Berlin, Europe 2011, Day 19

After a long day of class following a really fun weekend in Berlin, we went on a tour of the Reichstag building. Reichstag is basically the Capitol of Germany, with a really rich history. Hitler served in the Reichstag. He also suspended Parliament during his reign by not reopening the Reichstag after it burned down (allegedly set by Nazi-sympathizers).

The tour was way more professional than those given by interns in DC. It’s a historian who is (supposed to be) politically neutral. We started in the entrance near the bathrooms where the Soviet troops signed their names in charcoal when they took the Reichstag during WWII and ended in the galley where anyone can watch the proceedings of the German government.

The tour was great. But, the real highlight was the Dome Tour. It was the very best audio guide that has ever existed. It was like getting a tour of Berlin from the highest point in the city.

After the tour, all the girls went to a nearby German restaurant. I had the veal sausage, which was very disconcerting since it was white. But, it was really good with a huge pretzel and mustard. We also shared a meter of beers.

In the evening, we went to an Irish Pub that was supposed to be an ex-pat hangout. When you travel with a group of 25, it’s hard to not take over a bar. Luckily it was right next to our apartment.