Brandenburg Tour

 Early morning rain and more predicted so we decided to see more of the State of Brandenburg.  Werder a village with some buildings from the 14th century.

                                                Next stop Potsdam with our tour guides.

Let's see... Cecilienhof- the last palace built by Prussian royalty in 1917.  This was the meeting place of the Potsdam conference with Stalin, Truman, and Churchill.  Here, the allied powers re- defined the borders of Europe and the cold war began.

                                                            Cheers, Vielen Dank.

Deutscher Bundestag

                                                                     Reichstag

Bundestag.  Germany has a two chamber system.  This is where the Bundestag meets.  Currently there are 5 parties- Christian Democrats, Social Democrats, Free Liberals,   Green Party, and The Left. The Reichstag is the most visited Parliament building in the world.  They have done a magnificent job renovating the building leaving Russian graffiti  and bullet holes as a reminder of the buildings history.

                                                 Fernsehturm- The Television Tower
It is the tallest structure in Germany 365m (1,197ft).   We were treated to a luncheon at the revolving restaurant and below are pictures of our view.

Autobahn

Trip to Denmark

                                                      Early morning at the train station.

 Crossing the Baltic Sea. We rode the train onto the ferry along with buses, trucks,and cars.  All passengers had to go to the upper decks.  About a 45 minute crossing.

 

       Hans Christin Andersen keeping an eye on Tivoli Gardens.  I think he is quite shocked at the extreme rides.

                                 Lots of Andersens and Jensens,  family names of Larry's mom.

A long walk on a hot day, but lovely scenery along the way, and we found the Little Mermaid!

  A 45 minute train ride over the sea, to the beautiful city of Malmø, Sweden.  An international fair with food, music, and goods. 

I am not used to being outnumbered by men so I was at ease knowing "Counseling for Foreign Women" was across the street from our hotel.

Boarded a bus back to Germany and stopped for a quick visit in Rostock. Our Ferry is heading back to Denmark.  Soft sand, cool water, bathing suits and birthday suits.  Perfect!!

Catch-up Time

                                                             Breakfast on the balcony.

 Michi took us to Sanssouci in Potsdam.   Built by Friedrich the Gross (the Great) 1745 to 1747 as his summer house. There was a special exhibition Friedrich turned 300 the palace was opened for tours.

                                                          Brandenburg Tor, Potsdam

                                                  The finest hotel in Berlin Kempinski.

                                         Chef Hartmann the finest chef in Germany. (aka Kay)

                           Such a treat to eat at Kempinsky Grill.  This is a one of seven courses.

The second starter... quail eggs, quail drumsticks, lobster, (Canadian), fish curry sausage, caviar, goat cheese.  A piece of art.  I had monkfish for my main course.  Dessert two trays of delicious chocolate.

Then Kay, the head chef, and the pastry cook appear with music and this torte.  We had such a great time and delicious food.

Shhhhhhh....

Luckily the outside noises are drowning out the snorers! Nearing midnight and wake up at 5:00. Super day in Scandanavia. Visited Cristiana, the Royal Palace, and the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen. Crossed the Baltic to Malmö, Sweden. Walked thru the international fair, then back to Denmark. Rested a bit then dinner at the Jensen,s Bøfhus in honor of Larry's mum, Myrtle Jensen Strout! (walked by the Andersen Hotel on route). We're also looking for names for baby Campbell. So far Frederick and Wilhelm very popular! (easily converted if it is a girl!) HAPPY CASCO DAYS TO ALL STROUT FAMILY AND FRIENDS and SAFE TRIP TO INDIAN POND WENTZELLS!! Miss everyone but are having a great time. love to all, Mum, Roni xoxo

Taxi To Train + Ferry + Train = København

Our day began at a 2:45 with awake up call from Tillmann. By 12:30 we were in Copenhagen, Denmark. Walked around the city. I do not know how to download pictures on the IPAD so will have to wait until back in Berlin. It is 22:27 and time for bed. We are in a most interesting hotel with quite a view!

Oh What a Day!!

It is 22:36 and we must get up at 2:45 to catch the 5:00 train to Copenhagen.  Pictures and tour of today will have to wait.  Let's just say it was a magical day... Potsdam and Kempinsky Grill.  Gute Nacht.

Berlin

 Started our second day with a delicious and hearty German breakfast.   Including (front to back) jam, honey, cheese tray, lox, yogurt, rolls (left on plate) cold cuts, sausage, sliced hard boiled eggs. Sehr gut:)

                                                          On the U-bahn to Berlin.

 We got off at Wittenbergplatz.  KaDeWe, the 2nd largest department in Europe.  We boarded the City Circle Tour Bus for an overview of Berlin.  Above is the first continental traffic light which was located in Potsdamer Platz.

                            A view of a section of the wall covered by murals done by famous artists.

 Here at the Brandenburger Tor Marita shared a touching story.  She was 29 years old when she could finally walk through the gate from east to west opening doors to many new possibilities.  Every time she walks through the gate the memories still give her chills.

It has been a very special day to have had a tour of such a historic city with a family so strongly impacted by the building and finally the demolition of the wall.

Currywurst...... a first!

Afternoon at Wannsee

                                                       Cruising on dem Wannsee

                                                              Wannsee Strandbad

                                                                     Biergarten

                                                                         Prost!

Sleepless in Germany. Great time cruising in Wannsee (vahn ze). In and out of what was east and west Germany. Will try to add pictures from Till's computer later. Going to Berlin today, Sunday.

We arrived in Amsterdam 5:15 local time.  Found our new gate and had 5hours to wait.  Larry's allergies decided to give him a run for his money and his pills were in the luggage.

Arrived in Germany on time and after waiting for quite a while we found them and then headed out.  No customs in Germany which also meant no stamp in passport.

Tillmann, Marita and Michael met us.  In two cars they got everything in and proceeded home.

After a real German breakfast we went off

Germany

we are here with Tillmann, Marita, and Michael. Alles gut. Off to Wannsee.

Well here we go and I'm stuck trying to get this blog started.  Be patient all. 
Packed-check
checked in-check
nervous-check
excited-check

Now I'm trying to add a picture.  Thanks Sarah.