Maursupial

Berlin’s TV Tower, by day and by night. 

Tonight we dined in the revolving restaurant within the top of the iconic Berlin TV tower, built by the former German Democratic Republic administration as a symbol of the success of socialism (never mind that they actually had to recruit Swedish architects to finish the thing). The tower remains an impressive landmark in Berlin today and its swanky restaurant eventually gives patrons a 360 degree view of the city. Not a bad way to watch the sun go down. 

I spent my first full day in Berlin exploring the city- East and West, up and down, on a six and a half hour bike tour with our charming guide Sam, formerly of New Zealand and currently of Fat Tire Bike Tours.  

We saw everything from the main square used for socialist party demonstrations during the days of East Germany to the side of town cohabited by artists and Turkish immigrants. We even got to ride around the runways of Tempelhof Airport, one of Europe’s three pre-WWII airports, which was recently retired and now serves as public space for bikes, kites and picnics.

The sun was out and the roads were flat, so I may be sore tomorrow but right now I feel content.