Finally!
My family and I went on a much needed vacation this summer. A super short (but fulfilling) two and a half weeks in Europe definitely restored my sanity. My usual travel partner (aka my sister) opted out because of this thing called “work” so my parents and two adorable cousins battered up in her stead.
Our first stop was Berlin. I’m a Germany virgin so I thought Berlin should be my first. And I made the right decision. Why? Because Berlin was vibrant, eclectic, and just marvelous. Old and new architecture collide to show what history created in Berlin. Fine arts in museums and churches also juxtapose the fine graffiti arts on the streets of Berlin perfectly.
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| Haus der Deutschen Kunst |
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| Berlin Cathedral |
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| Street art in Lichtberg |
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| Street art in Lichtenberg |
Speaking of history, there are places in Berlin like the Holocaust Memorial, Topography of Terror, and Postdamer Platz that are a must-visit. They are a somber reminder of what transpired during WWII. Please make sure to say a little prayer for those we lost when you find yourself walking among the stalae.
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| Holocaust Memorial |
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| Postdamer Platz |
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| Topography of Terror |
I don’t think this post would be complete without me mentioning anything about the food. We ate here, too. A LOT! As a sausage lover, this place was perfect! All kinds of wursts were in abundance here. We’ve tried everything from Bratwurst, Bockwurst, Currywurst (of course), Knockwurst, to Wollwurst. This trip wouldn’t be complete without having lunch at a traditional German restaurant. We went to
Augustiner am Gerdanmenmarkt for this.
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| Roast pork |
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| Beef Goulash |
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| Augustiner’s Bavarian sausages |
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| Yup, that’s a pork knuckle |
We also had an incredible lunch at this Vietnamese restaurant called
Chen Che in the Mitte area. The restaurant itself was charming and calming. The swaying bamboos, trickling water, and the swirling array of Asian ceramics and fabrics offered a unique respite from the bustle of Berlin.
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| Well curated lunch tray |
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| Fried spring rolls with vermicelli and shredded pork |
Now, let’s talk about chocolates and other sweetie goodness at
Fassbender and Rausch. It’s chocolate upon chocolate upon chocolate here at F&R. Yes, we got chocolate wasted here.
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| Yup, that’s chocolate |
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| Hot chocolate and chocolate mousse – why not? |
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| Frozen hot chocolate |
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| Chocolate ship |
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| Chocolate blocks |
On the whole, Berlin did not disappoint. This experience made me more excited to go back to Germany. I can only imagine what the other cities have to offer. I am betting that they will be just as enjoyable as Berlin.
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| Perfection! |
