Berlin is COOL -

We stayed in the Eastern part of the city, in an old neighborhood which has lately turned hip (aka Communist Chic). It's been an interestng 2 days, in which we walked 14 miles throughout the city, taking 2 taxis and one rickshaw bike taxi. The Jewish Museum on Saturday was our first stop. Designed by renowned architect, Daniel Libeskind, who tells a profound story of German Jews dating back 1500 years to the time of Constantine. Frankly, the building tells the story probably better than the exhibits do. In fact, it was designed to put you off balance, and at times nauseous, to recreate a feeling of uncertainity and despair. Well done!

Onward to Potsdamer Platz, The Brandenburg gate, Reichstag and walking back to our Airbnb. We rested briefly and then out for an authentic Italian dinner down the street, The prices for excellent food are super reasonable. 43 Euros for 3 glasses of wine, 2 primi piati and one polenta funghi appetizer equals some serious decliousness. (Additionally, on Friday evening, we enjoyed an amazing Sri Lankan dinner just down the street, as well as great Vietnamese on Sunday)

Sunday we awoke later than anticipated and walked to a healthy breakfast ( see photo) on the way to the TV Tower. Luckily the Sunday crowd was small and we made it to the top of the tower before 12:30. Great views of the surrounding city from 185 meters up. Many, many cranes within the city of Berlin. In about five years, this city will be fully developed and completely different. The change is coming fast. After the tower we hired a rickshaw to take us across the East side to Mauer Park for the weekly Flea Market. A cool, local expereince of various booths, food, crafts, posters, t shirts, jewelry, clothes and the piles of flea market used "antique" items. A unique experience on a sunny 65 degree day. As we learned from a vendor, "Summer is not required in Berlin." So we felt lucky.

We're not shopping on this trip so it was easier to say no, except for Kimberly's need for earrings. We spent about 2 hours in the park and then walked back to the Wall Memorial. Surprisingly, not much of the actual Wall remains. What remains has been used to convey the tragedy of the 29 years from 1961-1989.

In fact, Berlin in general, is not shy with memorials, platz's and monuments, to pay homage to the darkest days of the 20th Century.

Our take: East Berlin is more worthy of a visit than West Berlin , and the food is excellent, ethnic and inexpensive.