Berlin, Germany

Who knew Berlin had 3 small airports? Funny enough we arrived at the same time, but in 2 separate airports. Our first realization that the city was once really divided. Berlin proved to be more then we expected and is a highlight of the trip so far. The prices were a welcome change as it is one of the more economical cities we’ve come across. We met up with a good friend Chris, who got a recommendation of a “hot neighborhood” from his concierge. A couple hours later the three of us we were stuffed with German Potato dishes and less then politely asked to leave (the lights were turned off and they stacked chairs in our area). We later found out that this neighborhood was a retirement community. Sweet! We were due for a good Saturday!

This liberal city is driving full force towards a new life. Old architecture that survied two world wars is beautiful; the new transparent glass modern architecture compliments the older buildings very well throughout the city. We saw a good chunk of the city through Fat Tire Bike Tours on Saturday (we'd recommend them, they are also in Paris and Barcelona). We saw many of the key sights - the Berlin Wall remnants, Checkpoint Charlie, Bebelplatz (which is the book burning memorial), Brandenburg Gate to name a few. You could spend weeks combing through the history in this town.

After prompting our bike tour for some “local recs” she gave us some great tips on hot spots for a Saturday night; it made for one of the more interesting nights in the past couple months. Stop #1 a bombed out club in the former East Berlin – see the picture. Apparently this building has been taken over by squatters and is home to a couple bars/clubs and some art galleries. Needless to say the three of us we’re the typical clientel. Stop #2 – White Trash Fast Food: yes this was the name and it was actually a restaurant/bar. We showed up in a local part of town asking for a table for three. The next thing you know we are seated at a table of 6, which had three empty seats. Our seatmates – 3 ladies in their 40s dressed with devil horns who looked less then enthused that we invaded their space. So it goes.The restaurant was decked out with Communist/E Berlin décor and was a solid rec by our guide. She was quickly gaining credibility. Stop #3 – Dr. Pongs. Words probably can’t explain this scene. Unfortunately we didn’t have a camera that could capture pictures. Thankfully there is video of it. For several years this has been a hot spot in Berlin. Laughable, yet fascinating. There were probably 100 people in the place (very tight quarters) – probably 50 played in each ping pong game. It was single elimination so each game went quickly - if you miss you're out! It sounds ridiculous, but it was amazing people watching. Think Napolean Dynamite meets Rocky IV (Cold War). Time stopped. As participants dropped off, you eventually get to the finalists who play a quick game to 5. A must see. Place #4 – Tresor – a former East Berlin Power Plant, turned club. Unreal. There is no chance this place would be allowed to open in the States as the EPA/NHS would be all over it (think Ghostbusters reactors). 2 levels of techno (one for “serious clubbers” and a lounge outfitted with dental chairs with a balcony overlooking the rest of the empty plant). The basement floor only had redlights for illumination which were basically useless because there was so much fog/smoke. We might still be glowing from entering this place. After meeting some locals who did some Bush bashing and an angry German/French meeting who told D he needed a new haircut it was time for some Zs.

We'll be back to Berlin....