Berlin

TV Tower

Arriving in Berlin on a cold winter’s morning we caught the S-Bahn to the hotel directly above the Ostbahnhof.  (Ibis I think).  Having dropped off our bags we headed for central Berlin to take in some of the sites and to do some shopping (mostly of the window variety). 

Around central Berlin at Christmas there are a large number of colourful markets selling trinkets, clothes and other items all very reasonably priced too.

But the main attraction that day was of course the tourist spots, Checkpoint Charlie and bits of the Wall walking about just soaking in the ambience and the occasional beer.

A return to the hotel and a change of togs signalled the start of the evening.  A quick bite to eat, a quick slurp of beer and it was off to the Velodrom.  Built for the 1936 Olympics the Velodrom is a fabulous arena, just east of the City centre, easily reached by Berlin’s great rail and tram network.  The entry queue, mostly Germans (oddly enough) was in great spirits and with a beer stall every 30 meters or so, it is hardly surprising.

Once inside more beers were consumed with more friendly locals.

The concert its self was awe inspiring, truly, the combination of a band playing to an appreciative home town audience and a spectacular stage show, simply blew us away.

Following the show it was of to find a few bars for more beer and then back to the hotel bar for a couple more.  It was then definitely time for a kip.

MZ.