Berlin, Revisited

Even though I greatly enjoyed discovering new places and visiting friends, the most surreal part of my trip was my split up visit to Berlin. Due to some reshuffling at the last minute, I had to make do with Berlin by using it to bookend my Copenhagen visit. This ended up working out rather well, luckily. During part one, I was at a hostel in Prenzlauer Berg, which is the neighborhood where I lived last summer. It felt so strange to be back so soon and to wander around the streets that I used on an almost daily basis. I was a big fan of El Bocho's Kalle and Bernd last summer, and I had a great time finding new appearances or old ones that I hadn't noticed before.

Since I was no longer a 'resident' or though of myself as one, albeit temporary, I had no qualms about doing something more touristy. The biggest tourist moment that I had was going up to the cuppola of the Reichstag at dusk. I feel as if not many people realize that security is open until 9, and they keep the observation deck open an hour or two after that. The views of Berlin were quite spectacular as the colors of the sky were changing. It made me wish that I had a better camera so as to capture the colors and lights in the lower light.

Even though much of my visit to Berlin consisted of trying to cram in visits to all of my favorite eating spots, I didn't want to make it all about the food. I made sure to visit Museum Island during free admission on Thursdays, though I was disappointed that the museum I visited did not have the rotunda or second floor galleries open. I can't wait to visit when the New museum finally reopens after a few years of extensive renovations. Also, I didn't pay attention to opening hours and missed out on climbing to the top of the Dom on museum island. Next time, I suppose.