens Berlin


Konzerthaus Berlin was by far the grandest Theatre we visited Saturday night. The interior was beautiful, with several big chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling (see pic below). Here, we listened to a Berlin orchestra play music pieces by the composer Handel. The music was relaxing, and they played very well. Again, the piece was short, and I did enjoy the music, however I cannot see me enjoying an hour performance of just music.




Konzerthaus Berlin

I really enjoy the Lange Nacht der Opern und Theater, and I think its such a good idea to allow anyone to watch any kind of performance, whether something they enjoy or something that is new to them in one great night! I would recommend this night to anyone who enjoys a good and cultured night out, even if you are unsure, it might surprise you! i never thought the Opera would be for me, but now I think I will definitely give it a go!

The 58th day!

Today marks 58 days since we arrived in Berlin,and I cannot believe that 8 whole weeks has passed! I remember the first day we arrived, and despite how tired we all were, we had 3 months ahead of us to live and work in a busy and wild capital city!

I know they say time flies, but I never thought it would fly by as quick as this! Fortunately, we did a lot of sightseeing and the usual "tourist" things in the first month, so we do not have too much to do before we leave! With only 4 weekends left, we need to think about what else we would like to see and do before we have to go!


Last week I met a friend at Treptower Park, and after a long journey of changing u bahn lines (due to repairs, closures etc) I arrived at this big beautiful green Park by the river!
We were fortunate to have the good weather on our side, and could walk along the river and take in the views! It is such a peaceful place but I can imagine big crowds gathering on weekends to relax and maybe have a bbq when the sun is shining! As close it was to the city, the peaceful setting was enough to make you forget that you were in a city as busy and loud as Berlin!
The weather appears to be improving, and the sun is out most of the day, its such a shame I can only enjoy the view from the office!

http://www.visitberlin.de/en/spot/treptow-park

The food is just as good out here, and I have never eaten so much bread, cheese and cake in my life! None count towards my 5 a day of course, but they are too good to turn away!
 One Sunday afternoon a few of us ventured to Mehringdam to try the famous kebab, known for being the tastiest in town, so we were eager to try! After queuing almost an hour, we tucked in to a big portioned kebab which only cost €2,90! The kebabs were fresh and filling as promised, however Im still unsure if it was the best I have tasted here, and will think twice before queuing again to buy one!

I  have been planning what to do before I leave, and I know I would like to visit the National History museum and perhaps the Pergamon museum, as I have heard great things about these two from Germans themselves, so its should be worthwhile! I am so grateful that I get one day a week off from work, as it gives me the opportunity to sleep in and then do whatever I fancy for the day!
Added to my list is a visit to lake Wannsee, the old Sachsenhausen concentration camp, and to find out more information on Lange Buch nacht ( Long book night) which should take place in May!

This Saturday, we are going to Lange Theater Nacht which is a night of as much theatre and Opera you can watch and enjoy within a few hours! I cannot wait! We have yet to watch a theatre performance out here, and the night offers such a diverse range of artists, it should be an interesting night!

http://www.kulturprojekte-berlin.de/






Treptower Park

Froschkönig Berlin

Frogs, Films and Friends!


Froschkönig is a Literature and Piano bar hidden away in the backstreets of Berlin. It has become a weekly event for most of us, as every Wednesday they show an old black and white silent film with  a live pianist playing along with the film!
I didn't know what to expect when I first went, as I had never seen a silent film before, and did not know what to expect. Its only a small bar, but its cosy, especially if you go with friends a little earlier to grab the comfy sofas!
 I wasn't expect it to be as packed as it was, and it can be tricky to find a seat, but the crowd is nice and the staff are friendly and make you feel at ease.
The first time we went there, the only thing that put me off was how many people smoked, and seen as it is only a small place, the smoke was lingering and it started getting on my nerves.
I dont have a problem with smokers and I realise that you can smoke almost anywhere in this city, I just dont like it when smokers dont seem to think about non smokers who have a problem with it being blown in our faces!

The second time we went, only a few people were smoking and we were sat close to the front so it did not bother me as much and I could enjoy the film!
"The Navigator" was playing the secodn week we went, and we all really enjoyed it. Its an old black and white comedy starring the infamous Buster Keaton! The story was simple but funny and light hearted, and we all left in such a good mood! 
The piano is a great touch, and the melody always goes so well with the film, and I am always impressed that the pianist can play for over an hour without any sheet music! Its a great (and cheap) way to spend a Wednesday evening, as there is no fee, but you are expected to contribute a little at the end of the night!
I think this is a great place to check out, even if you don't think its for you, just give it a try! Its definitely a different way to spend your evening, and you may surprise yourself and enjoy!




Image: Buster Keaton in "The Navigator"


There are other events on every week e.g live music and literature evenings and there always seems to be a good crowd there!


To check out the program, location and info on the bar take a look at this link:
http://xn--froschknig-berlin-5zb.de/

SODA

SODA BAR- BERLIN


So. Seen as we are in Berlin, we thought it would be nice to do something for Easter, something diferent! Going for food/sightseeing was not an option, so we decided to spend Easter Sunday at the Osterfeuer in the Kulturbrauerei at SODA Bar Berlin! It had 20 live djs playing and had 3 floors full of R n b,hip hop,dance,electro and 90s music! It cost 12€ to get in, which was good for the whole night, considering we spent almost 5 hours there!

We started the night at the main building, which looked like an old warehouse with its high roof and old bricked walls! They had a live band playing on stage, and we didn't realize until the second song that it was Karaoke! The atmosphere was really uplifting and exciting when we got there, i couldn't wait to explore!

I spent most of the night going from room to room, and surprisingly liked all of them! Personally, I am not a big electro/dance or even Rock music fan, but i really liked what was playing! The rooms were packed full of people, but we still managed to find room on the dancefloor! They had new music playing, and oldies i had forgotten about but still managed to sing along!
The only downfall were the drink prices, 8€ for a vodka red bull! Just the one please! The shots were not too expensive but I'm glad we drank before going, otherwise we would have spent a fortune there!

We lasted until the early hours of the morning,and decided it was time to go when I knew a kebab and my bed were calling me! The club was definitely worth paying 12€, and I would go back again! The website is good and shows they have Ladies nights at SODA where entrance is free before 11!

Definitely worth a visit, and I think if you're in the right mood, this place will suit everyone and anyone!



Link : http://soda-berlin.de

Brunch daahling!

Sunday brunch,anyone?

For the past two Sundays a few of us have met up before 12 in the afternoon, to enjoy an all you can eat buffet at a reasonable price! We have been to the same restaurant in East Berlin twice now, as we know what it offers (and they say stick to what you know),but there are several around Berlin that offer the same. It's so nice to meet up on a Sunday, and not worry about what to eat/buy for one day a week!

The buffet seves hot and cold food such as bread rolls, ham, cheese, scrambled eggs, peppers,chicken, fresh fruit, cereal and so much more! It costs €7,90 for the buffet and you can eat muh as you like including desert, if you can fit it in of course! It costs more for drinks but it's not expensive, and the coffee/hot chocolates are delicious!
 It's always packed there an we have been lucky both times to get a table, however the square where the restaurant is located, has many other places offering a Sunday brunch a little less/more, but I'm sure they  are just as filling!

I recommend "Sunday brunch" to tourist and locals, as it such a nice break from cooking for one night, and if you pace yourself and take your time, you won't want or need to eat anything else for the rest of the day!

One month on..

So it's official! We have been here a whole month, I have no idea where the time is gone, I'm so grateful I have managed to do almost all the main tourist things just in time.
I realize I have not posted in a while, this is because of internet issues at my apartment which should (hopefully) be resolved this week!

Language class is over, and we no longer have our teacher or notes with us at all times to fall back on! I feel like we're in the real world now, and really have to use what we have learnt to practice on real Berliners! The food is still so good, I was hoping that "Kaffee and Kuchen" would have worn off by now, but it hasn't!

The smell and the taste is just as good, and it always seems to lure me in to have another hot chocolate and yet another piece of cake! Having started my work placement today I'm hoping the cravings will go, and the time will f fly, and I have been eating healthy (boring) snacks so far!
Second day in, and my work is going ok so far, Im learning a lot about Berlin cafes, bars, restaurants, and understanding a bit more German too! The office is made up of mainly girls from all Nationalities, Italian, Spanish, German and two of us Welsh girls are working here too!

Another plus is that the weather has been so hot recently! So hot that we had two ice creams on the weekend, and they both so good i don't and wont regret having them! One chocolate chip, and one Snickers flavor, for a euro! Delicious!
We spent the day at Potsdam on Saturday, a place about an hour away from West Berlin. It is beautiful there, and is a definite must for anyone who would enjoy exploring a new place and relaxing in the huge, stunning and well kept park they have there! It was so nice to walk around, take our time enjoying the views, and making the most of the heat! The buildings were so grand, and they even had their own mini version of the Brandenberg gate! The palace was beautiful, as were the gardens and the lake! Having spent the whole day there, we were all very tired, but it was well worth it, and I wold recommend it to anyone who enjoys a break from the rush of city life!


Potsdam itself was bigger than I expected, but had narrow cobbled streets that looked almost fake in the sunshine, and some houses were already preparing for Easter! They had decorated trees with Easter eggs, not the chocolate kind, but the bright colorful kind that looked really pretty! They make much more of an effort out here than we do in Wales, even the train station had Easter decor and the shops were already stocked full of chocolate bunnies, and eggs! I also think it is more of a religious holiday here too, where most germans go to Church, where we seem to have lost sight of that in Wales.. I guess that's true for any holiday these days.

I remember being in South Germany years ago when it was Easter, but it was Snowing then, and we went searching for the eggs in the garden! I hope Easter will be just as good in Berlin, and we may get a few days off work to finish all the chocolate! All this talk of food is making me hungry, and I cannot buy my first Easter egg/chocolate bunny before the end of March....Can I?

Park at Potsdam :

East Side Gallery

Today a group of us visited the East side Gallery and walked along the mile long wall viewing what artists had created on the Eastern part.

I think this was probably one of my favorite things we have done so far in Berlin. We have been waiting for a sunny day to view the wall, and I'm glad we chose to go when we did.

It was cold but that was expected, but the sun was shining and it was nice to be able to take our time to walk alongside and view it. The wall had several images and captions that artists had drawn/written based on their perceptions of the Berlin wall. The wall on the Eastern side was bright and colorful but some of the images showed how imprisoned and hard the German people felt towards the divide in the city.

The Western side was white but had graffiti over it, but did not look as appealing as the Eastern side.
I remember learning about the Wall and being told about its effects on the Berlin people, and seen good films such as Goodbye Lenin (what a film!) but seeing a part of the Wall itself, looking at it and thinking about everything I have been told was overwhelming.

So many people died trying to escape over the wall, and so many family and friends were separated, before seeing it myself it was hard to take it in, but being there just made it so real to me.

I think everyone should see this for themselves, even if you aren't sure of the history of the Berlin Wall, there is plenty of information in Museums, in books and online! It really makes you think and gives you the smallest glimpse into what this city must have looked like and been like to live in, and only 23 years ago!

The Sights and sounds...

Saturday will mark our second week here in this amazing city, and time is flying by!

We have already seen so much and been to so many places, i had no idea Berlin had so much to offer!
The Tour of the Reichstag was interesting and I would recommend it to anyone, even if you're not a history lover, the information and the building itself is astounding! You take the short lift ride all the way to the dome which has a tall mirror tower in the middle and two ramps curving right to the top! The views are brilliant and the (free) tour guide on a mini phone was good to listen and not too heavy on the history/past.

The Brandenberg gate is just as stunning as it looks on postcards/films, and it always seems to be packed full of people taking pictures right by it. The Hotel Adlon is to the left of the Gate, and looks as expensive as it is big! Of course thats where the infamous picture/clip of the late singer Michael Jackson dangled his child from the window ten years ago and where the intense film Unknown was filmed! (Would recommend that film too, to anyone who enjoys Liam Neeson films, great acting and seeing Berlin too)

On Sunday, we visited the Maumarket which was a little further afield for us living in the South West but it was well worth the trip. It has clothes/jewelry/vintage/music/food/antique stalls that offer bargains to the locals and tourists and is on every Sunday, so I will definitely be going back there!
For lunch we walked further West and decided on a small African style menu, which did very good and cheap food. I definitely think going to cafes/restaurants/bars that are off the main road are well worth a look, not only for the prices but for the atmosphere, food and general different flavor to the place.

Tomorrow, us girls are heading to a different club, with Pop/Indie music, which I'm hoping will be more my style! Two others are off to a Noel Gallagher gig which sounds good, and others are hitting other nightclubs in the city! Hopefully it will be a good and fun night, and thought I have already gotten myself (and others) lost, I have always smiled and laughed about it the next day!

Cheers to the weekend! PROST!

 

The morning after the night before....

So!
We all decided to go out Friday night, to see what Berlin has to offer for nightlife! We ventured to the East, as we saw before the drinks (mainly cocktails) were really cheap especially at happy hour!
Went to the boys house first which was nice to talk and drink before heading out, first and last time I drink a bottle of wine to myself before going out to drink more! It was only 2 euros so I thought why not, and it tasted even better than i thought!

A group of about 10 of us went out, caught the train and arrived in good time! Unfortunately it was freezing that night, so being clever girls we all wore coats and sensible flat shoes! At first I found it really strange going "out out" in flat heels and a big coat but I was so pleased that I hadn't worn my heels by the time i got home!

The first bar we went to was small but nice, and the Watermelon cocktails were delicious! However, I really dont like that so many people were smoking in the bar! I was coughing and waving the smoke away every 5 minutes, clearly not a Berliner! The plan was to go onto a club afterwards, but two of us decided to stay as we had started talking to these nice (if a bit odd) German boys, who told me my German was good,so I was quite chuffed!

Not sure when we left the bar, but this lovely German boy showed me where to go and even bought me a kebab on the way home, which was surprisingly really tasty! Woke up with a bad head but nothing good old Ibuprofen couldn't cure. Turns out the club was a little more electro music,so I don't think I missed out too much, but I definitely am branching out to other places next weekend! As long as i find a club with my kind of music (dance, r n b, hip hop) itl be a good night! Surely Berlin has cheesy old classic places too? Im not giving up yet!


This weekends lesson:I like wine but wine does not like me!

Week one: Where it all began...

I heart Berlin is my new blog on my life in Germany's capital city! I am currently here on a 3 month language course and will receive a work placement soon! I am here with ECTARC program which takes graduates abroad and helps develop their language skills and finds work for them in the country of their choice(within reason). I chose Berlin because I have always liked Germany, having visited Landsberg and Grunstadt in the South, and meeting some great people.

We all met in Llangollen, and stayed in a cosy hostel on the Main Road. There's only 7 of us which is an odd number, and I much prefer even ones but I like our group. We all get on well and already have our in jokes (e.g peter davies!) I have always been a girly girl and Im so glad the two girls here are lovely and we always giggle together and the boys are polite and thoughtful (if a bit lad-ish on times)!
The flight went quickly, and we were all shattered in the taxi ride from the Airport.Only one of us lives in the East, and I really wish she lived closer, as the rest of us are in the West, and eve though we're 20-30 mins away it seems a bit strange to me!

My flat/apartment is Wunderbar,I have a comfy bed, a good small kitchen and a bathroom with a nice sized bath! Yeyy! Every day for 4 weeks we have a 4 hour language class starting at 8.45 which is early but I am slowly getting used to the early starts, even if I have finished my "lunch" by 12am!

So far the language doesn't seem to be a problem for me, though the grammar part does scare me a little, but I think if I learn it and get my head around it Il be okay. I like the German language, so I am enjoying learning it, and fingers crossed by May I shall be fluent!

It already feels like we have been here a while,yet it hasn't been a week yet and so many problems have hit us e.g internet connection, German sim cards, timing, lack of sleep and boilers...

The food here is so tasty, and I think "Kaffee und Kuchen" will become a weekly routine! My nearest supermarket is very close and not too expensive either, however I will eventually venture into LIDL and ALDI with my bags for life and stock up!

We are due to meet up with a group that came to Berlin in January, and Im looking forward to meeting and talking to them too!

So far, very good. I cannot wait to hear where my placement is, fingers crossed its as good as one of the boys (Dave t) as he is chuffed, and I hope I will be too!