Checkpoint Charlie.Occupying a prominent space between Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz, this Holocaust Memorial has almost 3,000 gray oblong pillars, arranged at varying heights, that form a labyrinth intended to reference the disorientation felt by Europe’s hunted Jewish population.One of the best-known landmarks of Germany. Throughout its existence, the Brandenburg Gate was often a site for major historical events and is today considered not only as a symbol of the tumultuous histories of Germany and Europe, but also of European unity and peace.Built in 1791. The back of Brandenburg Gate, it was my better picture.The Berlin Wall Art. One side represents the free expression of the open society of West Berlin, while on the other was the blank walls of the repressed society that was East Berlin. The art was stunning. Behind me is the river dividing East and West Berlin.I think this is a great example of art. It is a solitary figure shouting for peace towards mighty establishments as the world goes past without paying much attention. We walked from the Brandenburg Gate towards the direction of the Victory Column, and we saw this (rather) unusual statue in the middle of the road. Created by Gerhard Marcks in 1966. They said the inscription is a quote from Italian poet, Francesco Petrarch, “I wander through the world and cry ‘Peace, peace, peace.”Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.Berlin stands with Ukraine.
Kaufhaus des Westens, KaDeWe, department store.
KaDeWe is a huge and impressive department store. Whether you actually intend to shop or casually stroll around, it is seven floors of heaven.You have to be let in. They don’t approve just anyone. ; )Here we are on the seventh floor, and this is the champagne bar and out-of-this-world food options floor. A Moet and Chandon bar, Veuve Clicquot bar, macaroons to die for and really anything else you wanted.
Christmas Markets in Berlin. They are huge, we went to two or three. Their seasonal go to drink is glo-vin or Glühwein (glow wine–really a mulled wine) to keep you warm. ; ) Their specialty foods seem to be, at least by the sheer number of the vendors selling these foods,
chocolate covered fruit skewers
wurst and currywurst (the currywurst was very good)
Arrived about 10PM yesterday. Prague and its many spires. Like Poland, Prague is a member of the EU, but does not use the Euro as its currency. The country’s official currency is the koruna. And the exchange rate is good again. $1 US dollar = ~ 22 Czech koruna. I should be doing more shopping! So many countries with good exchange rates, so little time.
Prague is the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic, and the historical capital of Bohemia. On the Vltava River, Prague is home to about 1.3 million people. The city has a temperate climate, with relatively warm summers and chilly winters. Here is where I will start my river cruise.
Marriott Old City, for next few days. It’s nice. Great location. Maybe shopping tomorrow.
Today, Monday, sightseeing and shopping. The Marriott Old City is a great location for walking around!
My walk to Old Town Square.Powder Tower. 65-meter-tall gothic tower. I might try to go up tomorrow.Old Town Hall,with astronomical clock, an intricate 600-year-old piece of machinery called the Orloj.Central Gallery. Where Dali, Mucha, and Warhol meet. Doesn’t seem like they have much in common but are all linked to Czech history. Who knew?Dali’s version of dinner.Mucha poster (sorry so crooked).Warhol’s parents were born in northeastern Slovakia, formerly Czechoslovakia.Just on the far side (for me) of Old Town Square is the Jewish Quarter, Josefov. This is the Maisel Synagogue.This is the Spanish Synagogue.Franz Kafka statue in front of the Spanish Synagogue. The memorial is inspired by Kafka’s short story Description of a Struggle.It is hard to see the cockroach around the base of the statue. See the cockroach horns on the left of this picture. From The Metamorphosis–I overheard someone say that Kafka stipulated, “the insect is not to be drawn.” Jaroslav Rona included it anyway. You might see it better in the picture above. TBT, I have never read anything by Kafka. I know of him–but have not read his work.LunchBeetroot, goat cheese and arugula flatbread. YUM!The Palladium.The Palladium (very close to the Marriott) is huge. I almost got lost and had to ask for directions to get out.
Tomorrow, Lobkowicz Palace and Prague by night. Stay tuned for more pictures.
Dream to Travel from NCM 