Exploring Berlin

Punk. Cutting-edge. Gray. Delicious. Haunting. Berlin is many things. This weekend was a small window into the grit and glamor that is Germany’s capital city.

Set in gray scale, with architecture melding the modern and traditional at every turn the city was unlike any I’ve been to thus far.

We kicked off the cold first weekend in February at the Charlottenburg palace to feast our eyes on all its lavish Rococo and Baroque finishings.

Baby blue, rose-petal pink, and gold molding never looked so good. I filed some ideas away in my dream home folder.

The King of Prussia really had it made in the 17th century.

A short train ride and we found ourselves at Hackescher market taking in the sights and smells (and beer!) of local craftsman and cooks.

I lingered far too long at the tulip stand. Entranced by the promising colors of Spring.

In true German fashion we found a beer mixed with fresh cherry juice and passionfruit.

Dinner at Xigon 1987 provided one of the most exquisite displays of sushi I’ve seen. Don’t worry it’s not all smoke and mirrors- it was equally as delicious to eat.

Cocktails at the Monkey Bar, named for its view overlooking the exhibit at the Berlin zoo, proved a funky and fun haunt to end the night.

On day 2 we set out to see all the sights and sounds the city had to offer…but not before having an absolutely massive brunch at House of Small Wonder.

A matcha latte followed by delicious croque madames, potato gratin, and croissant french toast was just the fuel we needed.

A hop and a skip and we were at the East Side Gallery taking in the Berlin Wall and all that it stood for..literally.

Striking murals adorned the wall in stark opposition to all the restrictions that once kept it standing. Hundreds of artists came together to create this colorful message denouncing the separate past that once hardened the city.

A zip back on public transit and we were taking in the grandeur of the Berlin cathedral with its old coppered roof. Then a trip to museum island. And a view of the edgy chancellor’s building and parliament.

As the sky turned dark the Brandenburg Gates began to glow with a warm welcome at the entrance of the city.

The old and the new architecture fold out like a textbook and don’t shy away from the city’s past.

Finally it was time for a traditional German meal at Schnitzel Mitte. A premiere spot for German tapas, schnitzel and cordon blue. Chicken stuffed with cheese and ham never tasted so good.

Our weekend capped off with beers at Zollpackhof, a historic German restaurant built in 1700, and a cheers to old friends reuniting in a new city.

Above all things Berlin is withstanding. Through its textured history that is unabashedly confronted, it’s vibrant night-life, outstanding public transit, and enough beer and curry worst for a lifetime I recommend a trip here highly.

But maybe leave out the curry worst.

Prost!