The first tour of Berlin

Yesterday, we had most of the day to ourselves, then met up with the group, let by our guide Naomi, at 4:00.
We spent the morning around Friedrichstrasse, also in Mitte. About 15 minutes of walking took us to the River Spree, and another 5 min. to the famous boulevard, Unter der linden - Under the Lindens. Unfortunately, thr weather was overcast, the crowds quite heavy (tourist trap), and the pavement and road under the lovely trees was being dug up for some kind of construction. Bad lighting, too many people, ugly signs and barricades: not the greatest conditions for photos! So I am not including the lousy ones I ended up taking.
And none of the Brandenburg Gate, either, the main reason for the tourists. We saw it, and turned right around.
In a large store, I bought some music and two mini nature guides: Blumen and Bäume (flowers and trees). I also got a CD of 75 bird songs. Alas, all the names are in German - not even Latin! - so I have some identification research ahead of me.
At 4:00, we met the rest of the group (just in from their flights). One Canadian and six U.S. people. We walked along Oranienburgstrasse and passed this enormous, ornate 19th-century synagogue.

 We continued further until the famous museum island (a UNESCO world heritage site). Everyone went to the Pergamon museum except me; I went to the Neue Museum, also full of antiquities. I saw Nefertiti - the one and only - lots of Egyptian animal sculptures (a favourite thing of mine) and the renown astronomical hat. The hat is pure gold and inscribed with calculations of planetary orbits, seasonal appearances of constellations, eclipses and so on. Truly amazing, even if it weren't centuries old!
The biggest treat of all remained: dinner at a swanky place. Kopps is an entirely vegan restaurant. We had beautifully presented and delicious meals, many containing asparagus, which is in season right now and beloved by Berliners. 

First day in Berlin!!!

I am here in Germany, the very place we planned to visit until health concerns put an end to those dreams for the rest of the year. Or so we thought! The big surprise came in mid-April when the German consulate in _____ invited my husband Eddie to visit Germany on behalf of the government. Of course, how could we refuse? Fortunately, the health problems abated in time and we had no other commitments. We arrived yesterday after a long journey.
The invitation is an expenses-paid trip to Berlin (with side-trip to Dresden) as part of Jewish Life in Germany, a program of reconcilation. I will be writing about the individual events as I attend them. (I will not go to each one, although I am welcome to do so.) I have paid my plane ticket and hotel upgrade.
Yesterday, stunned from being awake more than 25 hours, E. and I walked about Mitte, the middle part of the metropolis that is Berlin. Our charming hotel is in a centrally located street, Auguststrasse. It may be very convenient for reaching the U-bahn (subway) or the trams, and more than a few major sights are in walking distance if you are a walker (we are walkers on good days), but it is quiet and low-key.

Hotel Augustinehof, Berlin

After we crashed, almost literally after arriving at the hotel on Monday morning (thanks, Naomi, for picking us up at the airport!), we went for a walk in the neighborhood. We saw the trademark "odd Berlin" details, such as this cafe, which has interesting food and freaky toys for sale at the back. Some trendy-looking people were eating at tables made from polished logs. One bench was an old leather "horse" from a gym! 

Later in the evening, we walked along Friedrichstrasse and saw a bike go by, pedalled by 4 or 5 people! I was so stunned, I stood with my mouth open - a perfect tourist. I saw another one, alas, only with the minimal foot power of one.

A bike suitable for 5 (?) people.

We slept a lot after eating Italian food in a courtyard restaurant (quiet, except for fountain & birds). I was able to use my rusty Italian to order. Contrary to what I was told, English is not widely spoken. I will have to learn Deutsch, whether I like it or not!!