Day 22 (Wed): Bird's eye view of Berlin

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We start our first full day in Berlin by catching a train to a nearby major station, Hauptbahnhof.  It looks big enough that it will have nearby sights to see.  These train stations are just massive.  Anyone would think they're going to add another three train lines above the highest most platform.  It may just be the local history kicking in but the large stations instill a feeling of grandiose power and authority.

There's not much to see either side of the station but we notice a tourist bureau.  I don't want to know the tourist destinations per se; I simply want a map of the city with circles around different districts, such as museums, shopping districts, and some major tourist attractions.  I like finding my own way around.

Before we go anywhere, we're both hungry and decide to sit down for some lunch by the river.  The head waiter is immensely funny.  We can't understand most of what he says but he has such charisma that we hardly need to.  Everyone is laughing and having a great time.  Cruise ship after cruise ship glides by while we eat our woodfired pizzas.

We come across an photography exhibition along Friedrichstraße.  Would you believe it is a exhibition of Australia?  No photos allowed.  Within the same building is a car display for a very hot and sexy Bugatti, a Bentley, and a Volks Wagen.  They're not three brands I would usally put together but to be fair the VW is in a different display.  In fact, its display is much more interesting!  It showcases renewable energy and their new electric car.  I jump on a power-generating bicycle that makes a slot-car drive around a circuit.  Fun!  Now I'm hot and my calf muscles are tightening.  Oops.

We continue around the city and take pictures of some interesting buildings.  We also come across a group of dancers, possibly ballet dancers, who are practising outside the Koncert Hall.  It's like coming across a practice session of Fame!

One of the most notable tourist attractions in Berlin would have to be the TV tower at Alexanderplatz, which is just around the corner from where we're staying.  We find our way to the tower and line up for the quick elevator ride to the top viewing deck.   There doesn't seem to be any real city centre or layout.  The city is very spread out.  It should be interesting tomorrow when we try to find our way around tomorrow.
The hotel is only a few blocks away so we jump in the tram.  It's an unlimited ticket, right?  I check out the gym and jacuzzi area to compare with the hotel in Copenhagen.
Although this one doesn't have a lap pool, it does have two jacuzzis and a sauna!  It's all quite nicely decked out with fairy lights in the ceiling and mood lighting all
around.  I hope to use at least one of the jacuzzis while I'm here.  Mum and I both agree that this chain of apartment hotels, Adina Apartments, is excellent and we'd both recommend them.

Pics of the day