Kim and Billy come to our apartment and have breakfast with us before going to the airport. It continues to be hot and humid. Gets up to 94 today. We tailor our activities accordingly. We do a one hour boat tour on the Spree River at 10:30. It is interesting to see the buildings from the perspective of the water but we are so glad we have done only an hour tour, not three. It is hot sitting in the sun! Berlin has many modern buildings of sleek design. We have lunch at the National History Museum's cafe before starting to explorere this vast museum. The main part of the museum is in a very old building. In fact, I think I remember that it is the oldest building in Berlin. The museum was scheduled to be near the Reichstag but after reunification, the decision was made to put it here. Across the courtyard is the ultramodern I.M. Pei building which houses special exhibits. I really like this building better than the old one. It has lots of glass and is light and airy. I enjoy an exhibit about German immigrants. The end of the exhibit features current immigrants and three poignant interviews with young immigrants from Syria and Iraq bring tears to my eyes.
We take the tram to meet Jeannie and Frank and Linda and Chas at a big biergarten in Tiergarten Park. People are boating, swimming and drinking beer. We sit at picnic tables and have our beers and Apfelschorles, a drink I have become fond of. It is apple juice with sparkling water. You can use other juices as well. We enjoy a last get together with these people we've gotten to know so well over the years. It is nice to know we don't have say final goodbyes. It is just until next year. Jeannie reports that her phones has been pickpocketed. She wasn't aware of anything but thinks it happened outside the subway station. It was in a zipper pocket of her purse. Not a nice way to end a trip!
We go with Jeannie and Frank back near the hotel along the river to the same restaurant we went to last night. We have a light meal, then say our goodbyes to Frank and Jeannie and go home to pack. I am ready to go home. I'm a bit tired of the heat here and sightseeing weary. I do think we've used our time well here. Now to bed for early reveille tomorrow.
View along the Spree River
One of the many modern government buildings
New Berlin main train station
At the Cafe am Neuen See in the Tiergarten
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