Berlin, Germany

Berlin

Ah, Berlin. A city of history, culture, and amazing sights.
One of my favorite things about Berlin is most everything is within walking distance.

But first, a shout out to the 24-hour market across the street from our hotel. This cute and wholesome store sold fresh fruit, Jaffa Cakes, and giant bottles of water for only 1 Euro! Compared to a few Euro per glass of water at restaurants, this place was a life saver, and allowed us to pack snacks for the remainder of the trip.

Walking through the city, there are several plazas, courtyards, nooks, and crannies in which gems are hiding. 

I found the above alleyway by accident, which was one of several little plazas that veer off from main streets in the city. This one is a plaza filled with street and trash art. The walls are plastered with street art, graffiti, posters, flyers, odds and ends. The Anne Frank museum was right around the corner, and a cafe was conveniently within smelling distance. 

Alexander Platz is one of the main squares in town, historically an old gathering place of Soviet members during the Cold War. 

The Holocaust Memorial contains 1,167 cement blocks, all ranging in size. When you look at it from the street, it looks like there's only a height difference of 2-3 feet in each one. But once you walk into the memorial, the ground dips and curves so you're standing between 13-foot slabs and creating the sensation of how Holocaust victims felt walking into the gas chambers.

Yes, this is a picture of a sand pit in a play ground. And beyond that is a parking lot. This area is significant because the parking lot is sitting atop the former home to Hitler's underground bunker, where he ultimately committed suicide at the end of WWII.

At the end of the conflicts, people couldn't decide if they wanted to keep it as a memorial and run the risk of neo-Nazis gathering behind the idea of something Hitler left behind. So in 1985, they blew the bunker up and built a parking lot and playground.

This building is one of the last remaining sites from the Third Reich.

The Berlin Dome (Berliner Dom) was by far one of my favorite things in Berlin. The architecture was beyond stunning and one of my favorite styles.


Inside the Berliner Dom, marble and exquisite decor was breathtaking.

One courtyard near the Berlin Dome was surrounded by about seven meusuems of various topics. I chose one at random, walked inside, and encountered another stunning foyer! White marble and statues everywhere, I felt like a princess walking up the strip of red carpet. 

The entrance to the National Gallery, I believe

The Reichstag Building is the house of government. If you look closely at the top, you'll see a glass dome that was added relatively recently. You can climb all the way to the top of the dome to see the surrounding area. Apparently it symbolizes how the people of country are supposed to be above (a priority) its government, while the government is below, serving and supporting the citizens.

Immediately across from the Reichstag Building is a luscious garden (Tiergarden) with bushes, flowers, trees, and walkways. Locals were lounging in the shade, and the aroma of flowers and greenery floated through the air.

I found this area so interesting...in the Tiergarten, a giant park near the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag, was this circle of giant rocks. Each rock was unique in the shape, color and arrangement. There was one giant oval shaped, black marble stone standing straight in the air; a circle of white rocks with smooth sides, a sitting area of oval rocks with smooth tops, and this one. Each rock had a word engraved into it, translated into many languages. This one, along with Peace, Freedom, and Forgiveness, is my favorite. It says Amor [Love]. On top of that, each rock had a few counties listed on it along with a year, as if they were symbols to Berlin.

The Berlin Wall 

Pieces of the Berlin Wall are scattered throughout the city in various forms. From pure, unaltered wall to mere poles to shielded bits and pieces, each monument shares a story of what the community endured during the war. 

The first piece I encountered was in the city center, near a busy intersection. Each area between the segments depicted a bit of history on the wall and conflict. I also realized that from the ends of the wall were marks on the ground- they were engravings in the ground, running through the city, marking where the border of the wall used to be. 

Below are two photos on either side of the Wall at one of the longest remaining stretches. 

The west side

The east side

    

Looking straight down the middle, West on Left, East on Right

These poles simply stand in the middle of a grassy area, somewhat out of the way of the city's hustle and bustle. These poles signify where the wall used to stand, and at one point completely intersect a road. 

Check Point Charlie was the place where U.S. Troops were stationed to check IDs and such to enter into the US zone during the Cold War, yet today is quite unassuming.

The Brandenburg Gate, of course, is a major symbol in Berlin, as it stands for the unification of Berlin after the Cold War. On the ground, you could see bricks that signified where the original Wall was. And then apparently, the four horses on the top of the gate symbolize victory (I don't quite get it, but that's what I was told).

On a more cheery note, after all that walking, Berlin does not disappoint with food and drink! Sometimes you need to simply sit and watch the world go by. We found a restaurant by the river, sat, drank, talked, and enjoyed life. 

Afterwards, we kept walking, and grabbed a bite from a local street vendor- a sausage with a roll and mustard. It was one of the most delicious things I've had in a very long time!!  We must have walked our feet off, because we went in a giant circle over the course of 3 hours before collapsing at the hotel a couple hours before dinner. But really, it was great, because we ended up sitting on the couches in front of the hotel, reading, and talking to our friends as they passed. It was amazing. And the food was too!

Something we noticed about Europe... graffiti is more commonplace than in the States. Even on nice establishments, there's graffiti. We noticed this throughout our travels, and created difficulty in discerning safe/unsafe areas because Americans are so used to associating graffiti with unsafe places.

To end with food, we found a delicious and cozy alleyway hotel for dinner, and had authentic German Strudel!

Authentic German Apple strudel...be jealous!!

Fun fact: Germans don't drink tap water. Not because its unclean (its very clean!) but simply because tradition dictates otherwise. A bottle of water often costs more than alcohol! 

San Frannnnnsisco!

On a whim, Evan and I drove to San Fran late Friday night to spend the weekend exploring! Hills, tourists, delicious food...and ten miles of walking a day! 

Fun fact- the Golden Gate Bridge isn't Golden or Red-colored...its International Orange! Because the machine used to make the paint is called an International!

The famous Haight Street, in its wonderful, colorful splendor.

The view of the bay from Ghirardelli Square.

Expensive drinks and dessert at the Tonga Room in the Fairmont Hotel...with an indoor rainforest!

China Town!

Main street clock tower, which used to be perpendicular to the road before the earthquake of 1906. After that, it shifted and now sits crooked. And the bell is broken.

A gorgeous view of the city from the Wave Organ...rumor has it, you can hear music made from the wind and waves.

The Palace of Fine Arts

Fun Fact- renting this area for a wedding costs 250,000 dollars

A modern marvel of engineering!

Cable cars, while one of the most iconic pieces of San Fran culture, are such a pain in the butt! They run two routes, and takes 45 minutes or more to jump on one of these bad boys...and that's assuming the conductor stops for you!

Take a tip from me, and use your cable car ticket to instead figure out the local bus system...much easier, quicker, and simpler way to see the city!

The Grace Cathedral: 

Inside Grace Cathedral

Alcatraz Island

And lastly our smiling faces from the deck of the former war ship Jeremiah O'brien!

The Best of Prescott, Arizona

You know those cozy, small-town cities that make you feel at home even when you're just passing through? Prescott, Arizona is one of those. I spent four years attending college in Prescott, and grew to call the community home.

Whether you're settling in for who knows how long, or just passing through, below are the top things you need to make a point to enjoy!

1. Cuppers on Cortez Street.

Coffee, hot chocolate, pastries, sandwiches...my dream!
My favorite is a breakfast sandwich with salsa, and they're known for their skinny pancakes...a beautiful crepe-like dish with hints of honey and cinnamon.

As far as drinks, everything is spectacular. All-time favorites include any of their house mochas. Choices include the Mayan Mocha, Monkey Mocha, Raspberry Truffle Mocha, Mocha Mint...yum! I try never to get the same thing twice in a row when it comes to their drinks since they're all delicious and never a disappointment!







2. Climb and Explore the Dells

This rock formation is absolutely breathtaking. Even if you only have 20 minutes, I would recommend walking around for a little while. For short-term exploring, theres a turn off on the right of 89 heading north, past the roundabout meeting of Willow Lakes and the 89. Its easy to miss, so be on the look out for a dirt turn off by what looks like a cliff. But you can climb it easily and it gives you a nice view of the town. For longer hikes, you can start just about anywhere you see the rocks!

View overlooking Willow Lake

3. Visit the Courthouse

This one is obvious. The center of town, the premier attraction, the courthouse is beautiful. Stroll around the square, have a picnic...you can't go wrong. Almost every weekend there is some event at the square, from Art Shows to concerts in the park. If you visit Prescott during the Christmas season, you get to see it light up, ready for Santa!

4. Slip inside the original Post Office

I discovered this gem very recently. On the corner of Cortez and...whatever street is towards the back of the courthouse (Goodwin?), is the Old Post Office. I stopped in to grab some mail for work, and noticed that the PO Boxes are all original, and gorgeous. It'll take 5 minutes to look around, but I think its well worth it. Especially if you're a history nut like me.



5. Matt's Saloon at night

I LOVE to dance, especially country line and swing dancing! Matt's Saloon has live country music almost every night after 10... and even if you're not the first one on the dance floor, its always a blast watching the locals!







6. Whiskey Row


Okay, to be honest, this isn't my cup of tea. But if you're into bar hoppin' and being immersed in the Prescott night life, this is the place to do it! Whiskey Row a known attraction, although it seems to be filling up with local shops, these days. Lyzzards, on South Cortez near the Office and Papa's (both AMAZING restaurants! See below) is quieter, and somewhat off the beaten track. Then there's Irish Pub across from St. Michaels, and Brick 'n Bones across Goodwin street.

7. Restaurants!!

I am a GIANT foodie, so I have been to as many restaurants here as I can. Rarely will I go to a chain now. My favorites include:

The Office: you MUST get their garlic fries! I survived off them my last year in Prescott!

Papas: Don't miss out on the Minestrone soup as an appetizer (homemade!); plus the Alfredo tortellini is one of my favorite dishes. But I've never been disappointed there!

Lone Spur Cafe: very country, but very good! Their breakfast burrito is to die for, and its enough for 2 breakfasts!

Iron Springs Cafe: Ordered their steak and coleslaw once...I was hooked! It's a bit out of the way, but for a hearty yet classic country bar and restaurant feel, it's totally worth it.

Prescott Brewing Company: Classic Prescott, extremely good, its where tourists and locals alike go. Their mussels are fantastic, and you can get a beer sampler to try all their home made brews!

Speeds: A little gem near Embry-Riddle, off of Sandretto Dr- HUGE sandwiches, but so worth it! Military paraphernalia all over the place! Speeds is not for the faint of heart, and it's run by an amazing woman who knows her food. Their sweet tea is a classic- only a couple bucks for a cup the size of your head!

Rosa's: an Italian place on Gurley...margarita pizza is scrumptious! You can't go wrong here either.

Taco Dons: a little hole in the wall that serves way better food than you'd ever expect!

Pasquales: Get the Greek Nachos!!!!



Method Coffee: Right next to Fry's on the North end of Willow Creek, this was my go-to coffee shop for all occasions (except when I was downtown, then I went to Cuppers). But I love method! Their WiFi password changes daily, and its normally something along the lines of GreenLantern or CupOfSoup, so just ask for it! Oh, and their blended mocha tastes like a chocolate milkshake, how can you resist? Plus they have dog treats for puppies in the drive thru that my dog loves!



So, overall, Prescott is an awesome little town with lots of little wonders that'd be a shame to miss. But overall, the thing that makes Prescott great is the people. People are genuinely nice here. Of course, I say that as a girl who grew up in LA, so nice people weren't all that common for me. But some of my best friends are in Prescott, and the most loving and genuine families I know. The food is just a plus!