daveydave

I've been trying for hours to post something but no joy. So, Germany defeated by the Spanish. Many many unhappy Germans filed passed this evening after the final whistle took away any chance of a German comeback. Subdued is not the word. But at least it gave us the chance to enter the party zone. There was a hard-core still dancing at the stage closest to the gate, but that party came to an end just before midnight. Back at the hotel now; shame Germany didn't win, it would have been fun, but what was great to see was calm resignation and that those Spanish fans who were visible were left alone and not given any grief. Back to normal tourist duties tomorrow.

Well, the Brandenburg Gate area is crammed with half a million football fans, so we couldn't get in. Standing in a bar round the corner with 10 minutes to go. Not looking good for Deutchland.

Today involved more walking, as these trips tend to. The morning was a visit to the zoo. I can't say I'm the biggest fan of locking animals in cages but I can see there is a scientific side to such establishments. However, it was good to see the elephants, gorillas and the polar bears. Feeding time for the panda was pretty cool too because it meant the lazy oaf actually moved. After lunch (guess what!) and a mooch about, I headed west to the old royal palace, Shloß Charlottenburg. Extensively damaged during the war, it has been restored and was an interesting visit. The build up to the Euro final tonight continues apace. The train back to the hotel was full of locals suitably covered in black, red and gold. Tonight's destination is the Brandenburg Gate area, which is already very busy. More later, hopefully.

Greetings from Berlin. Day 2 already and my feet are sore. Yesterday was mainly travel and the obligatory trip to the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag. Currywurst and a couple of biers too, of course. Today has been mainly walking the city from the modern Potsdamer Platz area, the Holocaust Memorial down to Checkpoint Charlie. I won't go on too much as typing on a mobile phone is never easy, but the Holocaust Memorial was quite amazing and truly moving, especially as you read the last letter of a 12 year old girl to her father. Leaving there to the sound of the B52s was a jarring experience as I found myself in the middle of a huge, loud and colourful gay parade. This is certainly an interesting city.

I'm off to Berlin tomorrow for a few days holiday. This conveniently coincides with Germany playing in the Euro 2008 final on Sunday. I'll try and blog over the next few days and let you know what's happening.

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