Berlin: In review
The live, in-the-field reporting rather tailed off there didn't it. I guess a mixture of mobile phones not being the best medium for writing even short copy on, and the question of who is really that bothered about hearing what I'm up to in real-time, brought that little experiment to an end. However, it did leave things a little open-ended.
So, my overall thoughts of the German capital? A very cool city; it has a bit of everything as all capital cities should. It obviously has a wealth of history, particularly recent history and a fine mix of architecture, obviously a lot of it is modern, but the quality of the design of the new buildings is pretty high on average.
What I really love though, is how they've managed to mix new with the remains of the old and, indeed, how they have reinvigorated some of the older buildings: the Reichstag in particular. Norman Foster has done great work with this famous old building and the views from the top are quite spectacular. One things that does strike you when taking in the Berlin skyline is how low it is. There are very few high-rise or skyscraper style buildings, with the exception of Potsdamer Platz and the TV tower in Alexanderplatz, so you can see for miles in all directions.
I know a lot of people who have never even considered a trip to Berlin and if you are one of those, I urge you to think again. It is a fine city to spend a week in. Lufthansa will take you there from Newcastle via Düsseldorf.
References:
My photos on Picasa
So, my overall thoughts of the German capital? A very cool city; it has a bit of everything as all capital cities should. It obviously has a wealth of history, particularly recent history and a fine mix of architecture, obviously a lot of it is modern, but the quality of the design of the new buildings is pretty high on average.
What I really love though, is how they've managed to mix new with the remains of the old and, indeed, how they have reinvigorated some of the older buildings: the Reichstag in particular. Norman Foster has done great work with this famous old building and the views from the top are quite spectacular. One things that does strike you when taking in the Berlin skyline is how low it is. There are very few high-rise or skyscraper style buildings, with the exception of Potsdamer Platz and the TV tower in Alexanderplatz, so you can see for miles in all directions.
I know a lot of people who have never even considered a trip to Berlin and if you are one of those, I urge you to think again. It is a fine city to spend a week in. Lufthansa will take you there from Newcastle via Düsseldorf.
References:
My photos on Picasa
Comments
Cracking views from up there.