Home today after a big weekend in Berlin with Rach and her friend Iva. Saw lots of things and ate way too much!

After we landed we found our hostel and then went to the Christmas markets. First time I have had to pay to get into markets this trip but it was only one euro. We looked around for a little while and then left because it was so packed with people we couldn't move. The girls had a wine each in nicely presented mugs and by the time they were finished we were no where near where they bought them so they decided to keep their mugs. So we got something from those marked after all. However, I didn't realise this would turn into a trend...

We had a beautiful dinner (check photos) then went back for a drink at the hostel bar.

Over the next two days we saw lots if sights (see photos) and Rach showed us some great places to eat. She and Raf lived in Berlin for 9 months a few years ago so it was good to have her as a guide, although so much growth has occurred in Berlin she even had trouble figuring out where we were sometimes.

We took our chances and found another Christmas market that was free to get in to and less crowded. It was set up in front of the schloss charlatonberg, a beautiful building that was lit with colour that kept changing. Rather than which wine we wanted to try, we chose our vendors based on who served their wine in the best looking mugs. Later, at the airport, we had a good time trying to figure out how to fit 4 Christmas mugs + a couple of hours worth of clothes shopping into our carry-on luggage.

From conversation and observation Berlin seems to be a place that is a bit grungy but trendy and alternate. It's fast growing and a great place to experience fully without having to spend lots of money. A place where partially shaved heads and face make-up that involves drawn on cat whiskers isn't out of the ordinary. Definitely glad I got to come and check it out!

We got back to lucerne at about 1:30am today and tonight I fly out to Ireland for the last part of my trip. Yay!