Berlin has a very troubled history through hundreds of years of fighting with its European neighbours and the city's architecture has become a real mix of old and modern structures that represent this chequered history. It is certainly a very large, busy and dynamic city. In particular, there is a big tourist presence and the usual bevy of buses and tour guides and souvenir stores that go with that!

The public transport system is very comprehensive with trams, buses, S bahn trains and U bahn trains. Mostly, we've managed to find our way around but have become particularly lost with the U-bahn or underground train system.

Have visited the spectacular Berliner Dom, an enormous church in central Berlin, where you can climb up many, many steps for views over the city. Have been walking through the extensive Tiergarten that stretches from the famous Brandenberg Gate and are a really beautiful, and quiet reprieve from the busy Berlin streets.

Spent a fascinating 3 hours in the German History Museum with artefacts, books, paintings dating back to the 10th century and continuing through many years of history up until the unification of East and West Berlin. The museum has attempted to give a very balanced recount of German history, particularly the sensitive accounts of WW 1 and WW 2. However, just thought I would note that the museum has on display Napoleon's tricorn hat and sword that was apparently abandoned in his carriage as he fled following his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. Bit of wow!

Will add photos later.