berlin&potsdam
After arriving in Berlin, we stayed at a friend’s apartment in Gesundbrunnen, though they weren’t home. Breakfast was Turkish-style, trying to match what we had in Yedikule, but the quality wasn’t quite the same. In the city, we visited Alexanderplatz, the bustling square with its iconic TV tower. We also explored the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, a field of vertical concrete slabs creating a powerful, reflective space commemorating the Holocaust. At Checkpoint Charlie, we stood at the famous Cold War crossing point, absorbing the tension and history that once divided the city.
The Brandenburg Gate, an enduring symbol of Berlin, impressed with its neoclassical columns, while the Konzerthaus Berlin showcased the city’s refined cultural architecture. We admired the pastel-colored buildings scattered through the city, giving Berlin a unique visual identity. In between, we savored flavors at Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap, a local favorite. Bebelplatz and Hufeisensiedlung, part of UNESCO heritage, highlighted Berlin’s architectural diversity: from the solemn square of historic events to innovative modernist housing with functional, artistic designs.
We wandered through Kreuzberg, a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood filled with street art and cafés, then relaxed with a picnic in Tiergarten, Berlin’s historic urban park that once served as a royal hunting ground. At the Jewish Museum Berlin, we explored its striking contemporary design and exhibitions on Jewish history. Klunkerkranich, atop a parking garage, offered sunset views over the city, a perfect end to a busy day. The East Side Gallery, a preserved section of the Berlin Wall adorned with murals, told stories of freedom, protest, and hope.
We reserved a visit to the Reichstag Building, exploring its glass dome with audio guidance; this structure not only houses the German parliament but symbolizes transparency and modern democracy while blending historic architecture with innovative design.
For a day trip, we went to Potsdam, marveling at the historic site of the Truman-Stalin-Churchill meeting, a pivotal moment in post-WWII geopolitics. Sanssouci Park was lush and expansive, surrounding the former summer palace of Frederick the Great. We explored the Russian and Dutch Quarters, enjoying local ice cream, and visited Cecilienhof Palace, Neuer Garten, and Marmorpalais, all set amid Potsdam’s abundant greenery. The blend of historic palaces, royal gardens, and charming neighborhoods made Potsdam a vivid and tranquil contrast to Berlin’s urban energy.
