We crossed the border

This morning we all said our farewells to the city of Prague and the good times from the Czech Republic. Leaving at 8am, we made our way in the direction of the German border with our sights set on the township of Dresden.

In Dresden itself, our tour leader took us on a guided walk of some of the important main city buildings. Many of the buildings were severely bombed during WWII, which meant that their facades were a mixture of original and replacement sandstone blocks. The colour difference made it easy to pick the sheer devastation that Dresden endured.

This was also an opportunity to try some more German food for lunch. We both had the Bratwurst and sauerkraut special. This was quite nice. They really love their sausages over here. Not a typical staple meal of ours, but we have enjoyed their cuisine.

Next stop, Berlin!!!! Woot! Instead of taking us straight to the hotel, we were taken around on a driving tour of the city. We pulled up in the bus and got out at Treptower Park - a Russian war memorial, dedicated to the 50,000 Russian soldiers lost in the Battle of Berlin during WWII. This monument consisted of the red marble taken directly from Hitler's office after his demise and had a very powerful vibe.

Once back on the bus, it was a drive pass some important landmarks to orient us for our upcoming free time. Stopping at the East-Side Gallery section of the Berlin Wall, where we got out again, was definitely a highlight. After that, we cruised passed Alexanderplatz, the East German telecommunications tower known as the toothpick, Checkpoint Charlie, then on to the Topograph of Terror monument - former home to both the Gustapo and the SS.

Potsdamerplatz was within the controversial 'dead zone' in former East Berlin and was also interesting to see. Finally we saw the stirring Jewish Holocaust memorial, whilst on the bus, before continuing pass the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag government building and the Victory monument.

Tonight's dinner was at the Berlin Hofbraühaüs. Only one stein each, as the combination of the beer and the three course meal was mega filling. We started with a tasty broth and moved onto the most unbelievable pork knuckle with crackling, sauerkraut and a potato dumpling! Winner! It was so good, our mouths are actually watering writing this blog. Nom, nom, nom!

We finished with one drink down at the bar at our hotel with some of the group, then people were keen to finish up...as were we. From what we've seen so far of Berlin, we are really looking forward to our exploration of this history-rich city tomorrow!