Berlin

Germany is a country with some grim history but it's capital, Berlin is fast becoming one of the most cultural cities in Europe. In 1961 Germany was divided into East and West by the Berlin Wall, but since it's destruction in November 1989 Germany and Berlin were given a chance to start over, to reinvent themselves, and it was evident that this took place.

Germany is no longer trying to forget their history; there are memorials scattered through Berlin, namely the memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe and the East Side Gallery. It was surprising how tolerant and friendly everyone was. Also Berlin knows how to party and has an incredible nightlife. If your in Europe Berlin is a must.

Mel and I arrived in Berlin on a cold Tuesday afternoon. We checked into our hostel and went for a walk around the local area (Hackescher markt). We found a cheap sushi place and had a few beers.

On Wednesday we went on another free walking tour. Our guide took us to the Brandenburg Gates, past the massive TV Tower and to parts of the Berlin Wall. After the tour we went to the Pergamon Museum, which has one of the worlds largest collections of ancient art and sculptures from Greece and the Middle East.

Later that afternoon we went to visit the East Side Gallery; the longest part of the Berlin Wall still standing, it's covered in peace messages painted by various artists from around the world. That night we had a few drinks at out hostel before eventually making it out. 

On Thursday we went looking for a tent, which we needed for Oktoberfest. It took us the whole day, but we finally found one for 50 euros. On Friday we woke early and boarded a bus bound for the Czech Republic!