Waiting for the “Walk” Signal

| 05-May-2019 |  After much-needed sleep we’re ready to take on Berlin.  We walked through blocks and blocks of quiet city streets this morning on our diagonal path though Mitte. Ran across this really interesting sculpture along a pedestrian walkway.

 


The Brandenburg Gate is an iconic image of Berlin. The Neo-classical structure was constructed in the late 1780s, and unlike many of the historical buildings we passed on the way, it’s been fully restored and no longer shows the pock-mark holes of war. The large open space leading up to the gate is flanked by embassies now

A few blocks to the south, Checkpoint Charlie – the US Army check point leading into the American sector of West Berlin.  Historically important, but visually underwhelming.


Berliner Dome on Museum Island


I pre-scouted some of Berlin’s best burgers so we could add Berlin to our world burger list. The place on our general path of travel, Burgermeister Schlesisches Tor, must be the shit because 20 minutes before opening time the little outdoor seating area had about 15 people ready to queue for burgers. We moved on.  

After the East Side Gallery we headed back toward Mitte and stopped in at BRGRS BRGRS for a much needed break, and a burger.  

Pleepleus approves.

The East Side Gallery is 1000+ meters of the Berlin Wall that is covered with over 100 original artworks.  We alternated between walking along the front, where the commissioned works are displayed, and the back where the graffiti artists have taken over.  


Dude here, filling a rap video, clearly understands the aesthetic of the urban art on the back of the wall gallery.. Unfortunately, a lot of the artwork on the front have also be tagged and defaced.



On our way back to the apartment, we took a quick detour through a couple of craft and flea markets that were just setting up when we walked through this morning. 


So, yeah, this happened.  It’s only a matter of time until we find our way to pizza. 

Standard was PACKED on this evening so we ordered a margarita “to go” and sat outside. 

About 2 months ago we heard that one of our favorite Icelandic bands, Fufanu, would be playing Berlin during our trip. Tickets were immediately ordered.

The venue is in a weird fair-grounds-like compound that consists of grungy buildings covered with spray painting in various forms ranging from tagging to full-blown art.

We milled around for almost an hour after “doors” because they hadn’t charged the ticket scanner and couldn’t process anyone into the venue. Finally they resorted to manually keying the confirmation numbers and we were able to access the tiny performance space.

About 100 people came out tonight to see Fufanu and the band KILLED IT.

Signing off from Berlin – the activity app says we’ve walked 20 miles today and it’s starting to catch up with us.