Reichstag

The Reichstag was built to house the German Parliament. Following reunification the Budestag has returned to Berlin.

At the top of the Reichstag is a dome which has a spiral walkway winding its way up. the view is spectacular across the city.

And it was a great place to play around with photography!!

Berlin - a city of tears, joy and hope

I have enjoyed Berlin. I have a had eight days here and it isn't long enough. It has been interesting to experience the city since reunification. The city has a strange mix of sadness from its recent past as well as a sense of joy and hope.

There is a vibrancy to the city and something for everyone!

Siegessaeule (Victory Column)

Located in the centre of The Tiergarten

Brandenburg Tor

The Brandenburg Tor (gate) is located in the eatern end of The Tiergarten and at the start of Unter Den Linden. It has also been the site where fans have been gathering to watch world cup matches on big screens (hence the scaffolding).

Some contemporary architecture

on the banks of the Spree.

The white crosses are memorials to East Germans who were killed trying to cross the river to escape to West Berlin.

Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedaechtnis-Kirche

This is a church-monument to reconcilaition and peace. The church was damaged during the Second World War. Inside the old church is the Memorial Hall (Gedenkhalle). The tall octagonal structure is the new Church which is made of blue glass. It was designed in 1961.

Wereldkampioenschap Voetbal - Fußball Welt Meisterschaft - Football World Cup - Soccer World Cup - Aussie-Aussie-Aussie...

Wereldkampioenschap Voetbal - Fußball Welt Meisterschaft - Football World Cup - Soccer World Cup - whatever...

Well as expected the World Cup is everywhere - England, Scotland (though many Scots were supporting Trinidad and Tobago), Netherlands and Germany. Interesting enough it is difficult to find an Australian souvenir. There are a lot for Turkey (flags, wrist bands etc.) I think that the souvenirs were made before the preliminary games were finished and no one expected Australia to be there and everyone expected Turkey to be there!

More Dusseldorf pics

In Amsterdam

I have managed to have a few days break in Amsterdam. The World Cup intensity isn't as great here as it was in Germany or England, but it is still here.

The city is an intersting one with its canals and streets. I have enjoyed wandering about and getting hopelessly lost!
I visted the Anne Frankhaus which was interesting.