D12 – BERLIN ON DAY TWO

The Raddison Blu Hotel lobby was the rendezvous point for Karin Berning, Louise and myself. “How will you know us?” I asked during our previous evening phone call. “I’ve read your Blog,” she said. “I know you quite well.” And, she did spot us immediately.

Let me make this clear right now. You will not see any pictures of Karin during this Blog. It was a promise I made to her some time ago. However, let me try a description. She is attractive, of average height, dark hair pulled back and wears contemorary glasses. I would guess her in her fifties (based on quick math from conversations) and still wondering what life has in store for her. Not unusual for a Gemini. We retrieved our car from the bowels of the Raddison Blu and were on our way.

The first stop, not far from our hotel, was the world famous Brandenburg Gate. For so many years it was contained behind the Berlin Wall and the trace of that period is still preserved with a line of bricks that cross directly in front of the gate.

You may recall President Reagan’s challenge, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” It was delivered not far from where we’re standing.

Out in numbers were the Segway tourists, freewheeling and zooming all about the monuments. This touring device is popular here. Looks like fun but we didn’t bite.

Since we had earmarked other days for conventional tourism, Karin took us to the former site of the American military’s Berlin headquarters and residences. The American Sector was much larger than I imagined, and at one time contained 15,000 troops and their dependants.  All was commanded from these buildings. Today they’ve been returned to the German government for public use.

Our American soldiers and their families didn’t live out of pup tents for long. Apartments of this type were constructed for soldiers and their dependents. A PX was not far down the road giving them a little bit of America right smack in the middle of Russian occupied land.

Part of that “Little bit of America” included American radio provided by AFN Berlin from this building. It is said this property was once occupied by von Ribbentrop, a Nazi big wig, and was especially attractive to AFN because it already had a wall around it. AFN was always considered cushy duty on the part of other soldiers because the guys not only played records on the radio but were billeted here. That’s GI speak for where they lived.

The building has been converted to apartments but has not lost it’s place in history. Karin Berning had a part in influencing the erection of this standing plaque that tells the AFN story in Berlin. It is in German but they’re the ones who will most benefit from the memory.

AFN Berlin was the window on the West for most Germans. They not only heard American music but they learned American English. It was also a window for those trapped behind the Wall. They couldn’t get out but they could listen in.

I thought it was significant that a French car of that same period, the Citroen Deux Chevaux, was parked outside the former station.

Another remnant of the Cold War is this bridge leading to Russian occupied Potsdam. It is nicknamed, “the Spy Bridge” because it’s where the Russians and Americans exchanged their spies. You might remember the name Francis Gary Powers, former U2 pilot shot down over Russia. He was repatriated here only to die some years later in a helicopter crash while flying for a Los Angeles television station.

Our first day as Berlin tourists ended in Potsdam as Karin led us to Sanssouci, the summer house of King Frederick The Great. The French-sounding name means “Without a care,” and he had it built in 1745 as a place to get away from the rigors of his kingly duties. The small palace is but one of a number of buildings on huge acreage.

Another much larger palace was built for his relatives but was separated from Sanssouci by lots of land and water.

Louise was not up to the hike that Karin led around the grounds, so held court in this attractively shaped gazebo.

Before calling it a night, Karin suggested a restaurant, next to the Spy Bridge, that would appeal especially to me. Garage du Pont is a former gasoline service station converted to a very attractive restaurant. It honors its past with an automotive theme that features several full-size, antique cars on display.

As the name would imply, the cars are French (1944 Citroen roadster, 1930’s Simca racer and a Deux Chevaux) and the menu follows the theme with modernized French dishes. It was a great way to end our day. Nice cars, good food and a new friend. Thanks again to Karin Berning for a lovely day.

Tomorrow we tackle some sights on our own.

“Chus” from Berlin.

Louise and Ray