Berlin- Friday, 18 September

With everyone refreshed after a good night's sleep, it was a 9:30 departure for our city tour with Alex. The day was perfect with sunny skies and temperatures in the low 70s. Waiting for the coach provided good conversation.












The tour was primarily a coach tour with excellent narration and information. Unfortunately, coach windows don't afford good picture taking, but we did pass many landmarks on our way to the Brandenburg Tor. There were a number of embassies and of course the glass dome of the Reichstag.










One of the most important landmarks in Berlin is the Brandenburg Gate. It was originally designed to be an arch of peace, but it was misused by the Nazis as a gate of triumph and aggression. The four horse chariot seen at the top was confiscated by Napoleon as a spoil of war, but after the Prussians defeated Napoleon, it was returned and renamed for Victory. We had some time there to reflect on the recent history of the Gate and to look around the area and the avenue known as Unter den Linden.
















As we left the Brandenburg Gate and drove down Unter den Linden, we could catch a glimpse of the incredible organization and orderliness of the German people. They number the lamp posts.



Then it was on to the Berlin Dom, one of the most ornate Protestant churches in Europe. The choir warmed up on the steps of the Dom before the performance inside. The "groupies" looked on.





Inside, the choir sang three songs. The acoustics were amazing and the group did Teutionia, Pittsuburgh, and the United States proud.










The choir gathered on the steps before we headed off to lunch and some celebratory libation.












After lunch we concluded the city tour with a stop at the Berlin Wall. This portion of the wall was not torn down, but allowed to stand and be painted.










Back to Museum Island where there was some free time and a chance to visit any of the 5 museums before heading back to the hotel.

Dinner tonight was at Kartoffel Cister. Everyone had a wonderful time discussing the day's events and enjoying delicious food.
















We had salad, beets, Königsberg Klopse, smashed potatoes and a wonderful sundae of vanilla ice cream, raspberries, red currants, black currants, and strawberries.











Guess what, they even use Idaho potatoes!



We were able to thank those who helped make this tour possible tonight - Willi, Gisela, and Helga, who made so many of the overseas arrangements.



A great day and evening with an early morning start tomorrow.

Berlin - Thursday, 17 September

As we all gathered at the airport, we conversed about our flights and rejoiced in the fact that our luggage was all there. With all accounted for who should have been, Willi contacted our coach driver, Horst, and we were on to stow the luggage and make our way to the hotel.

In just about 25 minutes we arrived at our hotel for the next four days.

Some were anxious to freshen up and start exploring, others wanted to catch a brief rest before enjoying our first day in Berlin. It was a bit disheartening to find that our rooms were not quite ready. So we stored the luggage in a meeting room and came up with an alternative plan.

One group decided that a walk was in order and so off we went. In the "it pays to look up" category we found that our hotel is right next to the Embassy of Paraguay.

Just a block further down the street we happened on a fountain that was a perfect place for a small group picture.

Our intent was to head to the KurDam to see the broad street that has been a famous avenue in the history of Berlin. By a circuitous route and about a half hour later, we made it. Of course, after that brisk walk we decided that some libation was in order.

And so it happened that the first beer in Berlin was ordered and consumed. It sure hit the spot as a bit of lunch did.

With thirsts quenched and appetites satisfied, it was back to the hotel to check on the rooms. We were encouraged that some rooms were ready and we could get a chance to clean up a bit and relax before dinner.

The conviviality continued with some pre-dinner libation at the hotel lobby bar.

Dinner was a buffet with an assortment of salads, peas and carrots, ham, browned potato patties, and a tilapia with tomatoes. For dessert there were brownies, cheesecake squares, and a pudding assortment. Conversation was lively, but everyone was glad to know that bed time was around the corner.

Just a note. At this hotel we have very good WiFi, but in case we don't, please don't panic. Getting online with a reliable connection is vital to the publishing the blog.

Off we go - Wednesday, 16 September

The members of the Teutonia Männerchor arrived early at the Greater Pittsburgh Airport to begin the first leg of their journey to Germany. Some left for Newark and others to Chicago for their connecting flights to Berlin. A long overnight flight and suddenly Wednesday became Thursday. We all met at the Berlin airport, boarded our coach with driver Horst and headed for our hotel. It will be good to freshen up a bit before we have a free day to explore.