My Travels, Part 1: Berlin

I realize its been a long time since I posted anything on this blog and I figured it was time I told everyone a little about what I have been doing over the past month. My life with my host family has been going very well, and I am starting to feel more and more comforable with them. My hours have also started to become more predictable, which is very nice. These past three months I have had the opportunity to travel to three different cities outside of my normal reach and that is what I plan to spend my time on in this post. I think I will start with my most recent trip, Berlin.
Last November, when I first arrived in Germany, my host family recommended I buy a round trip train pass that was being sold and I did. I ended up using that ticket to visit Berlin last weekend. I took an ICE train both there and back, which took about 6 hours each way, but I had a wonderful time watching the scenery and relaxing on the train. I stayed with a friend in Berlin, so I can't give any recommendations fora place to stay in Berlin, however I do have some suggestions about where to go and what to do. I arrived in Berlin at around noon and the first place I visited was the Pergamon, which I highly recommend. I really enjoyed walking through the different exhibits, including the Pergamon Altar, the Ishtar Gate, and Islamic Art Museum. It took my serveral hours to walk through the entire museum, but I found the guided tour to be well explained and interesting. It's well worth the visit. I spent Monday morning visiting the East Side Gallery which is the longest standing part of the Berlin wall and recharging my camera battery. Then went on the Brewers Berlin Waking Tour. This tour, or one like it, is a must do for Berlin or any other city you visit! www.brewersberlintours.com The tour is a great way to learn about the city, see the sights, and ask any questions you might have. I also went to the Topography of Terror on Monday and that is worth visiting as well. On Tuesday, I walked around Alexanderplatz and then finally made my way back home, exhausted but happy.
Berlin is an amazing city, huge and full of life. The city was so different from the other cities I have visited to this point and I wouldnt have missed. I wish I had been able to spend more time in the city, but I really enjoyed the time I had there.