Berlin, Germany

As soon as I step off the bus, a couple came up to me showing a transport ticket, I am not sure if they are trying to ask me about it or attempting to sell it to me, but they don't speak English which I managed to dodge them (if it's a scam). Following a sign to the S Bahn, through a very dodgy unlit, graffitied underground with some homeless people hanging around as well. That underground is a link to the International Convention Centre and the other side of the road, which the sign should have directed us to cross the road (which is much easier) than to go through the underground (especially dangerous if you are alone).

Getting on the S Bahn, I tried to buy the transport ticket on the app however they decided not to accept both my multi-currency TransferWise card (read the article on my blog) and my NZ credit card, so I had to get off and buy it through the ticket machine. After getting my ticket (and illegally travelled 2 stops), I continued my journey to my Airbnb, on the Eastern suburb of Berlin called Friedrichfelde. I didn't plan anything to do on my first day in Berlin as my bus ride has taken most of the day and I didn't want to overdo it on the first day, so I went across the road and got some food from the budget supermarket for dinner.

DAY 2:

After managed to sort out an account on the public transport app, I bought a 4 day queer city pass which includes unlimited 4 day travel + discounts on selected businesses. First stop today is the Illusion Museum, situated right near the TV Tower. This museum is where I could redeem the discount through the queer city pass, I got a 20% discount admission. The museum itself is not big, but there are a few rather impressive illusions that are fun to watch/do, an hour total is about how long you will spend from queuing to doing the whole museum (note that during busy times you will be queuing for a long time as they do not admit a large number of people, but while queuing they gave out illusion toys for the kids and the adults to solve and they can be bought through the museum, also waffle cookies were occasionally offered). After the museum, I went to the McDonald's right next to the museum, and it was sardine packed with teenagers, chaotic and the McCafe was unstaffed, as with many other McDonald's I have been to, not sure what's that about but I haven't had any luck getting any drinks from McCafe. After seeing the chaos, I went out through the back door which got me right at the supermarket, so I went in and got myself a croissant for breakfast, after checkout I was walking out and saw a coffee machine where I can get a cup of coffee or hot choc for 1 euro, which is a very cheap way to get through the day if you need to survive on coffee, although be aware they are not great stuff and I wouldn't expect much for 1 euro.

After my great budget breakfast, I head over to the Café Schoko-Kreativ-Fabrik to redeem my GroupOn voucher, where I was supposed to get 2 crepes based on the deal but only gotten 1, and the staff weren't being too friendly so I didn't want to ask them, even though they had the obligation to tell me about what I am supposed to get with the GroupOn deal. After a large dose of Nutella on my Crepe, I decided it's time to burn some of that chocolate off, continuing the day to my next stop which is the Templehof Airport (park). This is a former air force in Berlin that was abandoned after the war, the city then turns it to a park after consultation. This is very much one of a kind airport that is accessible by public without the whole security check, and a great place for Av geek to geek out a little. Given an airport is usually large, you might want to rent a scooter or a bike if you are not up for the very long walk in the park. I didn't spend too long there as I was already tired ⅓ of the way, onto my next stop which is the Berlin Story Bunker.

The BSB is a multi story building houses 2 different exhibitions, "Hitler-How could it happen" and "Berlin Museum", I wasn't given the choice and immediately got ticketed for the Hitler exhibition, which I assume is the popular choice and also more expensive. The Hitler exhibition entry doesn't include an audio tour, which can be added for another 1.5 euros (and yes I did pay for it). They have a locker room where you can store all of your belongings for free, and they do not allow photo or videography in the building due to the sensitive nature of the stories and probably copyright issues (also no right wing gestures or Nazi salute or anything that says you like the Nazis, you will be arrested!). There was a lot of information to digest, from the family of Hitler, to the childhood, adulthood and how he transformed Germany politics and taken power of the military and the country. It is definitely very eye opening and allowing us to understand deeper into the life of Hitler, and one of the darkest time in Germany's history. I spent 3 hours in this exhibition and I have skipped the reading of about ⅓ of it (that's where the audio tour comes in handy as it gives you the summary).

After finishing the museum, it was already dark out and it's time to go for dinner. I have reserved on GroupOn for this dinner as well, as it wasn't far I walk over there and got myself a plate of pasta. Didn't look like much but since the sauce is very thick, I was filled up before even managing to finish that plate. Ending day 2 in Berlin here as I have already done a lot and was exhausted.

DAY 3:

First stop on the itinerary is the Brandenburg Tor, since it was right next to the metro, I didn't need to walk far to get there. It was crowded and actually underwhelming as I thought it would be much bigger. As the victory column is right in sight on the far end in a straight line, I decided to take a walk through the Tier Garten. It was a scenic walk as the leaves are turning yellow/orange. I didn't go to the centre of the Victory Column as I didn't think I would be able to get a good shot of it in close proximity, walking around the roundabout, I took the bus and continue onwards my next stop, the Charlottenburg Palace.

The Chalottenburg Palace is situated on the further West side of Berlin and it is a relatively large building, even though I didn't pay to go into the palace, I had taken some good photos outside. I didn't stay for long and went for a late lunch near Checkpoint Charlie. I had a quick browse of around Checkpoint Charlie but didn't have a detailed look of it. I have decided to take it easy today and go back to my Airbnb.

DAY 4:

I have decided to take it easy today as well as I have a party to attend in the evening, first stop is the Berlin Unterwelten. I didn't realise it's a timed ticket first come first serve basis, but even though the queue is long, the next tour is within the next 1 hour so it wasn't too long of a wait. I got my ticket to the "under the Berlin wall", but I had to kill some time so I went over to the supermarket and got some food while I wait it out. The tour brought us to mostly underground bunkers and fallout shelters where the guide talks about the Berlin Wall escapees. The tour was around 2 hours long, after it ended I went to the Alexa mall (not to be confused with Amazon Alexa). I had a window shop and then went over to this little chic and quirky little restaurant called L.A. Poke Bowl. I got a GroupOn voucher as well, so I got a Poke bowl and a drink for my late lunch/early dinner.

After finishing my late lunch/early dinner, it was time to call it a day and head back to my Airbnb for a rest. I didn't really get to sleep as there were other guests going in and out and they were pretty loud. At around 8pm I got up, had a bit of a browse on my laptop and everyone then started flooding into the toilet (literally), because by the time I went in at about 10pm, probably the last one, I found the bath tub filled with water however I didn't think much of it as I thought the water will slowly drain. After using the loo, as soon as I flush it, the tub started bubbling and water came spilling out from the bottom. It was definitely not good and I immediately message the host (as they do not live in that unit), so they came over trying to unclog it but after 3 hours, they still couldn't manage to get it to unclog and they told me that it's the building's pipe that's blocked so it has been to fixed by the plumbers the next morning. As I was rushing to get ready for the party I was supposed to go to, I eventually managed to head out without a shower at 1am.

Arriving the venue at 1:30am after a few buses decided to not turn up and I had to get an Uber instead, it was crowded and the party is well underway. As European gay club scene is much different from other countries, I have seen many "actions" that is definitely not allowed in many parts of the world. It was an interesting experience and also one of the best one (and no I did not go into the dark room/cruising area nor taken part in any activities). I stayed in the party and dance non stop until 6am, 27000 steps recorded on my watch, workout is done for the day! It was time to go back to sleep, and I know I wouldn't be getting much sleep given other guests will be getting up and being really noisy. Sure enough, 9am and I have been woken up. 2 hours of sleep later, time to start off day 5.

DAY 5:

I got to sleep early for an early morning flight the tomorrow, I head out to Ikea near my Airbnb hoping to get some food, not knowing that no shops open on a Sunday! As in no shopping mall or supermarket open in Berlin on a Sunday, I was pretty shocked given most big cities I have been to doesn't have a Sunday rest day on major supermarkets or mall. I didn't use the toilet in the morning as the toilet was a mess (courtesy of other guests who decided to flood the clogged toilet), I went to an ice cream shop in town where I have a GroupOn voucher and also the only place I can think of where I am gonna get something and able use the toilet at the same time. Since it was close to Checkpoint Charlie, I had a walk around and explore a little more around that area, all the free exhibits that s (the Berlin wall exhibition is there well but it's a paid entry). I didn't plan to do much today as I was still tired and also no malls are open, time to go back to my Airbnb to pack up my luggage.

For dinner, I went to a Vietnamese restaurant 5 minutes walk away from my Airbnb, it was a great spot to eat as it was really cheap and the food was very good. If you are staying in the area, make sure to check them out. It's called Bamboo Bistro and they seem to be a family run business, lovely people. The toilet was finally fixed at 7:30pm and I could get a shower after 2 days, wouldn't be too pleased if I am to go without a shower for 3 days.

Early morning rise at 3am, luggage locked and it is time to catch my first Ryanair flight, to Rome.

CONCLUSION:

What do I think of Berlin overall? Well it's definitely an interesting city full of culture and history. Berlin tourist attractions are mainly the history sector so if you are not a big fan of history, there is probably not too much for you to do here. Berlin is a fairly large city and mostly easily accessible through its public transport system. Berlin can be seen as a slightly run down city, with their graffiti and dirty streets, but people are generally nice.  A few days in Berlin is probably sufficient, and if you are here during the weekend, their club scene is rather well known so definitely go check it out.

PHOTO: https://photos.app.goo.gl/uBdaoPXLt4wkt7NCA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp8Ngia8SKk