Berlin

Joe and I arrived back in London yesterday, and could *not* believe we were in London. Mid 70's to 80's and sun! Is this a parallel universe?! Rest assured there will be some picnic-ing and beer guzzling involved (for the World Cup) this weekend.

So as I was saying, we arrived back in London -- from Berlin. First visit for both of us. We were going for our first European Sales Conference and decided to tack on a weekend to roam the city with some fellow London transplants (Michelle, Rob, Sam). It's a visually crazy city, a mix of modern and old -- I took over 600 photos.

It's definitely a football crazy city right now (and I'm sure it was before). They attempted to turn everything somewhat sphere-shaped into a 'football'. Exhibit #1 and #2:

A few of our favorites in Berlin (from left to right): Reichstag Building, East Side Gallery, Tiergarten Park, cool traffic lights :) -- among a plethora of amazing architecture that seemed to be around every corner.

They also had this 'Berlin Bear' thing going on around the city, similar to the cows and apples they had around New York City. You could find them painted in different themes. During our work conference, we had a contest to see who could create the best 'Berlin Bear'. Here are some highlights :).

What topped off the whole trip was our encounter with none other than -- David Hasslehoff. Work actually hired him to belch out his tunes at our closing beach party (yah Berlin has these coool beach bars outdoors). Apparently, there is this huge fascination with him in Europe. Living proof that cheesiness sells. Help yourself to some laughs right here. If not laughs, you can help yourself to some 'Hoffetts' :). -- Joe's a fan :)

Things we learned in Berlin:

• Beer is gooooood in Germany (sko drank almost a whole pint, joe was stunned)
  
• Currywurst is yummy! (Honestly, the sausages here are delicious -- don't laugh)
  
• Germans love David Hasslehoff
• In Berlin, graffiti = art
• We don't know anything about the history of Berlin. Apparently, the Russians were there for some time (asked lots of stupid questions, Michelle can verify)
• They laughed when we asked for hip hop music, they like the electronic stuff
• Favorite Hasslehoff pun "Hot cup of Hoffee"

To view all my photos in Flickr, click on photos below to open sets:

(Photos from around Berlin)


(Photos from Berlin Conference)


(Photos from East Side Gallery)