The first time I went to Berlin I honestly can not remember ever stepping outside of the hotel. I really can't. I must have, even if it was just to get to the Salsa Parties) Why do European Salseros always refer to the as Salsa Parties). The only times I remember being outside the hotel is walking from and to the airport. I really only remember this because this must be the only airport I have ever been to where I have been able to walk from the airport to my hotel. I think it took about 10 minutes.(Any guesses as to which airport).
So on my return visit a couple of weeks ago, even though I was only in Berlin for two nights, I was determined to see the gates; if nothing else. I did really enjoy Berlin this time round but I really wasn't over enamoured by the bit of the city that I saw. The gates were beautiful even though someone went and plonked a monstrously characterless building right next to it. But in general the city seemed quiet and not all together that exciting. Admittedly I was in what was the Eastern part of the city and quite possible the soul has probably been ripped out by past communist bureaucracy and it has still yet to recover. It could just because I needed more time to appreciate the place. I think a third and much longer visit is in order!
