Two Seasons In Berlin - Part 1

I was fortunate to experience Berlin in two seasons. The first time we went to Berlin was on 8/11/2008, following the company trip. Berlin was in Autumn. It was a relatively boring outing, as 70% of the time we were in the bus. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the city, but it was definitely too much information to know. After being amazed time and again over her explanations regarding the historical sites and buildings, I felt more and more irritated for the fact that we did not get the chance to come down and walk around to snap photos. I am very particular about snapping photos (I guess I have mentioned this before in the earlier post). If I can't get a good angle, I'd rather not shoot.. After some time, I grew tired of explanations, and nothing that our tour guide mentioned actually went into my head..

Brandenburger Tor - The first point that we were allowed to step onto Berlin grounds. It was the symbol of a divided world when the Berlin Wall was erected in 1961. Apparently, this is also where the US President; Ronald Regan delivered a speech in 1987, urging Gorbachev to tear down the wall.

Germans somehow fancy still-life performance. Except for the big huge near, the two dudes in the soldier outfits are breathing human beings! :D

This is the huge train station, the Berlin Hauptbahnhof. You can either take the ultra fast ICE train or the normal red DB train from Leipzig, or anywhere which connects you to the station. Not a very flattering shot, as it was taken from inside the bus.

Reichstag, the Parliament of Germany. It was originally built in 1894. We only managed to pass by this building. No stopping. How annoying! >:(

Siegessäule (The Victory Column) stands 61.5m tall and was constructed to celebrate the military successes of Prussia over Denmark. Over the top is the statue of victory goddess Viktoria.
The Swissotel, an awesome structure which houses the C&A shopping mall as well.

Hard Rock Cafe Berlin. This is where I start to fall in love with those guitar-shaped pins exclusively from Hard Rock Cafes. :D

Daniel and me inside of Hard Rock Cafe Berlin. It was bombarded with herds of eager Malaysians buying souveniors back home. I guess most of us have not even been to Hard Rock Cafe in KL. But heck, there has to be a first time for everything! And I am loving it! :D


Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche (Kaiser-Wilhelm Memorial Church). It was built between 1891 and 1895, and was bombed during the World War 2, in November 1943. The damaged tower now symbolise Germany's strive of rebuilding the city, and is a reminder of the destructions of war. This is what I gathered after doing some readings over the Internet. Beside the damaged tower you could see a modern hexagonal bell tower, which is the new church.

Me, lighting a candle after a little silent prayer inside the old damaged church.

Intricate paintings over the ceiling.

Another shot on the ceiling.

A bigger view of the paintings on the ceiling. It was impossible for me to have it all in the frame. Maybe this is a calling for me to get an ultra wide lens (11mm wide or a fisheye lens would be a great Christmas present!) :D

Me with our German colleague who accompanied us for the trip. Stephanie is from the Technology group.

I will be posting on our Berlin trip covered in snow soon. Till then, have fun! :)