Ed and Annette's Excellent European Adventure

Museum Day - But before we hit the museums we went back to our favorite pastry shop. We need a Kamps in Elk Grove - well, maybe not - too tempting! We had a day of visiting museums. We started off back at the Territories of Terror where the Nazi SS offices once stood and has a 200 meter section of the wall still in tact. This was an outstanding view of the rise to power, the building of the people's attitude to follow his perverted plan, the evil that the human mind can do and thankfully the fall of the entire plan. I was surprised at how fast Hitler was able to convince a nation to fall in line with him and how he was able to manipulate the masses to his way of thinking.

We walked back to the Jewish history Museum. This appears to be a newer exhibition and the building structure is based on an interpretive art. Entering the museum and starting the tour you feel awkward and confused (personally I became irritated over this) There was no rhyme or reason to the physical layout and there was so much empty space with very few displays; the floors were slanted and the angled hallways seemed to go nowhere. Finally we left this area and up two flights of stairs to the main portion of the exhibit. The information of how the Jews have been persecuted from the very beginning of time was there to see, but the presentation exhibits were, in my opinion, terribly presented. By the time we got to the end of the museum I just wanted to run away, but only due to the poor display of some very historical material.

With a a light rain chasing us we go back on the sightseeing bus and headed off toward the Germany history museum, but first a bite to eat near the Brandenburg gate. Feeling somewhat refreshed we walked along the very crowded main street and watched the street performers as we made our way along to the museum. This was much more a traditional orderly and logically displayed exhibit and was full of interesting historical items. This was one of the better places we enjoyed.

After an exhausting day partially from lack of sleep, lots of walking, and just being out of our normal pace, we finished at the History museum about 5:30 PM. Our plan was to go back on the sightseeing bus and head to the main shopping area - home to the largest department store in Europe. As we arrived in the area we noticed that stores were closing for the day, at 6 PM! What, no shopping? Our bus arrived at the stop and abruptly announced that this is the final stop and please exit and enjoy your day. The town rolled up its streets at 6 PM, how odd to our little American minds. After a bit of a walk to the subway, we headed home for the night. Today was a long and busy day; we are ready for sleep.