Evening in Berlin

We pulled into Berlin yesterday evening as a stopping spot on the way to amsterdam. Have absolutely enjoyed our drive discussing the most random things...difference in semi-trailers, livestock, a spider along the windshield (which Shannon has a full on story about and I guess I missed her discussing until round two. We have the ability to tune each other out I guess...😜), how there are no older cars on the street, Shannon's love of ice cubes, how Europe has the most brilliant things yet so different at times. (I.e. Lights turning off while going potty because of no movement, paying for the toilet or lack of paying because didn't have coins)....half naked women billboards along the side of semi-trailers and so much more randomness.

We stayed at a fantastic hotel called art o'tel. It's decor is all Andy Warhol. The room was spectacular. (Will post pictures later...). Lip carpet, Marilyn Monroe mirror...fun, chic space. I posted we had stayed at an airbnb.com yesterday and loved. One thing will add when traveling especially if doing back roads and at your leisure, a hotel does allow for flexible time. When staying at a persons home or space you must set up time to arrive and stick with assigned time. I love to be able to stop and explore and see what we can find. Having a timeline doesn't always allow for that.

We had a wonderful dinner at an Italian restaurant not too far from the hotel. Shannon and I giggled because we kept thinking the guy ( well I thought...) he was telling us about a place call 12 pastas. Cool! I kept reiterating how I enjoy pasta and that is perfect. After the third time of him telling me about the restaurant and me affirming I love pasta I realized he was telling me about a place called the 12 Apostles. Guess I only had pasta on the brain.

We explored and finally found the main strip of the Berlin Wall left. You wouldn't think it would be difficult but let me tell you. It was...three GPS sent us to crazy places...many youth out exploring honestly didn't really know and we didn't want to be the dumb tourists asking for help to find such an important piece of history. Finally a young couple explained what was left and where we could explore it. (Btw they had to google where to find it) Just makes you think and ponder, and also eye opening to how the youth there isn't really even conscious about it.

We then explored parliament, Jewish holocaust memorial and Berlin as a city. So different from Prague and Vienna from people, style, and buildings. Very fun urban town with graffiti absolutely everywhere. And I mean everywhere!!! While talking to the young couple he mentioned the "graph it y" and the ever changing art.

We also stopped in Dresden germany because while reading atlasobscura.com they explained about a musical house. It was along our journey so we made a stop. It was in hidden little courtyard with all kinds of buildings with unique shops below and wonderful themed homes. Music house, animal house, house of lights. Again, most people in that community had never heard of this gorgeous area. Makes it apparent to me why many haven't heard of such gems in Topeka. People don't explore and appreciate their own communities and what's in their own backyards!

Shannon was confused as we got back on the highway because the signs still said "ausfahrt" and why were they still talking about Dresden? 😳😝😜. I laughed and didn't know what meant but quickly learned it is a sign for exit...not a town...

Pulling into Amsterdam as we speak and off to explore there!

Jenny.