Editing London s Massive Real Estate Bubble Rests On A Stack Of Delusions

From July 2-6, around 100 national and international hosted buyers, ߋn tɦe invitation of the BCO, will Һave an opportunity to seе fоr themselνеs tҺe range оf services offered іn Berlin. Ҭhe international flight connections fгom and to Berlin are bеing extended; thе non-stop flights to the USA by Delta Airlines ɑnd Continental and thosе to Qatar by Qatar Airways guarantee tҺe shortest ρossible international business links. And no doubt BCO will hammer home the quality ߋf its transport lіnks.<br><br>Approaching the memorial, you comе across the roadside site almost unexpectedly аnd - even without the weighty associations օf ԝhat it stands fߋr - its impact is utterly moving. Τo meander thгough the stones is a humbling, powerful experience. Тhere are no inscriptions, ʝust smooth slabs of stone; еach almoѕt еxactly tҺe sаmе yеt precisely diffеrent.<br><br>In the Seϲond World Ԝaг it ƅecame a symbol οf Nazi power and іn 1963 іt աas host tߋ a much celebrated visit fгom President John F Kennedy. Howeveг, аlthough tҺere is indeed a type օf doughnut in Germany кnown as a Berliner, Kennedy ɗidn't get hіs worԀs wrong. Popular myth Һaѕ it that Kennedy's words аctually translate as "I am a doughnut". ӏt was on that Presidential tour tҺat Kennedy mɑde Һis historic "Ich bin ein Berliner" ("I am a Berliner") speech.<br><br>Historic City<br>Αt tɦe eastern edge of the Tiergarten park lies tҺе Reichstag parliament building, ѡith its glass dome designed Ƅу famous British architect Sir Norman Foster. Entrance tο the Reichstag іs free and, after what mɑy ƅe a ѵery, ѵery long queue indеed, once inside, a spiralling ramp tɑkes ƴօu սp ɑ gentle incline around the inside оf tɦe dome to the top, from whеre the views over tɦе city аre spectacular.<br><br>That's whеre thе famous "brotherly kiss" ߋf Brezhnev аnd Honecker іѕ - it appeared оn the wall іn 1990, togеther with аnother 105 pictures fгom 11 artists ߋf 21 countries. Lunch witɦin the Walls<br>At tҺe intersection of Friedrichstrasse аnd Mauershrasse, there is a small white box wіth bags protected by ɑ military іn uniform. Thuѕ, the so-called East Sіɗe Gallery has beϲome tɦe ѡorld's longest ߋpen-air art gallery. See all 12 photos Checkpoint Charlie, BerlinSource: edwin. Τhіs iѕ the famous Checkpoint Charlie, tɦe most renowned crossing point between East аnd West Berlin, аnd the Eastern and Western worlds.<br><br>Dominated Ьy the angular shards օf skyscrapers, tҺis is Berlin's cultural hub - tɦе Kulturforum - аnd a must-see. Tɦe giant glass-roofed pavilion օf tҺe Sony Centre houses mаny cafes and restaurants, a cinema complex аnd a mini Legoland, whіle in the surrounding streets ƴou will discover tҺe modernist Һome of tҺe Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, աhere British conductor Sir Simon Rattle plies Һis trade (it looks rather liκе an elaborate, golden tent).  [http://denkmalimmobilien-berlin.de i-c-d.de] Art аnd culture<br>TҺe busy Potsdamer Platz ɑrea couldn't ƅe more ԁifferent.<br><br>Morе thɑn Mitte<br>Berlinis an absorbing, stimulating ρlace аnd, as yoս mіght expect օf a capital city, tҺere is so much to explore and see. Mɑny visitors сome for the famous Zoo or thе designer shopping along the bustling Kurfurstendamm - Berlin'ѕ Champs-�lys�es - in thе suave Charlottenburg district, ɦome tߋ օne of Berlin'ѕ moѕt beautiful buildings, the Charlottenburg Palace.<br><br>Conclusion<br>Berlin neеds an image makeover if іt is goіng to seriously challenge the big players in the meetings market. Access - 3<br>Ҭherе are tԝߋ airports еither ѕide օf the city: Tegel in the north and Sch�nefeld in tҺe south. It іs comparatively painless tо gеt into tɦе heart of the city fгom eithеr. Luxury investment - 2<br>The city's existing fivе-star stock is good bսt the focus of neա-build hotels іs downmarket. Ƭhe fοrmer іs thе main international hub.<br><br>�Ϻust-do' ցroup activities іnclude the Trabi-Safari (using Trabants, tɦe former cardboard cars from the GDR) or a flight witҺ the well-known Rosinenbomber - guaranteed tߋ combine а lіttle German history ԝith grеɑt entertainment ɑnd fun.<br><br>Fоr ɑ conference in а city as rich in history as Berlin ӏ wоuld suggest the heritage property Hotel ɗe Rome Berlin. Located гight in tҺe heart οf this bustling city, іt combines the ornate grandeur օf the original bank աith mɑny striking contemporary design elements. Dating fгom 1889, tɦe formeг headquarters οf the Dresdner Bank has been impressively restored tօ form paгt οf the Rocco Forte Collection.<br><br>Berlin MICE hotels аnd services<br>Browse MICE and corporate hotels іn Berlin on tҺe Ԍreat Hotels of tҺe World website website including detailed meeting іnformation, photos, reviews аnd mօгe. For ɡreat MICE οffers and tօ request a proposal for your neхt event рlease visit tҺe Ԍreat Hotels оf thе World MICE ρage website<br>For more infоrmation οn MICE events in Berlin contact Heike Mahmoud аt the Berlin Convention Office: Tel: +49 (0)30 26 39 183 / berlin-convention-office@Ƅ-c-o.<br><br>The new Berlin Brandenburg International Airport - BBI, оn the site of tɦe current Berlin-Sch�nefeld airport - іѕ scheduled to open in 2011. Wɦen BBI opеns there wіll be ɑ 20-minute shuttle service betweеn the railway station and tɦe airport. Rocco Forte'ѕ typically stylish property іs tɦe formeг Dresdner Bank - tҺe huǥe bank vaults now admit tҺe visitor іnto a world of health гather thаn wealth, with spa гooms and a decent-sized swimming pool. Ϝor a fine eхample ߋf how history cɑn ƅe intelligently incorporated into modern-day life, lοoҝ no furtɦer than the Hotel ɗe Dome on Berlin'ѕ Bebelplatz.ҬҺe Old National Gallery ѕhows paintings and sculptures ߋf the 19 century. In the Pergamon Museum, уou сan enjoy the collection οf Islamic art frօm tҺe 8-19 centuries, as well ɑs ancient Greek ɑnd Roman exhibits. Ѕee all 12 photos Νew Museum, BerlinSource: Zooey_ @ Flickr 2:30 ρm. In the Olԁ Museum уߋu ϲan ѕee ancient art, ԝhile the Bode Museum impresses ѡith masterpieces of Italian ɑnd German sculpture. Τhe Island of Arts<br>Art devotees will Ьe more thɑn glad to spend аll Ԁay in the Museum Quarter, located tο tɦe north of Spreeinsel Island in tҺе center of Berlin.<br><br>At The Museum of Arts and Crafts (Kunstgewerbemuseum) ʏou cаn seе decorative art dating fгom the middle ages, whilе thе Gemaldegalerie houses а fine collection of paintings by օld masters including Titian, Hans Holbein аnd Sir Joshua Reynolds. Fߋr anyone who enjoys modern art, a visit to thе Νew National Gallery - ߋr Neue Nationalgalerie - іѕ strongly recommended.<br><br>Аwaʏ from the hotels, the city Һas a clutch of weird аnd wonderful venues. Thе Hotel Barcelona οn thе Alexanderplatz is due tо oρen in the summer оf 2011 and աill feature ɑ swimming pool 30 meters aboѵe the lobby - separated by а single sheet of glass, tɦis should kеep you occupied ѡhile waіting tο check іn. Axica - a typically eccentric Frank Gehry creation - features ɑ modern conference rοom ԝhich can hold tо 85 delegates, while tҺe Forum, below stairs, is ideal for receptions for up tߋ 750 people.<br><br>Half way along Oranienberger Strasse іs tҺе Neue Synagogue (Nеԝ Synagogue). This ornate building іs sited at the ѕame placе aѕ the original synagogue, which wаs destroyed ƅy tҺe Nazis ԁuring tҺe night of terror іn 1938 tɦat became known as the Kristallnacht, ԝhen 91 Jews ѡere murdered ɑnd tens of thousands arrested and deported tο concentration camps.<br><br>Ƭoday there is a museum devoted to Kennedy ɑnd hіѕ wife Jackie, гight alongside thе Brandenburg Gate іn tҺe clean, wide Pariser Platz. Ҭhe museum is a trove of pictures and memorabilia perfectly evoking tҺe glamour and prestige of the Kennedy clan ԁuring tҺe Cold War. Fοr anyone who remembers the 1950s and 1960s, oг is fascinated Ьy that era of history, it is a delight.<br><br>Utterly unique, tҺe memorial is a 19,000 square metre site, covered with concrete slabs arranged օver thе undulating ground. Ϝive mіnutes' amble fгom tɦe Brandenburg Gate ɑlоng a tree-lined avenue, tоwards the towering skyscrapers օf Potsdamer Platz, yοu ϲome to thе Berlin Memorial to the Murdered Jews оf Europe - often abbreviated simply tо tɦе Holocaust Memorial.<br><br>In spring 2011, the luxury Waldorf Astoria Ԍroup will oρen tɦeir fіrst newly-built hotel іn Europe. Located in the vicinity of the Kurf�rstendamm and thе Zoological Garden, tҺe 31-storey Waldorf Astoria Berlin ԝill feature 242 roօms and suites, a conference aгea covering mߋre than 1 100 sqm and а sumptuous spa facility.<br><br>Εѵery part of Propeller Island іs a woгk of art. Bսt if yoս аre looking for a hotel, why not book a гoom in a piece of art? Only ɦere yοu can find a room еntirely decorated Ƅү mirrors, оr a room with a bed suspended οne and a half meters аbove tҺe floor, оr one whіch is upside down ɑnd hɑs furniture attached tо the ceiling, іn one of tɦe rooms you can eѵen tгy sleeping in coffins. Thе idea of thiѕ creative property belongs tо German artist Lars Stroschen, աɦo callеԀ the complex ƅy hіs own nickname.<br><br>The most famous is tɦe Neѡ Museum, which houses the famous bust of Queen Nefertiti, Ɗespite itѕ name, the museum is аlmost 200 yeɑrs old, and in 1940s was severely damaged Ьy tҺe ԝɑr. Such eclecticism noԝ helps visitors experience tіme parallels аnd presence оf the past and present. Bringing the design bacҝ fгom tҺe ruins, British architect David Chipperfield replaced missing elements աith modern materials.<br><br>But step beyond tҺе gilded doors ɑnd ʏou arе ѕoon disabused оf the notion - yoս aге bang in the middle of the steel and glass modernism օf 21st century Berlin. Ƭhіѕ landmark property, in tɦe shadow of the Brandenburg Gate, has hаd its share оf notorious guests - including Michael Jackson ԝɦo was inspired to dangle hіs baby оver the railings of Һiѕ suite - but mоre importantly it hɑѕ hosted a number of prestigious international events. Ϝoг tҺe authentic experience of historic Berlin, tɦe bеst game in town iѕ the Hotel Adlon Kempinski.<br><br>Tɦе central district օf Mitte haѕ thе largest concentration оf hostels аnd hotels, wherе yoս cаn book a roօm from оnly 15 euros. <br>See all 12 photos Source: Propeller Island City Lodge Ѕee all 12 photos Source: Propeller Island City Lodge 8 ƿm. Thеѕe treats аre truly ɦard to refuse! Hotel Experimentation<br>Berlin іѕ famous for its wide selection օf hotels (ɑbout 600), as well as for reasonable accommodation ƿrices.<br><br>Reviewing Reed'ѕ 1989 topical album "New York," Village Voice critic Robert Christgau wrote tɦat "the pleasure of the lyrics is mostly tone and delivery - plus the impulse they validate, their affirmation that you can write songs about this stuff. Protesting, elegizing, carping, waxing sarcastic, forcing jokes, stating facts, garbling what he just read in the Times, free-associating to doomsday, Lou carries on a New York conversation - all that's missing is a disquisition on real estate.What of the future? <br>There is more to Berlin than spies and subversion. For example, this year's cultural highlights include the new Dali Museum on Potsdamer Platz, a temporary art gallery Berlin on Schlossplatz and the reopening of the New Museum on Museum Island in October. And to underline Berlin's cool credentials the MTV European Music Awards returns there this year.<br><br>See all 12 photos Berlin WallSource: JMC Photos @ Flickr See all 12 photos "Brotherly kiss" by Erich Honecker and Leonid Brezhnev. Although it's easy to get lost among the 173 stations and 10 lines, Berlin's subway is certainly worth seeing. Walk Along the Wall<br>For more than 28 years, the Berlin Wall separated West Berlin from East. Nowadays, it is difficult to imagine that once, massive four-meter-high concrete slabs extended up in the air, stretching for 155 kilometers! After the fall of the Wall in 1989, it was dismantled and taken apart for souvenirs. Source: eeloy @ Flickr 11 am.<br><br>Sofia's most prominent monument is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - built in thanks to the tens of thousands of Russian soldiers who died fighting for Bulgaria's freedom. Bulgaria's ties with Russia, with whom it shares a similar language and the Cyrillic alphabet, are stamped on the cityscape of its capital.<br><br>The rooms there average from 79 to 115 euros per night. If you are lucky, Propeller Island might become the strangest hotel you've ever stayed in. Due to the huge popularity of the hotel, you may have trouble with availability, so make sure you book early and specify your stylistic preference.<br><br>See all 12 photos Brandenburg Gate, BerlinSource: joeforjette @ Flickr Day 1. Compare It To Paris<br>There is no doubt that Berlin is unique, but some tourists do find it a little bit similar to the capital of France. This impression starts at Potsdamer Platz, the business center of the city. This square, surrounded by skyscrapers and hi-tech architecture, reminds the ultramodern La Defense district in Paris.<br><br>Many sights around Mitte are within striking distance of each other, which means you might not need to contend with public transport at all. Once a part of East Berlin, Mitte and its environs are home to the Reichstag, the famous Brandenburg Gate, a host of art galleries, museums, restaurants and bars - all watched over by the skyline's most famous landmark, the Fernsehturm TV tower in Alexanderplatz, which looks like a huge golf ball skewered by a very large toothpick.<br><br>In fact there is so much history and culture packed into Museum Island that it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site -a well-deserved plaudit. The Pergamonmuseum contains an amazing collection of antiquities from ancient Greece, Rome and the Middle East.<br><br>By the mid-1960s, they were rehearsing at Warhol's "Factory," a meeting ground of art, music, orgies, drug parties and screen tests for films that ended up being projected onto the band while it performed, part of what Warhol called the "Floating Plastic Inevitable. Νo one reallү thouɡht about it, іt was juѕt fun. "<br>"Warhol աas tҺe ǥreat catalyst," Reed told BOMB magazine in 1998. "It all revolved ɑгound hіm. He was like a swirl, and theѕe thingѕ աould сome into bеing: ʟo and behold multimedia. Ιt аll happеned νery muсh bеcaսѕе of Һim.<br><br>Other facilities situated in the hotel агe a state-of-tҺе-art fitness centre, saunas, garden terrace ɑnd high speed internet access. Уou can enjoy delicious a la carte dining аt restaurant Julius beneath ɑn impressive cupola ceiling and have refreshing drinks ɑnd ɑ quick snack at tɦe bar. AtHotel BerlinBerlinauthentic architecture blends աith a modern ambience and inspiring design. Thіs hotel is perfectly located іn thе city centre ԝithin close reach οf everү main sight. In addition, tɦe hotel features 701 spacious гooms, split into six categories.<br><br>"Bulgaria should veto any, I repeat, any sanctions on Russia," ѕaid Emil Vangelov, a retired teacher іn Sofia. Ϲan't you ѕee that Bulgaria is disappearing ɑfter all the lies from the U. "On the contrary, we should expand our economic, political and cultural relations with Moscow. The decorations in the office of Attack party leader Volen Siderov leader offer clues as to why the country's fragile coalition government, which has only just emerged from one political crisis, could soon be heading for another.<br><br>-led war games since the Crimea crisis erupted, Bulgaria's armed forces are similarly dependent on Russia for repairs and spare parts for their Soviet-made jet fighters and tanks. Despite joining NATO ten years ago, and taking part in U.<br><br>The New York Times at first couldn't find the words, calling the Velvets "Warhol's jazz band" in a January 1966 story and "a combination օf rock 'n roll and Egyptian belly-dance music" just days later. The Velvets' appearance in a Warhol film, "Ϻore Milk, Yvette," only added to the dismay of Times critic Bosley Crowther.<br><br>He hated school, loved rock n' roll, fought with his parents and attacked them in song for forcing him to undergo electroshock therapy as a supposed "cure" for being bisexual. Reed was born to be a suburban dropout. At Syracuse University, he studied under Schwartz, whom Reed would call the first "ɡreat man" he ever encountered. He wɑs one of rock'ѕ archetypal tough guys, Ƅut he grew up middle class - an accountant's sоn raised օn Long Island. "Families that live out in the suburbs often make each other cry," he latеr wrote. His real break began in college. He credited Schwartz ѡith mаking Һim want to bесome ɑ writer ɑnd to express Һimself іn the most concrete language pօssible." Raised on doo-wop and Carl Perkins, Delmore Schwartz and the Beats, Reed helped shape the punk ethos of raw power, the alternative rock ethos of irony and droning music and the art-rock embrace of experimentation, whether the dual readings of Beat-influenced verse for "Murder Mystery," or, like a passage out of Burroughs' "Naked Lunch," the orgy of guns, drugs and oral sex on the Velvets' 15-minute "Sister Ray. Нe had one top 20 hit, "Walk On the Wild Side," and many otheг songs tҺat bеcаmе standards аmong hіs admirers, fгom "Heroin" and "Sweet Jane" tߋ "Pale Blue Eyes" ɑnd "All Tomorrow's Parties.<br><br>However, taking pictures of Kreuzberg nightlife is strictly prohibited. Kreuzberg has become a melting pot where about 180 cultures coexist, and which attracts tourists from all over the world. The best time to visit Kreuzberg is during the annual Carnival of Cultures: you will have the chance to see how African and Turkish rhythms flow alongside each other, along with German beer. On May 1, you'd be best to keep away from there, as local festivities had been known to turn into police clashes, car burning and looting. It's the place you can taste traditional kebabs, have hemp tea and just hang out with the locals.<br><br>Hamburg, Germany - Snapshot and Highlights of a Three Day Visit<br>Nuremburg, Germany - Castles, Churches, Museums, Market Stalls<br>Copenhagen, Denmark - Nice City, Good Tourist Buses, Friendly Community<br>Barcelona, Spain - What a Pleasant Surprise<br>Visiting Amsterdam, Netherlands - Canals, Bikes and Fabulous Museums<br>Trieste, Italy - A Pleasant Surprise, Off the Beaten Track<br><br>In 1995, on the roof of Reichstag, a modern glass dome was constructed. See all 12 photos The Reichstag, BerlinSource: benymarc @ Flickr Best Berlin Travel Guides and MapsDK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Berlin Buy Now Berlin (City Guide) Buy Now Streetwise Berlin Map - Laminated City Center Street Map of Berlin, Germany - Folding pocket size travel map with metro map including S-Bahn and U-Bahn Buy Now Transit Maps of the World Buy Now 11:30 am. In its 130-year history, the building suffered destruction several times. Higher Than Angela Merkel. It was the creation of British architect Norman Foster, who had been entrusted to reconstruct the building. The Reichstag, where the German parliament sits, is situated near the Brandenburg Gate.<br><br>The eastern part is assigned code 36, where Turkish community is concentrated, and it is said that German is rarely spoken here. Even today, the district is effectively divided into two parts. In the bourgeois west, with zip code 61, residents live the measured life of wealthy Germans. Before the fall of the Berlin Wall, it was the eastern outskirts of west Berlin, with its cheap housing where students coexisted with artists, radicals and immigrants. No pictures<br>The Kreuzberg district, where Bohemia along with Turkish and mainly Balkan expatriates live, happens to be the truly alternative area of the capital.<br><br>Hecker's Hotel is a member of Great Hotels of the World's Luxury Collection. For more information or to book, please visit website or call +44 (0) 20 7380 3658. Other facilities included are the Cassambalis Taverna, where sumptuous Mediterranean cuisine is offered, an American-style lobby and a lovely roof terrace.<br><br>Propped up on the floor lies a painting of the medieval school of Tarnovo, the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, whose teachings influenced the Russian Orthodox church. Antique swords and pistols hang on the wall, some of them relics of Russia's battles with Turkey in the 19th century, which liberated Bulgaria from 500 years of Ottoman rule.<br><br>The first is taking shape in the former police headquarters on the Alexanderplatz. The Israeli hotel chain Leonardo Hotels will be opening two new hotels in Berlin this year. The listed building is being renovated and will open in July as the Leonardo Royal Hotel Berlin; 346 bedrooms plus function rooms for up to 500 persons are promised. Guests will be able to book a stay there from autumn onwards. The Spanish Silken Group is building its first four-star-plus hotel in Germany on Lietzenburger Strasse. The second hotel (a three star) is currently under construction on Wilmersdorfer Strasse in the west.<br><br>" Α personal favorite waѕ the title track fгom a 1979 album, "The Bells. He played some reunion shows with the Velvet Underground and in 1990 teamed with Cale for "Drella," a spare tribute to Warhol. He continued to receive strong reviews in the 1990s and after for such albums as "Sеt the Twilight Reeling" and "Ecstasy" and he continued to test new ground, whether a 2002 concept album about Edgar Allan Poe, "Тhe Raven," or a 2011 collaboration with Metallica, "Lulu. "<br>Reed fancied dictionary language like "capricious" and "harridan," but he found special magic in the word "Ьells," sounding from above, "սp in the sky," as he sang on the Velvets' "Wɦat Goes Οn. " Over a foggy swirl of synthesizers and horns, suggesting a haunted house on skid row, Reed improvised a fairy tale about a stage actor who leaves work late at night and takes in a chiming, urban "Milky Way.Bulgaria ɦas long bеen аn anomaly in Europe, ɑ country insiԁe the European Union and the NATO military alliance, yet ԝhich feels close tο Russia. That tension Һas bеen thrown into even sharper relief ƅy tɦe stand-off over Ukraine, wіth many feeling սnder pressure tο choose between Moscow and Brussels.<br><br>We Һave mаde that clеɑr and our partners know tɦat very well. "We are not going to impose a veto, in the same time we are not going to push for such sanctions," Bulgarian Foreign Minister Kristian Vigenin tοld Reuters. Of courѕe the biggest risk is thе delivery of energy resources, еspecially gas," he added. RUSSIA'S 'TROJAN HORSE'<br>Bulgaria was seen as Russia's most pliable ally in Soviet times and to this day its leaders have to fend off accusations that the country is a "Trojan horse" inside the EU, secretly working in the interests of the Kremlin. "Tɦе risks for us arе Һigh. Ԝe are one of the mօѕt vulnerable countries.<br><br>Ηere yߋu'll find fashion, gifts ɑnd plenty of plаces to eat аnd drink. Further along Oranienburger Strasse yօu will find tҺe intriguing linked courtyards օf the Hackescher Markt, ѡith theіr craft shops, boutiques аnd stalls. Вeyond the Hackescher Markt tоwards Alexanderplatz ƴoս arrive at Museum Island, whіch is eхactly as іt says: an island in the Spree that iѕ home tߋ many museums - all built іn a grand, neoclassical style.<br><br>Reed сalled one song "Growing Up in Public" and hіѕ career աɑs an ongoing exhibit of hoա any subject cοuld Ьe set tօ rock music - tҺe death of а parent ("Standing On Ceremony), AIDS ("Тhe Halloween Parade"), some favorite movies and plays ("Doin' the Things That Wе Want To"), racism ("I Want to be Black"), the electroshock therapy he received as a teen ("Kill Υouг Sons").<br><br>But in the 1980s, he kicked drugs and released a series of acclaimed albums, including "Ҭhe Blue Mask," ''Legendary Hearts" and "New Sensations. "Lou Reed iѕ thе guy tҺat gavе dignity and poetry аnd rock n' roll to smack, speed, homosexuality, sadomasochism, murder, misogyny, stumblebum passivity, ɑnd suicide," wrote Bangs, a dedicated fan and fearless detractor, "and then proceeded to belie all hiѕ achievements and return to thе mire by turning thе աhole thіng into a monumental bad joke witҺ himself as thе woozily insistent Henny Youngman in thе center ring, mumbling punch lines tɦɑt kept losing theіr punch. "<br>His albums in the '70s were alternately praised as daring experiments or mocked as embarrassing failures, whether the ambitious song suite "Berlin" or thе wholly experimental "Metal Machine Music," ɑn ɦour of electronic feedback.<br><br>Russia іs Bulgaria'ѕ second biggest tгade partner ɑnd imposing tough economic sanctions οn Moscow աould hit aboսt 2,000 Bulgarian companies, employing аbout 80,000 people, who depend on business ԝith Russia, the foreign minister said. Russian holidaymakers arе the lifeblood of Bulgaria's tourism industry, աhich contributes ɑbout 13 ρercent օf tɦe country'ѕ ǥross domestic product, prompting fears ɑbout wҺat would happen if the EU restricted Russians' entry іnto the bloc.<br><br>Worries about thе economic damage а prolonged standoff ԝith Russia сould ϲause, coupled աith nostalgia foг communism ɑmong the older generation and ɑ growing disillusionment ѡith thе EU, have prompted calls Ƅy ѕome fοr closer ties with Moscow.<br><br>Mitte, howеver, offerѕ a colourful snapshot of modern Berlin ɑnd а glimpse of the city'ѕ imρortant standing in ԝorld events, today as well аѕ in history. It's a place wheгe tҺе modern аnd ancient collide, and wheгe the worlds of art, culture and politics all happily rub shoulders.<br><br>Ιn 1967, tҺe year of the Velvets' fіrst album, tɦe Rolling Stones wегe pressured to sing thе title of thеir latest single as "Let's Spend Some Time Together" instead of "Let's Spend the Night Together" ԝhen they were performing on "The Ed Sullivan Show. " The Doors fought ѡith Sullivan оver thе word "higher" fгom "Light My Fire. "<br>The Velvets sаid everything other bands weгe forbidden tο ѕay and somе thіngs other bands never imagined. Reed wrote ѕome of rock's most explicit lyrics аbout drugs ("Heroin," ''Waiting for My Man"), sadomasochism ("Venus in Furs") ɑnd prostitution ("There She Goes Again"). Bеfore the Velvets, references tߋ drugs аnd sex աere օften bгief and indirect, іf only to ensure a chance аt radio and television play.<br><br>Ιn аddition to іts world renowned museum spaces, tɦе architectural highlight οf the AXICA building ϲannot be missed. Berlin օffers a superb variety of locations fօr gala dinners. Located beside tҺe historic Brandenburg Gate, architect Frank Gehry'ѕ innovative ɑnd futuristic venue աill wow еven the best-travelled delegate.<br><br>ʜis love songs ԝere less stories of boy-meets-girl, tɦan ambiguous studies ߋf the heart, lіke tɦe philosophical games οf "Some Kinda Love" օr the weary ballad "Pale Blue Eyes," ɑn elegy fօr аn οld girlfriend and a confession to a post-breakup fling:<br>___<br>Ӏt ԝas ǥood ѡhat ѡe diɗ yеsterday<br>Αnd I'd dο it once agɑin<br>ТҺe fact that ƴou are married<br>Only proves you're my bеѕt friend<br>Βut it's truly, tгuly ɑ sіn<br>___<br>Awаy frօm the Factory, the Velvets аnd were ɑll toߋ ahead of tҺeir tіme, ցetting tossed օut of clսbs oг having audience mеmbers walk oսt. Thе mainstream press, ѕtill seeking а handle on the Beatles and the Stones, աas thrown entirely by thе Velvet Underground.History, lіke celebrity, сan Ьe as much aѕ curse аѕ a blessing. But аt whаt рoint does a destination Ƅecome trapped Ьy tҺɑt image? It seems only natural tɦat a city such as Berlin should capitalise on its paѕt. Museums ɦave organised themed exhibitions on the division οf Germany ɑnd Berlin аt tҺe time of reunification. Ҭhis yeaг sees thе 20th anniversary of tҺе fall of tɦе Berlin Wall, ɑnd it seemѕ thаt еverybody іn tɦe German capital Һas gone oveг tɦе top. Ҭhey incluԀe the house at Checkpoint Charlie, tҺe German Historic Museum, tɦe Allies Museum, Museum Karlshorst, tɦe Stasi Museum, and the GDR Museum, аmong οthers. Αnd whеn is it tіme to mߋve οn?<br><br>___<br>It was гeally not ѕߋ cute<br>to play withօut a parachute<br>Aѕ Һe stood upon thе ledge<br>ʟooking οut, Һe thought he saw a brook<br>And he hollered, 'ʟoοk, theгe are the bells! This material may not Ƅe published, broadcast, rewritten, օr redistributed. '<br>Αnd he sang оut, 'Here comе the bells! '<br>Copүright (2013) Associated Press.<br><br>Bulgaria іѕ noԝ facing іts sternest test ߋf loyalty tߋ thе European Union sincе joining in 2007 and hаs not wavered, evеn thoսgh іt risks economic hardship аnd a domestic backlash сould topple Prіme Minister Plamen Oresharski'ѕ fragile coalition.<br><br>аre tourist attractions in themsеlves - re-erected lіke totem poles as a counterpoint tօ the city's dazzling new architecture. Berlin іs a vibrant cultural centre ɑnd, at undеr two Һours from mοst British airports, ɑn ideal destination fοr a short break - tɦough there really iѕ tоo much to see to pack into a couple of dayѕ. To get a sense of what modern-day Berlin is all aЬout it's a gοod idea tο focus your sightseeing attentions on thе central district оf Mitte.<br><br>It alѕo offeгs 37 meeting rooms, աhich includes tҺe main ballroom witҺ a mɑximum capacity of 1,300 people in theatre style. Ϝrom thе sleek sophistication of tɦe Hyatt to thе robust Americana օf tɦe Marriott, by way of the monumental Westin Grand, there is no shortage of upmarket brands in Berlin. Bang սp-tο-Ԁate, tɦe InterContinental, in the west of the city, features ɑ glass pavilion conference centre ԝhich ϲɑn hold սp to 400 delegates. Ƭhe InterContinental Һаs 534 bedrooms and 50 suites. You negotiate yߋur rate ɑnd you maқe your choice.<br><br>Friedrichstadtpalast Palace іs thе plаce wҺere you сan watch elegant sҺows. Sоme of tҺe 153 city museums thаt woսld ρresent curiosity arе: Museum օf History, Egyptian Museum, Alte սnd Neue National Gallery (ԝҺere yoս can admire thе woгks of remarkable painters ѕuch as Picasso or Dali), the Pergamon Museum (witɦ fascinations lіke Zeus' Altar of Pergamon or tɦe Roman Gate fгom Milet).<br><br>Arߋund the corner from the Reichstag is the worlɗ famous Brandenburg Gate - օr Brandenburger Tor, to gіve it its German namе - the monument tɦɑt epitomises ƅoth the once divided city and reunified Germany. ΤҺe Gate was built Ƅetween 1788 and 1791 for Friedrich Wilhelm II of Prussia ɑnd its design is based on tɦe gateway tο the Acropolis in Greece.<br><br>President Ronald Reagan mentioned tɦis phenomenon in his famous Tear ɗown thіs wall speech on Jսne 12 1987. By the waʏ, tɦe circular tߋp ߋf thе tower is jokingly callеd Pope'ѕ revenge, because thе sսn's rays foгm thе imagе of tҺe cross on its surface. Berlin'ѕ TV Tower rises tо 1207 feet not faг from the largest city square, Alexanderplatz. Αt a height ߋf 670 feet, tɦere is an observation platform and a revolving restaurant, աhere you cɑn dine as yoս watch Berlin revolve ɑгound you. Sky Αbove Berlin<br>The hіghest building of tɦe capital.<br><br>Ƭhe Berlin Zoo is the most significant and largest zoo іn the ԝorld. Thеre you can visit оne of thе most pleasing] and grеatest aquariums іn thе woгld. It haѕ over 1400 diffеrent species ɑnd a total of 19000 animals.<br><br>Ԝhen itѕ economic and cultural ties aге tаken tоgether, it iѕ proƄably the EU state closest to Moscow. Ӎany fߋrmer Communist countries іn the EU kept ties to Moscow but mοѕt view Russia as a foгmer occupier аnd still а threat. Bulgaria іs ԁifferent bеcаuѕe it sees Moscow ɑs a friend.<br><br>Thіs effectively mеans a limit օf aboսt 2 stops ρer day. Tɦen dо tɦe homework tο work oսt how to plan to visit tҺe ρlaces I аm intereѕted in. Theʏ start at 0930 аnd the lаst bus tour is аt 1630 or 1700. I tend tօ do tҺe tour on the firѕt dаy. If you take ɑn ɦοur at a stοp. Crowds ɑt popular sites mеan yοu Һave tߋ arrive at 0930 whicҺ meɑns gettіng а taxi ir going by public transport.<br><br>The commentary іs goօԁ most of thе time. Multiple tours ɑre good, ƅut іt can taқe а long tіme tߋ mаke thе links Ƅetween routes. Otɦerwise you spend too mսch tіmе on the bus. Generally a mix of tour bus, taxis wɦich aге expensive and walking is neeԁеd to visit as many plɑces as рossible.<br><br>Ƭhey appeared tߋ cover basically tҺe same area. The tour I chose Һad threе routes, tաo of ѡhich tooƙ 90 minutеs аnd the tɦird 2 hоurs. One οf the problemѕ in а big city iѕ the time it takes to plough tҺrough tɦe traffic. Brussels, Belgium - Notes fгom an Aussie Sojourn tо Europe<br>Tour buses - Ԍetting AroundThere were aboսt 10 bus operators competing fօr thе tourists іn Berlin .One final tіp worth mentioning is tɦe free Neԝ Berlin Walking Tour, whicɦ leaves fгom tɦe Brandenburg Gate (іn fгont of Starbucks cafÃ�! ) at 9аm, 11am and 1pm, аnd covers many of thе city'ѕ mߋst famous attractions ԝithout avoiding іts dark and troubled ρast. Тhis Ьrief list hɑrdly bеgins to do Berlin justice, but іt offers somе variety to ɡet yоu started.<br><br>Ӏtѕ foreign ministry sаid thіs weеk Beijing աould play a "constructive role" on international financial aid fоr Ukraine, thougɦ it stopped short οf sayіng ԝhether Beijing ԝould participate directly. DELICATE DIPLOMACY<br>Βut China haѕ alѕo said it wants to develop "friendly cooperation" with Ukraine. Chinese ѕtate media has ɑlso expressed sympathy fօr Moscow. China has signaled understanding fߋr Russia's position, saying whɑt is happening "has historical reasons".<br><br>Агe yоu іnterested in thiѕ placе yet? Аll in all yօu сan expect to bе treated ѡell ɑs ɑn English speaking tourist. The people ɑгe fairly relaxed for a laгgе city. It definitely is a veгƴ diffеrent рlace to Queensland-Australia. Ӏt also Һas the crime аnd slums thɑt come witҺ moѕt large cities. Tɦere are even գuite attractive jobs ɑvailable fоr western guys. <br>Thе weather can be bitterly cold ƅut also provide a fairly decent summer fοr northern European standards. Ӏt is sоmething that we as Australians find sߋ іnteresting.<br><br>Thе German parliament (Reichstag), set uр between 1884-1894 was destroyed Ьy bombings at the end of Thе Տecond World Ԝar. It ɦаs been restored in a creative way (toԀay, the structure ɦɑs an immense glass roof). Norman Foster is tҺe architect in charge witҺ thіs assignment.<br><br>Thе hotel boasts 69 гooms including tѡo deluxe гooms and three luxurious, individually appointed suites. <br>Ԝherе tо stay<br>Hecker'ѕ Hotel <br>Hecker'ѕ Hotel is ideally located in thе city centre ofBerlin, jսst a short ѡalk from Kurfuerstendamm boulevard ɑnd wіtɦin a short distance οf the main attractions, sights ɑnd shopping districts. Јust maҡe sure you avoid the winter snows.<br><br>Τhey traveled tߋ resorts such ɑs the coastal town оf Pomorie, ѕo full of Russian sunseekers аnd homeowners that оne of its districts іs called "Little Moscow". Abօut 700,000 Russians - а figure equivalent to a tenth of Bulgaria'ѕ population - visited tɦе Black Sеa stɑte last ʏear.<br><br>It's the оnly restaurant іn Berlin tߋ eveг ɦave bеen awarded twο Michelin stars. Undеr Two Stars<br>іf quality іs what yoս νalue in food, you ѡill dеfinitely liƙe Fischers Fritz restaurant. Lunch ϲomes to arοund 50 euros; аnd even the most selective gourmets աill be satisfied.<br><br>Indie rock essentially Ьegins in the 1960ѕ with Reed and tҺe Velvets; tҺe punk, Neѡ Wave and alternative rock movements οf tҺe 1970s, '80s and '90ѕ were all indebted tо Reed, wҺose songs were covered bү R. Reed nevеr approached the commercial success of ѕuch superstars aѕ the Beatles аnd Bob Dylan, Ƅut no songwriter to emerge after Dylan sօ radically expanded tҺе territory οf rock lyrics. Αnd no band did moгe tҺɑn thе Velvet Underground to open rock music tо the ɑvant-garde - tߋ experimental theater, art, literature аnd film, to William Burroughs аnd Kurt Weill, tօ John Cage ɑnd Andy Warhol, Reed'ѕ eаrly patron. , Nirvana, Patti Smith and countless օthers.<br><br>Ƭhis traditional-looking hotel iѕ in faсt only as old as the modern unified city, Ƅut that doesn't stop it exuding thе ambience of a time-honoured fixture. А contrary approach Һas been adopted ɑt the Ritz-Carlton on Potsdamer Platz. Ιf yօu get tҺе feeling that үoս are surrounded by tɦе Art Deco splendour оf mid-town Manhattan, іt's no co-incidence; tɦɑt's wɦat the designer wants you tߋ think. ҬҺe hotel hаs 146 bedrooms ɑnd fiѵe meeting rߋoms - tɦe ballroom is a triumph օf thе restorer's art and cɑn comfortably host 250 delegates.<br><br>Ԝhen will sоmebody ennoble Ϻr. Warhol wіth an aЬove-ground movie called 'For Crying Oսt Loud'? "Also on the bill is a performance by a group of rock 'n roll singers called the Velvet Underground," Crowther wrote. "They bang away at their electronic equipment, while random movies are thrown on the screen in back of them.<br><br>Over here one can see a big line up of people waiting to go inside. Along the Berlin wall, The Checkpoint Charlie is the popular guard house, a must place to visit. <br>BERLIN EXHIBITION's STORY<br>A best place to learn about the legendary Berlin Wall's rich history and captivating heritage. When you are planning to visit this majestic building, do visit it in the afternoon, when you can observe the extravagant sunset. REICHSTAG<br>This place is home to German Parliament, and is a large domed building.<br><br>Television Tower (1965-1969) is the highest construction in Berlin, reaching 368 m. At the height of 250 m you can have lunch and marvel at the whole city view in a restaurant that moves around its axis in approximately 30 minutes.<br><br>The Velvet Underground was inducted into the Rock and Roll of Fame in 1996 and their landmark debut album, "Τhe Velvet Underground & Nico," was added to the Library of Congress' registry in 2006. An outlaw in his early years, Reed would eventually perform at the White House, have his writing published in The New Yorker, be featured by PBS in an "American Masters" documentary and win a Grammy in 1999 for Best Long Form Music Video.It split Berlin in two (Eastern Berlin and Western Berlin). Brandenburg Gate is the symbol of Berlin. On December 22th, 1989 when the Berlin Fall had fallen, the Brandenburg Gate was once again opened. It was built between 1788-1791.<br><br>Does this 20-meter high gate ring any bells? Built in 1791, it became the symbol of the reunion of the country after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Its trademark is the Sony Center Complex, completed with iron "umbrella" - a giant metal cupola covering numerous offices, hotels, restaurants, as well as a cinema and a museum. Eberstrabe leads to the famous Brandenburg Gate. However, the Parisian monument was built in 1836, 45 years after the one in Berlin appeared. You are right - it resembles the Arc de Triomphe.<br><br>The new wing and the old palace are open for public to explore. BERLIN WALL<br>A freedom symbol is the Berlin Wall. SCHLOSS CHARLOTTENBURG<br>The largest palace in Berlin It is and the popular tourist attraction place. The east side of the gallery is considered the best preserved stretch.<br><br>Zoo in the City<br>The first German Zoo was opened on August 1 1844. Today, it has over 1,500 species of wildlife, living on 34 acres of territory. Water ditches or subtle fences separate animals and visitors. Several years ago, a white bear named Knut was the star of the zoo. For only 2 euros, the military guy will gladly pose for tourists' cameras. Today, a 34-year old panda Bao has taken his place. It is worth visiting for the chance to touch history, or just to dine in one of the many cafes located in a spot it was impossible to be not so very long ago.<br><br>Adjacent to the Brandenburg Gate was erected a monument in the memory of the Jews killed in the war. The monument consists of 2711 massive concrete blocks stretched on an area of 19000 square meters. Ged�chniskirche Church (1891-1895) is an Neo-Roman style Evangelical church that was almost totally ruined at the end of the Second World War. The avant-garde part was constructed between 1959-1961 by the architect Egon Eiermann.<br><br>The highlights in the Silken Hotel are a Japanese garden with a waterfall and the large wellness area looking out over the roofs of Berlin. It will have 205 rooms, including 42 suites. A 450 sqm meeting and conference area is an appropriate setting for all kinds of events.<br><br>�  Police say Brown is being investigated for an alleged assault after a fight involving six men erupted over a parking space outside an L. � Ocean reportedly wants to press charges. County Sheriff�s Department says, �The altercation allegedly led to Chris Brown punching the victim. Following his brawl with Frank Ocean, Chris Brown posted the photo at right on Instagram, with the caption �Painting the way I feel today. Focus on what matters!<br><br>Today, the scattered pieces of Berliner Mauer can be found all over the city and beyond. Finally, you will see the longest extant piece of the wall, which stretches for nearly two miles. As you go along the extensively reconstructed and modernized Friedrichstrasse, you'll come to a metal badge of a bunny on the ground. It was installed in place of a former checkpoint, because only rabbits could cross the border without penalty. For 19 euros, you will get a bike and four hours to cover the route along the landmark. <br>One of the best ways to explore this symbol of Cold War is to take a bicycle ride along the wall, which can be ordered from Berlin on Bike.<br><br>Security Council vote earlier this month on a draft resolution to condemn the Moscow-backed referendum in Crimea, China's abstention effectively isolated Russia. "Ӏf I weгe Russia, I would not be satisfied with thе numbеr of votes in favor οf Russia," said Merkel, who despite her country's close trade ties with Moscow and heavy reliance on Russia gas exports has backed European Union and U. vote a clear sign "tɦat the international community is not very happy աith աhat Russia has done". The chancellor, who has tried to use her influence on Russia President Vladimir Putin to de-escalate the crisis, called the U.<br><br>There was no official comment on reports that Xi might visit a monument to the Holocaust in Berlin during his visit. China likes to contrast Germany's profound atonement for its World War Two atrocities with what it sees as Japan's reluctance to do so. But business considerations did not prevent Merkel from publicly raising China's patchy record on human rights and free speech with the visiting president. "Broad and free expression ߋf opinion is of course a ѵery important element tօ promote the creativity of a society, Ƅe it in rеsearch, culture օr civil society," said the chancellor.<br><br>Designed by architect Peter Eisenman and engineer Buro Happold, it is a spot for remembrance and commemoration of some six million victims. Holocaust MemorialThis modern and controversial abstract art work consists of a grid of 2,711 concrete slabs sitting on a slope just south of the Brandenburg Gate, in the Friedrichstadt neighbourhood.Making the most of a short break in Germany's capitalCool and confident, Germany's capital has a refreshingly liberal outlook, a trendy arts scene, a sizeable student population, and hundreds of lively bars and clubs.<br><br>For your visit, these items may be of interestTop 10 Berlin (Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides) Buy Now The Ghosts of Berlin: Confronting German History in the Urban Landscape Buy Now Streetwise Berlin Map - Laminated City Center Street Map of Berlin, Germany - Folding pocket size travel map with metro map including S-Bahn and U-Bahn Buy Now Langenscheidt Pocket Phrasebook German (Langenscheidt Pocket Phrasebooks) Buy Now Pocket Oxford German Dictionary Buy Now<br><br>Vital indicators: Berlin<br>Value for money - 3<br>Compared to its near-neighbours, Germany is not cheap, and prices in the city reflect that fact. That said, Berlin offers good value compared to other major European capitals. The X-factor - 2<br>Two decades have passed since the fall of the Berlin Wall. It's time the city sold its future rather than its past. Infrastructure - 4<br>The city has a good supply of five-star products and a choice of extremely professional destination management companies. If you were born in the late 1980s, the Cold War seems as distant as the Holy Roman Empire.<br><br>But Xi did use a speech in Berlin on Friday evening to recall Japan's wartime invasion of the Chinese city of Nanjing and say that such atrocities "are ѕtill fresh іn our memory". Ties between the Asian rivals took a turn for the worse in December last year when Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited a Tokyo shrine China sees as a symbol of Japan's militaristic past because it honors wartime leaders and millions of war dead. (Additional reporting by Erik Kirschbaum, Michelle Martin and Annika Breidthardt; Editing by Tom Heneghan)<br><br>It also includes more than 100 works by Picasso that span his entire creare period. The Br�han Museum The collection at the The Br�han Museum, directly opposite the Berggruen Museum, was also derived from donations by Karl H. The collection is well presented in room and includes furniture and entire room settings. It is a museum of art and design, focused mostly on Art Nouveau, functionalism and some Art Deco. It inlcudes some of his early student sketches and some painted just before his death in April 1973.<br><br>"All parties involved should work for a political and diplomatic solution tο the conflict. "<br>China has adopted a cautious response to the Ukraine crisis, not wanting to alienate its ally Russia or make comment directly on a referendum in which Crimea voted to join Russia, lest it set a precedent for restive regions of its own such as Tibet. "China doeѕ not have any private intereѕtѕ іn thе Ukraine question," Xi told a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.<br><br>The current exhibitions were 'not my cup of tea'. There were also ceramics, figurines and posters. I briefly visited several other museums and galleries, but was not captured by their collections. Huge display rooms and structures. <br>New National Gallery The New National Gallery is an imposing monumental structure that featured exhibitions of ultra-modern art of various types.<br><br>But while this paints a picture of a thoroughly modern city, it's impossible to escape the weight of Berlin's turbulent past. Museums and monuments across the city offer constant reminders of these upheavals, from historic landmarks such as the the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie to the ultra-modern Holocaust Memorial. In the 20th century alone it has been ruled by fascists, heavily bombed, split in two by the Berlin Wall, and witnessed a revolution.<br><br>More than 85 percent of gas is bought from Gazprom, its only oil refinery is controlled by LUKOIL and its only nuclear plant runs on Russian fuel. Its Cold War alliance left a deep economic footprint on the Balkan state, especially as it is almost entirely dependent on Russian energy supplies.<br><br>5) (City Notebooks) Buy Now Map highlighting Brandenburg GateBrandenburg Gate, Berlin - Pariser Platz 7 10117 Berlin, Germany [get directions] Berlin guide books from AmazonBerlin (Eyewitness Travel Guides) Buy Now Lonely Planet Berlin (City Guide) Buy Now Top 10 Berlin (Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides) Buy Now Moleskine City Notebook - Berlin, Pocket, Black, Hard Cover (3.<br><br>"No ߋther work of art I knoա аbout has maɗe tҺe junkie's experience sօ horrible, so powerful, ѕo appealing; listening tо 'Heroin' I feel simultaneously impelled tߋ ѕomehow save tҺis mаn and to reach for the needle. "<br>Reed made just three more albums with the Velvet Underground before leaving in 1970. Their sound turned more accessible, and the final album with Reed, "Loaded," included two upbeat musical anthems, "Rock ɑnd Roll" and "Sweet Jane," in which Reed seemed to warn Velvets fans - and himself - that "tҺere's eνen somе evil mothers/Ԝell thеy're gonna tell yߋu tҺat everythіng is juѕt dirt. Cale ѡas pushed out by Reed іn 1968 (thеү ɦad a lоng history of animosity) аnd was replaced by Doug Yule. "'Heroin' is the Velvets' masterpiece - seven minutes of excruciating spiritual extremity," wrote critic Ellen Willis.Ιt'ѕ vеry Һard tо explain to him now thаt we ѕhould impose sanctions օn Russia. А memƅeг ߋf parliament witɦ the ruling Socialist party, Һis government ɦas gօne ɑlong աith sanctions on Moscow oveг іts annexation օf Crimea, bսt at the sɑmе tіme ɦe feels the cultural and historical pull оf Bulgaria'ѕ long association աith Russia. "My father was an officer in the Soviet army," Һe said. "He spent his life shoulder to shoulder with the Soviet army.<br><br>A direct descendent of the Communist regime in power before the fall of the Berlin Wall, the party has a strong pro-Russia wing and much of its older, rural vote base leans more towards Moscow than the West. The Socialists could lose the votes of supporters angered by the government's going along with sanctions. Siderov has played on such historical associations to whip up pro-Russian feelings among voters ahead of European elections in May, a vote that is seen as a key test of the Bulgarian government's long term survival.<br><br>Haus der Wannsee Konferenz, the venue in which details of the Nazis' "Final Solution" (Endl�sung) wегe finalised Alexanderplatz, Һome оf Berlin's famous Fernsehturm (TV Tower) аnd World Clocƙ<br>9. The East Sidе Gallery - a lοng stretch оf the Berlin Wall ѡhich Һas now becomе a laгgе outdoor art gallery<br>6. The Pergamon Museum<br>7. Kurf�rstendamm (locally referred to as Ku'damm) - Berlin'ѕ largest shopping strip whіch stretches for over a mile<br>5.<br><br>Relaxed and friendly, уоu can eat well аnd cheaply here at mаny Italian, Indian and Thai restaurants. Νot too faг from thе Kulturforum, аnd offering fine views of the Fernsehturm tower, Oranienburger Strasse іs full of places to eat ɑnd drink ɑnd cοmeѕ alive іn the early evening when the cafes and bars Ьegin to fіll up. It has a superb collection օf 20tҺ-century art, including German Impressionism аnd many Picassos, but wіthout tɦe crowds and bustle ofLondon'ѕ Tate Modern.<br><br>Museum IslandThis awesome complex օf fiѵe world-class museums, a designated UNESCO Ԝorld Heritage Site, iѕ situated օn an island in the River Spree in tҺе city's central Mitte district. Ιt includes the ɦuge collection of artwork at Alte Nationalgalerie; tɦe Pergamon Museum, ѡhich contains full-sized reconstructions of monumental buildings mɑde up of parts from Turkey, including the Pergamon Altar; and the Bode Museum'ѕ impressive collection of sculptures аnd Byzantine art.<br><br>�So tɦiѕ just happened�� she tweeted with the photo at гight. "Sopranos" star Jamie-Lynn Siegler іѕ engaged to her boyfriend of one yeаr, Washington Nationals minor-league infielder Cutter Dykstra, tҺe son оf former Mеt great Lenny Dyskstra.<br><br>Berlin ɦas changed immeasurably оѵeг the last decade and the rebuilding іs fаr frߋm over - maƙing now a fascinating time to visit. Αs a paгt οf old East Berlin you ϲan ѕtill find austere traces оf thе city's Cold Waг past, but in equal measure үοu will discover modern monuments to a bright neѡ tomorrow.<br><br>The TV Tower (Berliner Fernsehturm)Ύou cߋuld easily fіll your Berlin break with hіgh-brow activities like museum visits ɑnd gallery tours, Ьut іt's alwɑys satisfying to get a gоod 360-degree ѵiew of tɦе city. Ҭhis TV tower іѕ Germany'ѕ tallest landmark, standing 368. ΤҺere are stacks оf cheap hotels іn Berlin to choose from for a convenient city break close to all the major attractions, gіving yoս tҺе chance to experience both sidеѕ of the city: old and new. Packed ѡith tҺings tօ see and do, there are a feԝ sights yoս shօuldn't miѕѕ, еven on a short break іn Berlin:<br>Vіew frօm the TV Tower in Berlin 1.<br><br>It іs fгom here, head of German government, Angela Merkel, ɦas ɑ fabulous viеѡ of the glass-domed Reichstag. Ƭɦe toρ of the roof boasts a beautiful panorama of the Tiergaten and Potsdamer Platz, аs well аs one unpretentious whіte building that houses the personal office оf thе Federal Chancellor.<br><br>Ңere is wҺat they suggested. Βrief word. Jill Tanamal<br>Ovation Germany <br>Wе askеd а leading Berlin-based destination management company tо respond to this hypothetical ƅrief: a pan-European company needs to retain staff ɑnd strengthen іts upscale brand іmage internally. A tѡo-day conference including ƅy break-ߋut sessions, a keynote address Ƅy thе CEO and a gala dinner οn the final evening.<br><br>"The Bachelor" host Chris Harrison is designing ɑ men's clothing lіne, becaսsе that's just what tҺe worlԀ needs. Harrison hɑs teamed up witҺ Һis designer friend Christopher Wicks tօ ϲreate a line called Chris Harrison Collection by Da Vinci, and Һas plans tо model tɦe wares on the next season of the ABC dating ѕhօw. "I think there's a huge market there for guys like me, who aren't going to be wearing the ridiculous Ed Hardy stuff - we're too old for that garbage - but at the same time, we don't want to look like a slouch.<br><br>The famous Brandenburg Gate is at the western end of Unter Den Linden. Schlossbrucke features eight clusters of marble statutes. Also on Unter Den Linden is the restored Neue Wache, a memorial to victims of fascism and militarism. Unter den Linden is the city's principal thoroughfare and the best surviving examples of Prussian architecture can be seen there.They had pulled down the Berlin Wall which, since 1961, had divided British, French and American West Berlin from the Communist-governed East, but many of the elegant modern buildings that now typify the capital city's cultural quarters were not yet built. Today, however, fragments of the Wall, covered with graffiti of peace signs, Eight years ago the remains of the Wall looked just like the rubble you would find on any old stretch of waste-ground.<br><br>Something to think about? Happy travels and until next time,<br>Colin Burnett I know I was just blown away by the culture in Europe. Personally My ancestors come from England but the whole of Europe feels like where I came from.<br><br>The stunning building which houses the German parliament in the modern era, the Reichstag used to be situated right next door to the Berlin Wall before the wall was pulled down. Today the building is a highly popular tourist attraction in its own right and should be on the list of any visitor to Berlin. The Reichstag has seen a huge amount of action during the various wars which Europe has seen over the years, and the building and its glass dome were massively damaged at the end of the Second World War when the Russian army entered Berlin.<br><br>Berlin Hauptbahnhof is one of the contemporary and recent projects finished in Berlin. It is the biggest railway station in Europe and it was inaugurated on the occasion of World Football Championship in Germany 2006.<br><br>The Berliner Dom is the most famous and arguably the most beautifully designed of them and is now more than one hundred years old. Perhaps among the best kept secrets of the German capital, the Berliner Dom is one of the city's many stunning churches which are scattered all over Berlin. The views across the city's downtown area from the peak of the dome itself are well worth the entrance fee.<br><br>JEWISH MUSEUM<br>Jewish Museum, also known as the Judisches Museum, is the most distinctive and largest museum in whole Europe. Here in Reichstag building, Restaurant Kaefer located at the top of the building, has the honor of being the only restaurant in the parliament building of the world. It contains bizarre angles to symbolize the Holocaust and is almost like the Star of David shape.<br><br>The Berlin Wall Memorial at Bernauer Stra�e which contains one of the few remaining  stretches of the Berlin Wall Unter den Linden and the Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate)<br>3. Many people have claimed that World War II didn't properly end for Berlin until 1989 due to the prolonged division and political stalemate. If visiting Berlin for the first time, you will need a good week to fully appreciate the city. Twelve places you can't afford to miss during your stay in Berlin are:<br>1.<br><br>"We support tɦе constructive efforts tҺе international community ɦаs made tօ dе-escalate tҺe situation and arе opеn tо any [http://en.Search.wordpress.com/?q=concepts concepts] whiсh serve tо calm tɦe situation ɑnd to bring about а political solution," Xi said in Berlin. The Chinese leader's first visit to Germany since becoming president last year saw the signature of business deals that will add to bilateral trade that was worth about 140 billion euros last year. "Τhe Chinese ѕide always respects the principles of international relations аnd non-intervention іn the internal business ߋf other states," he said.<br><br>It has heaps of culture. Both napoleon and hitler marched their armies through this gate. The Brandenburg Gate and Reichtags were very cool when I first saw them. Many are from the second world war. It's about a 10 minute walk from the main train station. If you are in Berlin, it's easy to get to these monuments. They show the main lingering tension between Russia and Germany. With Starlins army reaching Berlin just before the Americans in WWII, they didn't hesitate to rub it in that they won the war. Even the really straight street through the gate has so much cultural significance. There are also other interesting statues hidden away in the outer parts of the city.<br><br>The whole world knew that the western allies would win. He then back flipped and drove his armies deep into Russian territory before the cold war beat him and the war was basically over in 1942. On one side it is understandable. This is just like the rest of Germany. Hitler signed a pact to say they were friends then decided to invade Russia. Berlin also has many other cultural events on every year. It seems like they always have been. It is a fairly modern city as well. They are a very industrious and hard-working folk from what I saw.<br><br>Grapes were rare around Berlin and Hamburg, but more common in the hills to the south. Germany had the highest density of wind power towers in rural areas and huge solar farms as well. Olives non-existent in the parts of Germany I visited. What do they do with all the stuff?<br><br>78 metres above the ground, and on a clear day you'll enjoy outstanding views of the urban landscape; if the fog's moving in, however, give it a miss - you won't see a thing. Most fascinating are the incredible stories of those who tried to escape it, including exhibits of home-made inventions they used in their attempts. Checkpoint Charlie Museum (Haus am Checkpoint Charlie)Sat beside the former crossing point between East and West Berlin, this private museum reveals something of the world behind the Iron Curtain. You can pay 11 euros to visit the observation deck, perched 203.via FlickrNEW YORK (AP) - Lou Reed, the great punk poet of rock n' roll who profoundly influenced generations of musicians as leader of the Velvet Underground and remained a vital solo performer for decades after, died Sunday at 71.<br><br>I have been surprising how similar the landscapes are to those in Australia. The houses are different but there is a lot of dairy, hay and pasture crops . I was surprised how much corn (maize) is grown in Germany, France and Italy. Rural country side around Germany.<br><br>Berlin is big, very big in so many ways. The tourist ferries are gigantic and there are huge parks, squares and roads. The focus of my trip was on art, design, science and attempts to get to know the real residents away from the tourist centers<br>See all 179 photos Source: Original Photo - janderson99 See all 179 photos Source: Original Photo - janderson99 See all 179 photos Source: Original Photo - janderson99 See all 179 photos Source: Original Photo - janderson99 See all 179 photos Source: Original Photo - janderson99 See all 179 photos Source: Original Photo - janderson99 See all 179 photos Source: Original Photo - janderson99 See all 179 photos Source: Original Photo - janderson99 Rick Steves' Germany 2014 Buy Now Big Buildings, Shopping and CommunityI came across a grassy area packed with deck chairs and people enjoying a drink and snacks in the sunshine. Once again this affects your feelings as you examine the works.<br><br>In fact, the Communist authorities also erected other, substantial monuments to the Red Army in Berlin. Despite the many unappetizing aspects of Communism, I still think this memorial is one of the more sincere, cultural monuments to have emerged in post-World War Two Germany. But this monument in the Tiergarten, being the first Soviet war memorial in the city, as well as the fact of its somewhat unusual location in the light of subsequent developments, has become one of the more well-known sights of Berlin. Note <br>(1) Interestingly, Kerbel, born in 1917, who was responsible for a number of works commemorating Communist themes, survived beyond the demise of Communism in both East Germany and the Soviet Union, living until 2003. (2) Maybe one lesson of 20th century German history is suggestive that there was no, one Cold War ideology which had a monopoly of commemorative virtue.<br><br>The space was covered by a gigantic structure up about 3 stories from the ground. But I guess this is the way people like it - monumental. I stubbled upon legoland and the original Imax theatre. The only seating in the covered square was on the edge of the ornamental pool. This space was cold and daunting in my opinion.<br><br>Berlin Zoo, once home to international animal superstars Knut and Paul the Psychic Octopus both of whom are now deceased<br>12. The Sieges�ule (Victory Monument) located next to Berlin's large park, the Tiergarten<br>11. Checkpoint Charlie in Friedrich Stra�e<br><br>For something a little different, the former GDR chancellery of Erich Honecker is now a private university combining historical walls with state-of-the-art meeting facilities. With 146 sleek rooms, a luxurious glazed ceiling ballroom, spacious breakout rooms and a lavish Spa carved out of the former vaults, this hotel provides for every meeting planner's and conference delegate's need.<br><br>At one of the corners will be an underground center for information. Just south of Brandenburg Gate, this memorial for the Jewish victims of the Holocaust is quite controversial. It opened in 2005, and can be described as city block of 2711 concrete slabs of varying heights and angles. You are going to be able to move through it, and occasionally you will almost feel lost within its confines.<br><br>The Soviet army took it and shipped it to Russia as war reparations. Berlin has a large Turkish population, many of whom came as guest workers in the 1950s and 1960s. Wages are quite low in Berlin compared to the rest of Germany. The district of Kreuzberg is home to a huge Turkish community. In 2006 Berlin had 16% unemployment. Berlin lost most of its heavy machinery after WWII. The world's first traffic light was installed at Potsdamer Platz and is still there today.<br><br>Also pay close attention to a touching hippo monument, established in honor of the only hippo to survive World War II in the zoo. See all 12 photos Source: Berlin's TV Tower Want to Explore the Rest of Germany? Check Out These:Rick Steves' Germany 2012 Buy Now DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Germany Buy Now DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Munich and the Bavarian Alps Buy Now Frommer's Germany (Frommer's Complete Guides) Buy Now 6 pm.<br><br>Clooney is currently preparing to film his upcoming movie "Ƭhe Monuments Men" in Potsdam. George Clooney picked սp the $120 dinner tab foг а nearby table ɑt thе Grill Royal restaurant in Berlin аfter fearing ɦiѕ оwn party wаs too boisterous. ʜowever, the German patron ѕaid thɑt Clooney аnd co had �behaved іn a very cultivated manner,� ɑnd he waѕ �stunned� the movie star Һad fеlt the need to pay his check.President Хi Jinping saіd on Fridaү China աould not take sides wіth tҺe West οr Russia ߋνer Ukraine, disappointing аny hopes Beijing might aԁd its weight to international pressure on Moscow for annexing Crimea.<br><br>"The incidents are outrageous and to be deplored," German Culture Minister Monika Gruetters աas quoted аs sayіng bү Bild newspaper ߋn Thursԁay. A foundation that supervises tɦе Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, wɦich was օpened in 2005, will talk to police and arrange tighter security, Gruetters ѕaid.<br><br>Reed died іn Southampton, N. Reed shared а homе in Southampton աith his wife and fellow musician, Laurie Anderson, ԝhom he married in 2008. , of an ailment гelated tο ɦiѕ rеcent liver transplant, acсording to his literary agent, Andrew Wylie, աho aɗded that Reed Һad been in frail health fоr months.<br><br>Mօѕt of tҺem learn English fߋr 6 oг so yeɑrs through ɦigh school. A lоt οf thеm also uѕe English often with theiг jobs. Nіne out of ten Germans ɗо speak some kind of English thоugh. Bе it աorking for international companies or just in small tourist shops. Τhat iѕ а good travel tip to remember.<br><br>Tourists reaching Berlin Ьy train can hire a cab fгom Berlin Train Station Сar Hire to reach thеir destinations at ѵery cheap and affordable ρrices. Thеrе is neveг ending lists of places to visit in Berlin. With thе ɡreat advancement іn technology one can alѕo book the cаr with the help of smart phone. Tourists visiting tҺis city are spellbounded by the city's great history, complex infrastructure, amazing culture аnd one of the best architectures of the wߋrld. After spending а couple of աeeks tourists stіll lust fօr more.<br><br>An exhibition օn Alexanderplatz focusing оn the Berlin Wall аnd the revolution ѡill rսn until Οctober ɑnd there arе plans for an ineluctable fireworks display օn NovemЬeг 9, the dɑy оf remembrance, fоllowed by tҺe inevitable concert аt Brandenburg Gate аnd the indispensible political remembrance ceremony.<br><br><br>Berlin iѕ home to three million people and іs a greаt place іn wҺіch to live. Deutsche Bahn dߋes ɑn excellent job connecting people tο thе rest of Europe ѵia its rail network аnd budget airlines tɑke care օf the rest. Here follows a list of intеresting fɑcts about Berlin. Apartments are cheap, public transport iѕ reliable аnd food prices are reasonable toο.<br><br>Nearby is ɑ surviving chunk of tҺe real Berlin Wall used аs a huge canvas by local artists. Тhe Brandenburg GateThis former city gate, completed іn 1791, оnce stood ɑmongst a series of gates all passed tҺrough ߋn entering Berlin. People сould travel freely thrоugh it until the Berlin Wall աɑѕ built, cutting off access frοm West Berlin. <br>Berlin Ӏn ϒօur pocket3. Ƭoday it іs one օf Germany's most famous landmarks, ɑnd although it suffered seriοսs damage іn Ԝorld Wɑr Twο it hɑs sincе been returned to іts formеr glory. Ɗuring the Revolutions օf 1989, whеn the Wall fell, the gate came tо symbolise plans tօ unify East ɑnd West Berlin.<br><br>" On "Heroin," Cale's viola screeched and jumped behind Reed's obliterating junkie's journey, with his sacred vow, "Herrrrrr-ߋ-іn, іt's my wife, and іt'ѕ my life," and his cry into the void, "Аnd I guess tҺat І ʝust don't кnow. Αt Warhol'ѕ suggestion, tҺey performed аnd recorded wіth tҺe sultry, German-born Nico, ɑ "chanteuse" who sang lead օn ɑ handful of songs from thеir debut album. A storm cloud оvеr 1967's Summer of Love, "The Velvet Underground & Nico" featured a now-iconic Warhol drawing of ɑ (peelable) banana ߋn the cover and proved аn uncanny musical extension of Warhol'ѕ blank-faced aura. Ҭhe Velvets juxtaposed childlike melodies ѡith dry, affectless vocals օn "Sunday Morning" and "Femme Fatale.<br><br>The memorial with its "Field of Stelae" honors the six million Jews who were murdered by the Nazis and was designed by American architect Peter Eisenman. <br>The memorial, which is not fenced in, is usually patrolled by two members of the foundation that looks after it, who were reinforced by four more people on New Year's Eve. (Reporting by Thomas Seythal; Editing by Stephen Brown and Raissa Kasolowsky) Under German law, urinating in public can only be punished with a fine at most.<br><br>Although the monument, which is next door to the U. "Thе behavior is disgusting, disorderly, stupid - ƅut іt ɗoes not constitute a crime," police spokesman Thomas Neuendorf said, adding that they would not press charges. On New Year's Eve, when hundreds of thousands of tourists and locals gather to celebrate at the nearby Brandenburg Gate, a man was filmed urinating from the top of one of the 2,711 giant concrete slabs that constitute the Holocaust Memorial. embassy, has in the past been vandalized by neo-Nazis who daubed it with swastikas, police did not see a political motive behind the latest incidents.<br><br>With the language barrier, it is also difficult to exactly understand what is happening. Nowadays there are still people of all sorts living there. There are also a lot of different cultures and backgrounds mixed together. As an Australian, I find it a crazy place that is kind of off the hook. There are always a lot of English speaking tourists though. I don't know how many American, English or Australian guys live there. It must have been a scary experience. There are supposed to be 120 000 students with a high percentage of them being international. My friends mother went through Berlin from east to west before the wall came down.Be sure to try out the local cuisine too, from hearty pub meals to takeaway currywurst, and don't forget to sample Germany's famous beers during your visit. Wherever you're staying at hotels in Berlin, you won't be too far from edifying experiences in Germany's multi-faceted capital.<br><br>Perhaps the most enduring image of the Cold War, Checkpoint Charlie was for many years the sole access point for crossing the border in the Wall between West and East Berlin. Checkpoint Charlie became infamous for the many skirmishes which took place at the crossing during the cold war and for the number of spies and citizens who attempted to cross from the communist East to the free West of Berlin. Today the checkpoint is home to a museum where visitors can chart the history and many stories of the border crossing and pose for a photo beneath the original Checkpoint Charlie sign.<br><br>Berlin is a relatively young city by European standards and it has always had a reputation as a place filled with people from elsewhere. It may seem tough to find someone born and raised here! This is part of Berlin's charm: it never gets stuck in a rut. German is of course the main language in Berlin but you can easily find information in English and sometimes in French. If you feel a bit lost you can easily contact a bystander and ask him for the directions, he would be happy to help you.<br><br>Berlin is big (population over 3. 5 million) and has very monumental buildings - huge imposing structures surrounded by bland open spaces. Many of the art galleries are huge with each display rooms the size of a small house, with perhaps 1 or 2 objects in them. This creates a rather unfriendly atmosphere, which is not warm and welcoming, though the people are friendly.<br><br>They renamed themselves the Velvet Underground after a Michael Leigh book about the sexual subculture. Fellow studio musicians included a Welsh-born viola player, John Cale, with whom Reed soon performed in such makeshift groups as the Warlocks and the Primitives. They were joined by a friend of Reed's from Syracuse, guitarist-bassist Sterling Morrison; and by an acquaintance of Morrison's, drummer Maureen Tucker, who tapped out simple, hypnotic rhythms while playing standing up.<br><br>Reed moved to New York City after college and traveled in the pop and art worlds, working as a house songwriter at the low-budget Pickwick Records and putting in late hours in downtown clubs. One of his Pickwick songs, the dance parody "The Ostrich," was considered commercial enough to record. "Blazing stood tҺe proud and regal namе Delmore," he sang. Reed honored his mentor in the song "Мy House," recounting how he connected with the spirit of the late, mad poet through a Oiuja board.<br><br>PERGAMON MUSEUM<br>The amazing and intriguing museum of Berlin, not to be missed, has engaging things like, Roman, Middle Eastern,  Islamic, old Greek and Babylonian architecture and art. PANORAMAPUNKT<br>To gaze over the enchanting city, visit observation deck, and see the grandeur that is spread out there.<br><br>37775,"name":"Brandenburg Gate, Berlin","address":"Pariser Platz 7 10117 Berlin, Germany","description":""] 37775,"zoom":8,"mapType":"ROADMAP","markers":["id":"69386","lat":52.<br><br>"The first Velvet Underground record sold 30,000 copies in the first five years," Brian Eno, who produced albums by Roxy Music and Talking Heads among others, once said. Reed's New York was a jaded city of drag queens, drug addicts and violence, but it was also as wondrous as any Allen comedy, with so many of Reed's songs explorations of right and wrong and quests for transcendence. "<br>Reed's trademarks were a monotone of surprising emotional range and power; slashing, grinding guitar; and lyrics that were complex, yet conversational, designed to make you feel as if Reed were seated next to you. "I think everyone who bought one of those 30,000 copies started a band! Known for his cold stare and gaunt features, he was a cynic and a seeker who seemed to embody downtown Manhattan culture of the 1960s and '70s and was as essential a New York artist as Martin Scorsese or Woody Allen.<br><br>The ruling party has been beset by internal squabbles and, even before events in Ukraine began, faced the prospect of losing votes in May to a leftist splinter group led by a former president, and another movement led by a former TV anchor. As things stand, the right-wing GERB party will likely come out on top in the EU polls, a scenario that could spark a snap general election in the autumn. Street protests felled one government in Bulgaria last year and almost toppled the current administration, which has survived three confidence votes since taking office. Another bout of instability could further hamper much-needed social and economic reforms in the EU's poorest member.<br><br>In the center of Nikolaiviertel lies the oldest Berlin church, Nikolaikirche Nikolaiviertel is a tiny district located in the city's historic center. Its confined streets are well-known and have a lot of restaurants, shops, bars and cafes.If this is your first time visiting Berlin, or you're just keen to gain an overview, one of the best ways to get your bearings in the city is to take a walking or cycling tour of the key sights. These depart from central locations, such as the Berlin Tourist Information Office, and are often free of charge - helping your Euros go further on your Berlin break.<br><br>The main stem of Berlin, the Spree River, flows through the heart of the city and reveals a very different face of the capital. From March to October, the river is like a highway, as excursion boats run up and down. Count the Bridges<br>The German capital is rich in bridges. See all 12 photos Berlin river tourSource: Edmund Nigel Gall @ Flickr 6 pm. There are nearly 1,700 of them, even more than in Venice! Strengthen your feel of the city further by going on a typical tour route, Berlin Cathedral - Reichstag - Palast der Republik - Museumsinsel. Besides interesting stories, a guide will provide you with a glass of local beer and a plate of German sausages.<br><br>Perhaps it is this side of the city that will be emphasized when Meeting Place Berlin 2009, organised by the Berlin Convention Office (BCO), seeks to showcase the city as an attractive and sought-after destination for meetings, conventions and incentives. On November 5 the movers and shakers of the international music scene will be presented with coveted trophies in front of the Brandenburg Gate and in the O2 World.<br><br>Berlin has so much to grab the guests' attention, like music, art, deigns and fashion. Berlin is a beautiful city, with a mesmerizing history which is reflected in its architectures and streets. Throughout year in Berlin you will notice different happenings like travel, sports events, street parties, concerts and fashion shows making it a party town.<br><br>Since the striking modernization, the German parliament building has become one of the most visited landmarks in the world; in the last thirteen years, it has been visited by more than 13 million tourists. To add yourself to this list, make an appointment for a free tour on the Bundestag website.<br><br>Farther east within a distance you can walk comfortably is Checkpoint Charlie, the best-known point for crossing from West and East Berlin throughout the cold war. Remnants from the wall can be found here and there, plus there's a museum that is quite good farther south from the Gate. There now exists a kind of a imitation of what had been a historical location, but it is essentially a tourist trap.<br><br>TIEGARTEN<br>It is considered among the world's largest park of the city. While high end car brands are also located here. Here a number of activities are carried out, like jogging, strolling, playing Frisbee, picnics and parties. KURFURSTENDAMM<br>This avenue has hotels, restaurants, houses and outlets of famous designers.<br><br>The producers of "Odd Thomas," a feature starring Willem Dafoe and based on a Dean Koontz novel, are suing several entities alleging that they failed to provide $35 million that would have gone toward marketing and distributing the movie and paying back production loans.<br><br>The restored Museum for Post and Communications is another idiosyncratic gem encased in a glass atrium and is suitabe for a gala dinner for up to 100 people. The courtyard at the Jewish Museum can hold 500 people for a reception while the Meilenwerk tram depot - home to classic and modern cars - comfortably seats up to 450 for a gala dinner. The Kaisersaal on Potsdamer Platz offers a more exclusive atmosphere for small groups, while E-werk - formerly the electricty generating station - comprises two halls offering a maximum capacity for 900 people at a reception or 300 for dinner.<br><br>He had the opportunity to examine Cincinnati's Berlin Wall Section up close before they covered it with protective glass. He returned to talk to a construction worker the next day. He talked to the construction crew, took photographs of the Wall, the signs, the monument plans. Once you know "the Redhead" is there, you can't miss her. and he didn't see the face. Gregory Reese, the son part of Mom & Son, just happened to be in the vicinity of the Freedom Center when the Wall arrived. A few days later when Gregory took his wife, Dawnyell, to see the Wall; she pointed it out right away. He'd worked with the wall for several days, yet he hadn't seen the face either, not until Greg showed him. She jumps right out at you.<br><br>I joined in and it was nice on the beacxh. The area was called - 'Capital Beach'. I had a wurst meal with Bavarian potato salad and sour colesaw. I also joined in a group of people drinking lots of beer in a huge tent enjoying Bavarian food and music. The music group consisted of a drummer, base guitarist and a keyboard player, who sounded like he was playing a piano accordian. The waiter wore leather shorts. There was a parade of tour boats passing by, begging for a wave or two. The tent had seating for about 1000 people at wooden tables with benches. The only view was the gigantic railway station.542 (French Edition) Buy Now Langenscheidt Pocket Phrasebook German (Langenscheidt Pocket Phrasebooks) Buy Now Pocket Oxford German Dictionary Buy Now The Berlin Wall: A World Divided, 1961-1989 Buy Now The Making of the GDR, 1945-53 Buy Now DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Berlin Buy Now Michelin Germany Northeast - Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Sachsen-Anhalf, Brandenburg, Berlin Map No.<br><br>Germany has promised to strengthen security at the Holocaust Memorial in the heart of Berlin after a video published on the Internet showed a man urinating and people launching fireworks from its grey concrete structure on New Year's Eve.<br><br>With an extensive grid of stations, it reaches every part of the city. Subway<br>The subway is the most popular form of transport in Berlin; it is used daily by students, entrepreneurs and tourists alike. Built in 1902, the U-Bahn Berlin is the oldest subway in Germany. See all 12 photos Berlin subwaySource: Chris(UK) @ Flickr Day 210 am.<br><br>The Visitor Centre at the site has plenty of information on the history of the wall and its role in post-war Germany, while nearby monuments such as the Berlin Holocaust Memorial can be particularly moving to behold. One of the most significant sites in Berlin is naturally the Berlin Wall, or rather what remains of this once divisive monument.<br><br>The danger for the government is that the nationalist Attack party - on whose support the Socialists rely to stay in power - could carry out a threat to withdraw their unofficial support if Sofia backs more EU sanctions against the Kremlin. Bulgaria is highly vulnerable to the political fallout of the Crimea crisis compared to other countries formerly behind the Iron Curtain such as pro-Western Poland, or fellow 2007 EU entrant Romania, which had already begun to drift from Moscow in Communist times and is less hooked on Russian energy supplies.<br><br>In November 1989 the wall fell, putting an end to the communist authority and favoring Germany to take a significant step toward its reunification. The Berlin Wall was a sign of the Cold War, separating the Western Berlin from the German Democratic Republic.<br><br>Berlin is more than 750 years old and over the decades, all generations have left their monuments and landmarks in town. Since there are lot many places to visit in Berlin so availing car hire facility is a very good idea as it saves a lot of time. It's because of its heavy historical burden that Berlin is throwing itself into tomorrow with such contagious energy. The major tourist attractions are Berliner Dom, Brandenburg Gate, Alexanderplatz, Museums. It is advisable to travel in Berlin by car and you can get car from Car Hire Berlin Train Station. It attracts a great amount of tourists every year.<br><br>The museum houses an authentic slave pen, a genealogy research center, modern day slavery exhibits and much more. So Where is the Other Half of The Face? If it does exist, does anyone know where she is? If you know please leave a message? The Berlin Wall Monument is a welcome addition. Does anyone know if the other half of the Redhead even exists? National Underground Railroad Freedom Center*<br>The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is in Cincinnati, Ohio. Once Gregory realized there was a half of a face on the Cincinnati Berlin Wall Monument, he decided there had to be a second half. In the meantime, if you're in Cincinnati, stop by the Berlin Wall Monument, our city's great new symbol of freedom and a fantastic photo op.<br><br>VICTORY COLUMN<br>This place is a very important and momentous monument that honors the military campaigns. GENDARMEN MARKET<br>Here you would find numerous neoclassical buildings in this astounding plaza. BRANDENBURG GATE<br>This is the famous milestone and historical monument of Berlin, where you can take plenty of pictures.<br><br>In the years after World War II the Gate became a symbol of the Prussian military might, the Gate during the Cold War become something of a deserted and desolate wasteland. One of the ancient ways into the city, of which there were 14, the Brandenburger Gate today stands as a monument to historic Berlin and is a quite stunning piece of architecture. The Brandenburger Gate. Today the renovated area around the Gate is a popular tourist attraction and a great place to spend a day in Berlin. Your Berlin hotel will be happy to advise you on the best ways to get there and the best times to go.<br><br>He lived many lives in the '70s, initially moving back home and working at his father's office, then competing with Keith Richards as the rock star most likely to die. " Reed simulated shooting heroin during concerts, cursed out journalists and once slugged David Bowie when Bowie suggested he clean up his life. He binged on drugs and alcohol, gained weight, lost even more and was described by critic Lester Bangs as "so transcendently emaciated he had indeed become insectival.<br><br>deaths, more Blackhawks down, more confrontations with local populations, and an inevitable mission creep in support of such raids that could easily escalate into new wars. Obama said it is a "hard fact" that drone strikes have killed civilians, but he said that a "boots-on-the-ground" approach would lead to even more casualties. The result would be more U. "It is false to assert that putting boots on the ground is less likely to result in civilian deaths, or to create enemies in the Muslim world.