Russia
2006 Journey Day Eleven
Berlin
, Germany
[
24 July, 2006
] A travel day from Mainz to Berlin. Total train time is 6 hours. Within minutes leaving the
connection in Frankfurt, the countryside starts. High density living in the urban areas does escalate the housing
costs; however, it does control urban sprawl.
The countryside is yellow bands of hay with accents of green crops. Modern windmills on the scale of a
10 story building dot the ridge areas. As always, the train has power outlets for computers and nice access
to a bistro train car.
Arrival in Berlin was in the new main train station - a combination old glass canopy that curves over the entire
station with modern accents of a mall of shops and more open viewing to tracks located on lower levels. The
German Capitol is located within walking distance. The station is also a symbol for the city since it is a post
"Wall coming down" true main station serving the entire city. Prior to the new station being completed just in
time for the World Cup, the main station was Berlin Zoo station located in the middle of the former West Berlin.
A quick 3 minutes train ride to the Potsdamer Platz station and it was time to check into another hotel. We
noticed that the 18 screen cinema in the Sony Center has English films and Pirates of the Carribbean will open
tomorrow. "Pirates? Pirates?"
Outside of Potsdamer Platz is a small exhibit of the Berlin Wall - with wall sections and old photos. The area
is now a major hotel, business tower, and entertainment complex. Sobering to know that from the early
1960s to the late 1980s, this area was between the double walls - or certain death if attempted to cross.
Mainz Alt Stadt Zentrum Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof Banner at Neu Berlin Hauptbahnhof
Neu Berlin Hbf Entry ICE Zug at Berlin Hbf ICE Zugen in Berlin Hbf
Lower Regional Zug in Berlin Hbf Circus with Reichstag in background Free Coke Zero
Lobby Return
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Last Updated on
July 16,
2006, CE