Berlin Walls to Genocide

Today was a very sobering day as we explored the historical reality and political past here in Berlin and Germany.

The memorials to the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie are a meaningful reminder of why we need more bridges and less walls in all societies throughout the world.

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is a powerful place of information and remembrance to the families destroyed by Nazi genocide.

Berlin Wall monument 

Actual Wall sections as art

Checkpoint Charlie - The fam is on the right side of the picture

 The view from the other direction

Italian food abounds in Berlin 

The site of Hitler's bunker 

The legendary East German Trabant 

Two sections of the Wall repurposed

The iconic American Sector sign 

Below ground entrance to The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

(Back) to Berlin!

We flew from Copenhagen to Berlin on Wednesday and made our way to our hotel. The last time I was here was in 1990, when the Wall had just fallen, so things had changed a bit. First time for MB and boys.

We walked around our hotel to find lunch and then later made our way to the Holocaust Memorial and Brandenburg Gate. We encountered a delightful Italian place and then walked back to get some sleep. Phase II of our EuroRainbow Adventure had begun!

 Boys with the iconic Berlin Television Tower in the background

Zack has always been on the go! 

A traditional Berliner lunch 

Had to begin our Berliner dining experience with the legendary currywurst! 

 St. Nicholas - the oldest church in Berlin

On a bridge over the River Spree 

If a city has kunst, Nick will surely find it! 

Happy to be here

You have to finish an Italian dinner with gelato...well, you could finish any dinner with gelato

Nothing Beats Time with Friends

This morning we left Copenhagen by train and met Christian in the city of Koge, about 30 minutes west of Copenhagen. Christian toured us around this charming town and stopped off at a castle for good measure before heading to the Yde family home in Ringsted for dinner. It was an absolutely delightful visit! We are exceptionally fortunate to have the opportunity to spend time with the Yde's. They are such wonderful hosts who have made this experience so meaningful and memorable. 

At the end of the evening, Christian drove us to the train station where we headed back to Copenhagen.

Trains and bikes and bikes on trains...the Danish way of life 

On the docks in Koge 

Yarn and keys - a massive work of art 

St. Nicholas Church in Koge 

St. Nicholas School - complete with kids at recess

Doesn't everybody travel thousands of miles to find a new library?

 Can you guess the title, Rick Riordan fans?

The most beautiful cappuccinos ever! 

Who wouldn't be happy in a shop that sells music and wine? 

 Checking out the local establishments in Koge

Notice the old and new copper roofs on this castle 

At the Yde Family home, getting ready for dinner - so many choices! 

Smørrebrød - quintessentially Danish - open-faced sandwiches on rye bread. Amazing!

The boys hanging out in Chris' room 

At a local country market so old that the floors are warped 

The moms in front of the Yde's house 

 Our dessert table - very impressive. Tasted as good as it looked!

Terrific hosts - Petra and Christian 

Music matters at the Yde's 

I even got to play Phillip's guitalele 

Back in Copenhagen at our favorite Doner Kebab joint

Copenhagen by Its Canals

Copenhagen is a city of many canals, not unlike Amsterdam or Venice. Today we had the opportunity to see the city by tour boat, which provided a complement to the bus tour we took a few days prior. 

We then took a long leisurely walk back to our hotel, stopping for lunch and shopping along the way.

Copenhagen - a very walkable city - so many places to explore

 On the tourboat

 The view of another boat from ours

A blend of old and new architecture at every turn 

We met some students from Tyre, Lebanon, two of whom had lived in Dearborn for a time

Can't go wrong with a burger and fries for lunch! 

 Hans Christian Andersen is everywhere in Copenhagen 

Uncle Hans was happy to host Nephew Nick 

In front of our hotel 

The happy family! 

All smiles at dinner