Berlin

Well, we are settled into a very old condo in a very old building on the Kurfurstendamm, sweltering in the heat. Berlin is in the midst of one of the hottest weeks in recent memory and we are here to enjoy it. Now, you all know me- I'd rather be too hot than too cold, but this is ridiculous. We are back to our PV summer routine of 2 showers a day, and even with that you don't want to stand too close. But the condo is fine, nestled between 2 freeways, a rotary and the S-bahn train station, with no a/c and a shower stall the size of a postage stamp. We were so spoiled at Alicia's mother's house with a huge personal bathroom and a shower door that closed....that we got lulled into a false sense of security. Watch for the picture of me trying to shave my legs in the shower (rated PG for "Pretty Grumpy"). On second thought, maybe we aren't so thrilled with the place after all... but tomorrow is our last day then it's off to St Petersburg.

So we spent the day in East Berlin (yes, I know there isn't really an East Berlin, anymore) because truly, that's where it's all happening (and happened). Took a few pictures of the Brandenburg Gate, walked the Unter del Linden and spent a few cool hours in the quaintly named "Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe". Amazingly honest. Afterwards we sat and had a beer and reflected on the fact that for once, we weren't the bad guys. (We're still a little sensitive after trips to Hiroshima and Saigon).

Tomorrow is our last day here and we had planned to return to the Eastern side, but the heat is starting to affect our judgement (maybe for the better) and so instead we are going to the Strandbad Wannsee for a swim. If it was good for Hitler it's good enough for us. We'll let you know how it all works out. TTFN