Going to Germany mid-July with Master and Mr. BAL. What, if anything,

[blondeatlast]

will the travel books not tell me? What off the beaten path adventures are there? We will be staying in Berlin with a rental car and have friends who speak both languages well to show us around a bit.

As I say, we have the kid, so nightclubbing is pretty much out, although we'd love to. Hubby's been there before and told me some stories! :evilgrin:

I ask because I would count DUers and esp. Lounge Lizards as an adventurous lot, as are we.

This will be the first time I've ever been outside the US so I'm very excited.

Thanks in advance for any info!

[Aiptasia]

1. Find a local

There's nothing like a local friend in a new place to take you around and give you the whirlwind tour. Definitely get outside of Berlin and into the countryside if you can, and visit some of the smaller towns off the beaten path.

[Kellanved]

2. Well, the books will tell you most things

I can give you a few basic tips, please ask/pm me if you're interested in anything specifically, like restaurants in a specific district or things like that.

There are "child hotels" to allow parents a night at the clubs, although that might be a bit cruel.

An important thing is: stay away from any games played on the sidewalks in the open (cards, the shell game - even chess) - these are always scams. Usually the group includes pickpockets and several actors "winning". So, don't look interested, just walk past them.

The tours offered by the German Parliament are very interesting. Try to get into one: http://www.bundestag.de/htdocs_e/info/besucherinfo/faltblatt06.pdf

A thing probably mentioned in the books: Don't tip more than 10%, but not much less either. Prices are always inclusive taxes and - basic- service. Also, there are never free refills for drinks.

Probably not mentioned in the books: There's a temporary ancient Egypt exhibition in the Martin-Gropius-Bau - I highly recommend it.

A warning: before buying opera tickets, ask about the staging. Berlin directors like sneaking shower scenes, orange juice battles, mud wrestling and similar things into even the most classic pieces.

You'll probably be in town during the Love Parade. Depending on your taste in music, that might be an excellent day to visit Potsdam.
http://www.loveparade.net

There's a group offering tours through sub terran installations in Berlin. They can be quite fascinating:
http://www.berliner-unterwelten.de/en/003/a/003a.htm

For Turkish food: either Saray or Hasir; stay away from other places, unless you have it on good authority that it's good.

Almost no buildings are air conditioned. July can be a bit taxing because of that.

The museum "Check Point Charlie" is an artificial rip-off.


Have great time! :hi:


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