Transparent

The ‘Kaiser weather’ we had yesterday had disappeared and it was dull and cloudy, with a wet afternoon. We were pleased to have booked our slot at the Reichstag dome for the morning and it was a very smooth process getting there and going through security. Interesting Norman Foster rein-visioning of the building and we had a good audio guide walking us up the slope pointing out the landmarks and explaining the history of the building and it was great to see the amazing views (eg extra) of all the parts of the city we’ve visited.
Looked around the exhibition of key dates in the building’s past, and marvelled at the huge mirrors and air handling etc to make the building efficient, but then we were done as you couldn’t go inside the building. We were pretty cold by then so went for a coffee in a friendly little place then walked to Potsdamer Platz via the memorial to the murdered Jews. Supposed to be an Easter market at the Platz but it wasn’t very inspiring so we headed over to the Kuturforum instead and spent a couple of interesting hours exploring their design and fashion exhibitions. Incredibly tiny 19th century shoes and some great mid century socialist design (space age vacuum cleaners and all) as well as stunning Art Deco glass.
Bytge time we left it was raining so we decided to go and get lunch and headed to Boulevard Friederichstrasse. Another very friendly place with fast service and very delicious traditional German food. Laura was desperate for a bratwurst but they only had the dreaded curry wurst on the menu and so she risked it. Nothing like the horrid version I’d seen on my first day…this had home made curry sauce and was tasty. I had boiled beef (so tender), spinach and a horseradish cream sauce. Lovely! We then treated ourselves to some Appel strudel…also delicious!
Time had run away with us so we missed the concert we’d meant to go to and instead decided just to walk home and have a bit of chill time and prepare for our return home. Lovely to just relax, looking up some background on various things we’ve seen and done and reading, drinking tea etc. only 8 miles today!
Had a bits and pieces supper with stuff in the fridge then cleaned up and had an early night. It’s going to be an early start in the morning!