Berlin/Dorking 08-04-2010
These are the personal thoughts of OTA-Berlin serviced apartments virtual guest ‘Ms Rita B. Chevrolet’ of Dorking UK which she sent along to us- which we are happy to share with you – she sent us these thoughts after arriving back to Dorking. Wonderful woman Rita – its not true what they say about her!
Rita writes:
“Berlin, is in Europe the fastest growing Capital city – the one to watch over the next few years – constantly changing, burgeoning cosmopolitan atmosphere and is as a result getting more interesting and captivating every year.
The city is still growing and in winter what at first you think is a grey city, is in fact a huge cosmopolitan arena – with 3 separate opera houses, many museums and still remembering to keep many and large green spaces liberally placed throughout the centre and environs.
Berlin was well planned centuries ago and the present municipal authorities have grown in a well-thought-out way, adding the proper infrastructure just BEFORE it will be needed –instead of decades later, if ever in North America.
With so many new world-class new buildings being added and older apartment and commercial properties being tastefully renovated – many are finished and many yet to be completed – it is no wonder why travellers never really recognize the place even after an absence of only 6 months.
Formalities upon arriving at one of the two international Berlin airports are minimal and usually one is quickly ushered through German customs.
Catching a Taxi to the city is only 15 Euro from Tegel airport and about 25 Euro from ‘BBI’ or Berlin-Brandenburg International the future large new airport, now still referred to as ‘Schoenefeld Airport.
Berlin taxi drivers are honest, helpful and generally courteous – a rarity for other larger European cities [especially Amsterdam and The Hague which has the most expensive , rude and overpriced and corrupt taxi system in Northern Europe- avoid at all costs when possible and ride a bike instead!].
And added benefit in Berlin and Germany most of the taxis are Mercedes-Benz so for North American and UK travellers this is a pretty good ride compared to taxis back home.
There are always plenty of things to do, museums and concerts to visit and see in Berlin – plus you can take advantage of one of the best ways is to learn about the city – take a tour!
A walking tour, a bicycle tour, a bus tour or a boat tour – they all offer stimulating ways to discover this historical gem of a city. And Rita loves walking!
Things to see in Berlin include: Adlon Hotel, OTA-Berlin, the Berlin Zoo, the Jewish Museum, ‘Gedachtniskirche’ or Memorial Church of which only the spire remains, Potsdamerplatz with its ‘Sony Center’, the parliament buildings – the ‘Reichstag’ and the Brandenburg Gate.
Berlin has everything for the ardent shopper – all the latest fashions and quality stores on the Kurfrustendamn – pricey but very good quality.
Food is reasonable compared to other large European cities, and staying at an Apartment Hotel like OTA-Berlin cuts culinary costs even more.
Like the taxi drivers Berliners are usually friendly and the most people speak English – or are at least willing to make an attempt to understand you.
It was easy to get around via the S-Bahn overhead trains and the U-Bahn subway – a weekly ‘AB’ pass costs 34 Euro- for this money you can enjoy a weekly pass which takes you on the entire network including buses and trams.
With its many restaurants, late- night bars and clubs, you will find that one visit won’t be enough to see it all. “ I will be back “, said Douglas McArthur, and while he was a bit of a loser, I Rita certainly am not! Bye for now”
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Wasn’t that a really riveting and completely compelling – read I am sure you will all agree!
Great woman Rita……….well not that great, but okay….good enough.
Thanks very much for this Rita, I am sure this short article by you will induce a lot of formally neutral observers to finally make the move to visit Berlin!
