Day 5

We walked and froze our booties off. That said I'm thinking I still prefer traveling in the cold versus the heat of China.

Today we started with a tour of the Prague Castle. We took approximately three hours to travel through the houses, churches, the Golden row, the prison torture chamber and over to the Charles bridge. There was also a special event occurring today so they were preparing for a presidential event.

We had a great Italian lunch in the market square and I felt very European.

This afternoon we went to Theresienstadt which was a holding camp for political prisoners and transfer station for the Jews. What a humbling and moving experience. I find it hard to put into words.

Had a little time for shopping before a dinner of beef and dumplings.

We are back at the hotel (not as nice as our last one) and enjoying a little down time.

Hard to believe we have only one more day before heading home. I always think I will never do these trips again and then I hear how much the kids love it. Guess we will see what the future brings.

Notables: spirely, homeless begging position, notes from the kids, crystal, oldest working moveable clock, time with Kim, crowns,

Day 3

More walking. My knees and back ache. I'm getting to old for this. I need a jacuzzi I think. That way I could get warm and deal with the aches and pains. I sound like I'm whining but really it is doable.

Today we began our day at The Story of Berlin which is a museum. It was a fantastic museum detailing Berlin's history and it began in a nuclear bomb shelter. It was fascinating to say the least.

We then headed to Potsdam. It was so nice to get out of the city and Potsdam was just beautiful. We visited the summer palace of Frederick the Great. We saw where treaties were signed. It was quite the place. It reminded me of Williamsburg.

We also got a walking tour around Potsdam. Can't say that I remember much of the history because I was really feeling tired but I sue enjoyed the atmosphere.

After Potsdam we headed back into Berlin for dinner which was less than great but the desert was yummy.

We ended the evening with a tour of an air raid bunker. It was fascinating, and scary and claustrophobic, and...... It was very well done and captivated us all.

The three chaperones capped off our evening at Andy's Restaurant with some mozzarella sticks and chocolate brownies. Good conversation which has kept me out way too late and unable to post this until morning.


Notables: snl Barbara Walters interview, oj, Berlin boys, graffiti, no happy meals, Berlin bombs,

Day 4

Stayed up way to late last night so getting up was painful. We headed to Dresdan today which was quite beautiful. The city was basically destroyed in '45 and it has been trying to rebuild it ever since. Lots of barque architecture which is ornate and gaudy at the same time. Many of the buildings are black which I thought was pollution but apparently they are made out of sandstone that has minerals in it and the minerals have oxidized. We had a nice lunch there and had a little time to shop. I managed to find one if the few Catholic stores even around Germany on my quest to get Mark a German rosemary. Mission accomplished and I can move on.

After Dresdan we headed to Prague. It is quite the city and has a totally different vibe. We had about an hour to look around before dinner. The town square was quite lively and I was amazed at how many people were there.

Tonight's dinner was my favorite one. The atmosphere was great and the chicken and desert were delicious.

We are at our next hotel which is not near as nice as the one in Berlin in my opinion. Guess it is a roof over our head.

Two more days and we head for home.

Notables: Trdlo, men, liberal, parks, 2600 porcelain tiles, segways, painted eggs

Dear Keara and Kailei...

Wish I was there to celebrate Easter with you. I'm sure you looked great in your new Easter outfits. Did you have fun finding Easter eggs? The weather looked like it was going to be nice. Are you having fun with Grandma? Daddy sent me a picture of Grandma's strawberry salad and it looked delicious!

Wish you were here with me but you would be freezing. I love you and miss you very much. Take good care of the dogs (and Daddy too!)

Happy Easter!

Miss everyone but wanted to wish you a Happy Easter from Berlin!

Day 2

We walked, and walked and walked. That's all I remember.

Well, sort of. This morning was a bus tour of Berlin. It is a huge city. we had a great guide who was both informative and funny. Highlights included a holocaust memorial, Olympicpark, the Berlin Wall and more.

I love all the graffiti on the wall and wish I could have taken pictures of every section.

It has been very cold. They say it has been the coldest in what has been forever. It snowed off and on and was pretty with all the big flakes.

We took a river cruise and I wish I could relay what we saw but I couldn't hear a thing. The hot chocolate however was very tasty and it was warm.

Had lunch at a great Italian restaurant. it was the best minestrone soup ever. And we were inside and warm.

Went to the Checkpoint Charlie Museum in the afternoon. We attempted another museum but it was too crowded so just walked around. We walked a ton. That's all I can say.

Had dinner at a Russian restaurant. It was very quaint. I'm still very cold so hoping a hot shower will thaw me out.

Other highlights.... Buddy Bear, marsh land, green go guy, happy hotdog, .50 cents bathroom stops