Seeing Berlin sights

Up early this morning after a good night's sleep.  Our breakfast in the hotel is fabulous, everything you could ever wish for, cold and hot, fruit, cereals, juices, sausages, eggs, bacon, pancakes, omelette, hash browns, meatballs, also a big selection of cold meats and cheeses, and many different types of breads.  We really enjoyed it.

The HG had booked an 'on/off bus tour' online, which also included coffee and cake in the Reichstag, and promised to beat the queues.  We had registered for security online before travelling.  I wondered how it would work out, but I shouldn't have worried, it was well organised and the on'off tour enabled us to see a lot during our time here.

After registering for our voucher, we took the bus to 'Checkpoint Charlie', the site of the infamous border crossing between East and West.  It was here after the building of the Berlin Wall that the Russian and American tanks faced each other in what was one of the tensest stand-offs of the Cold War. 

The original checkpoint was demolished, I believe, but canny Berliners have built a replica and have manned it with 'American' border guards, and people lined up to have their photos taken.  It naturally appealed to the HG so I have shown you his photo.

We headed to the Reichstag for coffee and cake.  The Reichstag's Dome is visible from much of the city and symbolic of the new Germany that keeps no secrets from the people.  the dome was designed by Sir Norman Foster and is a major attraction for both Berliners and tourists who can travel to the top and gaze down into the Bundestag chamber.

We enjoyed our coffee and cake, and were grateful to be able to beat the queues.  We strolled around the building afterwards and I took many pictures.

Back at the hotel we had a bit of a rest, then went out for a lovely meal.

Our weather is lovely, warm and sunny, perfect for strolling.