Continued from Part 2...
Please excuse my delay in getting caught up with posting.
A few words on what sights I visited:
For Berlin, I recommend:
-- A tour of the Reichstag -- a definite yes!
-- The German History Museum -- a definite go-to.
-- Charlottenburg Palace -- This is also a definite go-to.
For Dresden, I recommend:
-- The New Green Vault -- Wow! A definite go-to.
For Potsdam, I recommend:
-- Sans Souci Schloss and Sans Souci Palais -- definite go-to's.
Can you tell by now that I am in awe of all the gem-studded gold tea services and clocks. I am in awe of all of the rococo gold gilding, crystal chandeliers, Meissen porcelain chandeliers, exquisite marble floors, etc. My brain almost cannot comprehend the workmanship, the opulence, and the staggering wealth of the royalty and aristocracy. Phew!
I will use my photos to help refresh my memory of what I did on different days.
May 10th -- First full day in Berlin. Pretty much took it easy, exploring the neighborhoods. Found out that Friedrichstrasse Hbf is one of the main transportations hubs -- a lot of connections there. Also, May 10th, Ascension Day, was a holiday. I did notice that some of the shops were closed.
-- Went over to the East Side Gallery. There the sidewalk was crowded and a lot of cars. I was not too impressed. Then went over to the Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse. This is mentioned in Rick Steves (RS) Guides. It was interesting and sad. There are markers in the sidewalks where people were shot trying to escape East Berlin, approximately 1961 - 1963. A tour for this area would have been good.
-- Later that day, found myself over by the impressive Humbolt University buildings; across the street was the pink Opera House "StaatOper." I can never resist a beautiful cathedral in this same big, open plaza; i.e., St. Hedwigs, Roman-Catholic.
Day Two -- Reichstag Tour.
This is definitely worth scheduling ahead of time, on-line. My English tour was on a Friday; it was free. Very impressive and well organized. I took many photos of where they actually conduct their governance; i.e., many blue chairs arranged in a half circle. The giant metal eagle was partially designed by American Norman Foster, who also designed the glass dome. I also learned that Germany has two houses of parliament: The Bundestag, which we hear about, and the Bundesrat, of which I was unaware.
On this tour, you will see beautiful architecture and learn a lot of history. Also, I was very impressed with the historical photographs in the main dome lobby.
-- Later in the day, I walked around the beautiful Gendarmenmarkt, a pretty and large square. It has the Konzerthaus (Concert House) and other pretty structures, domes (French and German), sculptures (metal and marble), etc.
Saturday -- Museum Island.
My first observation here was the Berlin Dom -- such a big, beautiful old church. The architecture and sculptures! Wow!
Later in the day, I attended a service here. It was a respectful way to see the inside of the church and to spiritually renew.
At Museum Island, my first stop was the Pergamon Museum, then the Neues, and then the Old National Gallery.
For the Pergamon, Ischtar's Gate (500 - 600 BC) and the Market Gate (100 AD) -- definitely worth seeing. Very impressive.
For the Old National Gallery (Alte National Galerie), I loved the Max Liebermann collection. Look for "Flax Barn at Laren" (1888) if you get a chance. So sad, such hard work. Woman standing all day, and children turning spinning wheels.
I really needed a second day on Museum Island, but did not get a chance.
To be continued...