Well we've been here a week and I think I can confidently say that I'm starting to get the hang of this whole European thing. A few of the differences: Its always 5'oclock somewhere, girls here don't dance like they do at the Que Stick, frat attire is few and far between, jaywalking is just as much of an adrenaline rush a base jumping, and the concepts of A/C and Dryers haven't made it here yet. If you can put up with those few things I strongly recommend the trip.
In the past two days, we have rounded up two hundred more years of German history as well as visiting some monuments, another palace, some embassies, a museum, and a church. Needless to say my feet hurt. The first monument we visited was the Soviet War Memorial (above). It was built during the Russian occupation of Berlin at the end of WWII using the remains of Hitler's Neue Reichskanzlei. Strangely the German take really good care of the monument despite its reference to their dark past. Next, we saw the Victory Column in the center of the Tiergarten. Due to construction, we were unable to get any clear shots so if you are just dying to see it, go to Google.
To round of the day we toured Charlottenberg Palace which housed the royal family for hundreds of years. As is usually the case, photos were not allowed on the interior so just imagine the most extravagant molding, paintings and sculptures you can and add a little gold leafing and you got it. There was also a really nice garden around back but I was far to lazy walk all the way around and get pictures so if you're interested, once again, Google it.
Today was a little more architecture driven as we got to see a few more embassies and the CDU (Conservative Party, above) Office. The CDU was a really pleasant building with some nice tectonics and a nice winter garden between the exterior and interior envelopes.
Next was our tour of the Nordic Embassy Complex (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Finland) which included Snohetta's Norwegian Embassy (above) mentioned in their lecture at LA Tech.
Lastly we visited the Berlin Dom. Needless to say this was the largest, most extravagant church I have ever been to. Instead of trying describe the level of insanity inside this church, I find it easier just to show you a video. WARNING: IF YOU HAVE EATING IN THE LAST 15 MINUTES OR GET MOTION SICKNESS YOU MAY NOT WANT TO WATCH THIS VIDEO AS THIS LEVEL 'STUFF' COMBINED WITH MY SPIRALING CINEMATOGRAPHY MAY CAUSE QUEASINESS AND SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS.
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