Since last we connected, we 4 travelers have experienced the full gamut of culture in Berlin…….McDonald’s to the Berlin Philharmonic and everything in between.
On Wednesday, our first full day together, we decided to get up early and hit the day with a great exuberance! So, at 9:00 am we ventured out to get some breakfast and make our plans for the day. Mike and I had been to a great little spot the day before and suggested that we try this out. Imagine our disappointment as we approached the door and found that it was closed. So sad! But, tomorrow is another day…off to the next place. The next place was also closed…and the next…. HMMMMM…Am I in Arles? You may recall from my January trip that I wandered around Arles for 3 nights straight looking for an open dinner restaurant. I am beginning to wonder if I am jinxed in the food department…
Finally, we happened on someone selling tickets for one of those “Hop on Hop off Bus Tours” and asked about where to get some breakfast. We would be happy with just coffee, truth be told. We learned that it was a national holiday and that the restaurants would open later in the morning, but the shops would be closed. The museums were open, too. Kind of the opposite of what would happen in the United States. But, we not in the United States, we are in Germany.
The nice tour operator directed us to McDonald’s.
Here’s my next travel and food connection…….
I am not usually a McDonald’s fan. In fact, I can count on one hand the times I have visited McDonald’s in the last 5 years since we have lived in California and have never done this while traveling in Europe. So, you can imagine my excitement at the thought of a McDonald’s breakfast. But, I did want coffee and there was no other choice.
What a delightful surprise! As it turns out, the German McDonald’s, while having some similarities to what we are used to the United States, also has some very distinct differences. First, we had regular cups instead of paper cups. And, they had the same kinds of pastries, with about the same quality, as our other cute spot from yesterday. The icing on the cake, was a small message left by McDonald’s on the inside of our cups….3 little pictures telling us that having coffee with our friends at McDonald’s would give us a happy day…….or at least that’s my interpretation. Who knew that McDonald’s could be so much fun!
After breakfast, we headed out for a day of museum visits. Berlin is a city like Paris where museums abound. There are all kinds of them…art, history, archeological, ethnic….really too many types of mention. The friendly concierge at the hotel gave us some direction on how to visit the most museums for the least cost. You know our group’s affinity for getting the best deal by now, so, you know that this made us very happy! We opted for the Museumpass, good for about 50 museums across the city. After 2 museums, this little gem pays for itself. We visited 3.
We went to Museum Island to begin. This is a small section that sits on the water and houses at least 3 of the city’s museums. We visited the Pergamon and the Neue Museum. Both were outstanding. The Pergamon houses the Pergamon Alter, for which the museum is named. This is a fairly complete restoration of the artifacts of this alter that reflect the stories of greek mythology. There are some missing pieces, but definitely enough to be able to get the gist of the stories. It was fascinating…and big. Reminded me of the Elgin marbles that I viewed in London. Very impressive!
Next, we went to the Neue Museum to view the bust of Nefertitti. As we took in the beauty of this piece, Mike announced that he had dated her. Apparently, she was quite a hot little number. Not surprising. This is usually his type. HA!! This gal was really quite beautiful. She had a very long neck, which gave her an elegance that was captivating. Sadly, she only had one eye. The other was just a blank socket. But, even so, she was quite beautiful.
That evening, we went to the Kultureforum to hear the Berliner Philharmonic. The friendly concierge also helped us with these tickets. In jest, Mike asked the concierge if the orchestra was any good. The concierge looked at him aghast and said, “Mr. Cramer, this is one of the best orchestras in the world.” Leave it to Mike to make a good impression. HA!
Mike and I are into classical music and try to go to concerts when we travel. We have been to some of the best venues and seen some of the best orchestras in the world, and, as it turns out, this was one of them. The concierge explained to us that the conductor is known for going to extremes to get the exact right sound. For the most part, the musicians use instruments that are provided by the symphony. They may use their own, but if the sound isn’t exactly right, they must use those that are provided. Very unusual.
There was evidence of this effort to get the exact right sound in all of the pieces that were played, but particularly in one piece. This piece had a section of musical echoes that were to diminish in volume as they were played. To achieve this sound, the conductor had the different sections of the orchestra placed both on and off stage at varying distances. As the music was played, you could hear the echo as it died off. Fantastic!
Needless to say, the concert was a highlight! It was one of the best we have seen. None of us were familiar with the pieces, but it didn’t matter. The quality of the music was incredible.
Yesterday, we visited the Jewish Museum. The museum has done a fantastic job of documenting Jewish history. But, the part I found the most moving was a newer section that reflected different aspects of the Holocaust through the architecture. It was outstanding and very well thought out. The most interesting space to me was a “garden” where there were multiple tall square pillars with plants growing out of the top. The “garden” was angled so that you were always off balance. It was actually dizzying as you walked through. This arrangement was meant to reflect the feelings of the Jews as they were being displaced and left with the uncertainty of their fate. From time to time, we all have this feeling of uncertainty. But, imagine feeling this all of the time. It’s hard to fathom.
I am grateful for the stability in my life that allows me to feel secure and to do the things I love ….to “follow my bliss”….
Signing off for now feeling secure, blissful…….and cultured.
On our way to Hamburg….see you there tomorrow.
Travel With Betsy 
Leave a comment