Gosh, I’ve been so busy. Well it’s always better to write sooner rather than later but here goes: my first trip to Germany!
Airfare:
Stockholm to Berlin=$35.00
Nashville, TN to NYC=$130.00
(booked 5 months in advance*)
Lodging:
$0
I flew from Stockholm on the evening of January 24th and my friend, Johanna graciously greeted me at the train station. Johanna confirmed that cash, not card, is widely accepted in Berlin and recommended we visit an ATM. We walked only a few blocks and reached her apartment building. 4 flights of stairs later and I was unpacking my toiletries and sleeping clothes while also making up for lost time with my old friend. Johanna shares her apartment with a roommate whom I later met. I was so thankful that the weather was fair! The temperatures that week ranged from low 40’s to 50’s but I never went without my coat and scarf. I was so glad I went shopping for new clothes before this trip! It’s important to dress as the locals do.
After 3 days in Europe, jet lag still plagued me. I awoke Thursday AFTERNOON and accidentally missed my lunch date with Johanna. We decided to meet for dinner instead! I jumped up and quickly dressed and headed towards the S Bahn. I arrived in Potsdamer Plaz and crossed an intersection to have coffee at the Spy Museum where I picked up a few souvenirs and postcards.
In between the light rain intervals, I walked about 10 minutes when I arrived at Checkpoint Charlie. As one of the most well-known landmarks in Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie was a crossing point from communist East Berlin to democratic West Berlin.
Next, I boarded the U, switched to the S Bahn and got off at Brandenburg Tor. A few steps up and out and there was the Brandenburg Gate at Pariser Platz. After snapping a new pictures, I walked under the gate, saw a small food stand and decided to stop for a quick lunch of bratwurst im Brötchen.
I found a bench right across the street from the Reichstag Building, which is the glass-domed home of Parliament. While I was in the area I wanted to visit the Memorial of Murdered Jews of Europe or “Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europa.” With 2,711 imposing concrete slabs, this place is dark and forces you to plunge into history as you walk through the stones. The ground was uneven as it rose and fell with each step and I honestly felt like I was in a maze.
It was getting dark so I took the U to meet Johanna for dinner at Arman. This being my first time trying Indian food, I can say I’m a big fan!
Friday morning, Johanna cooked me an AMAZING breakfast of fried eggs with cheese, croissant, coffee and strawberry/cranberry jam. This girl knows how to host! Feast your eyes:
After a night of food and much drink, Johanna and I stayed in most of the day and later got ready to go to dinner and meet up with friends. We ate at a local Vietnamese restaurant, which was also a new type of food for me. To prepare for the following day’s adventures, I decided to head back to the apartment early to get some rest.
Saturday was a busy day! Here’s a slideshow of the East Side Gallery:
Next, I took a trolley to the Berlin Cathedral (Dom) and walked past this beauty.
Since I was on a budget, I didn’t want to pay to go into the cathedral. However, I saw a flyer posted for a free choral concert for that same night! 
I sent Johanna a message to invite her and we would meet up for an early dinner before the concert.
I stopped at Bandy Brooks for a crepe classico and a cup of hot chocolate and watched as the sun crept out of the clouds for the first time in days.
I rode the trolley for about 10 minutes and met Johanna for Pho! First time trying it and loved it. Next, we went window shopping and as it got darker, we made our way to the cathedral but not before we stopped and had tea and cakes together!
The voices were angelic and although the service was mostly in German, I could understand a little what was being said.
I was so fortunate to have been able to stay with my dear friend for these short but busy days. I hope someday I can return the favor. There were only a few things I was unable to see such as tour Charlottenburg Palace, walk through Tiergarten and of course, party at Berghain. Oh well, maybe next time!
aliexplore(s)_world 
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