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Berlin


Sam had a school break the last week of May and we did not plan to do anything since we just did Croatia. We decided at the last minute to go to Berlin, testing my ability for quick planning which is not my usual style (I prefer over-planning and done far in advance!).  This city works well for us because there is a lot to do (especially for kids), good food and a lot of history.  


Sam and I went on Tuesday and Ryan came late Thursday due to work. I have not yet traveled just with Sam in Europe.  He has definitely learned how to handle my lack of confidence in navigating.  He refused to get on the train from the airport to downtown Berlin.  Actually we paid for the train, got on the train and then he insisted we get off because he sensed my uncertainty if we were on the right train (I was in fact uncertain).  Taxi for us! 

The first couple days were kid-focused and we left the history activities until Ryan got there. We did the Berlin Zoo and Legoland and hit the hotel swimming pool. 





After Ryan arrived we went hard on history.  But first a food tour which turned out to be full of varied and international foods such as vegan pastries, tacos, currywurst and kebab.  All of which Sam tried and liked (and also ice cream which he obviously liked).





We went to the DDR Museum which shows life in the former East Germany (known in German as the Deutsche Demokratische Republik or DDR) in an interactive way.  My favorite was Sam trying to figure out how to use a rotary phone.



We did a Berlin History Walking Tour which covered a lot of history up and through the fall of the The Berlin Wall.

Checkpoint Charlie (KFC is perfectly located next to this historical location!):


Some of The Berlin Wall that is left:


Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe:


On the last day Ryan went to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. Since Sam is too young for that, he and I went to Tiergarten Park next to our hotel so he could see the Beethoven-Haydn-Mozart Memorial. He is currently obsessed with Beethoven which is slightly different than my Red Hot Chili Peppers obsession.  







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