9/25 - Left Prague before the massive demonstration planned againsts the World Bank/IMF meeting. Warnings were posted by the State Dept for US citizens to avoid the city or better leave the area. Newspapers and TV reports of 'anarchist riots', 'warzones' and protests were accompanied by pictures of black-hooded demonstrators throwing rocks at police through clouds of tear gas, it was time to leave.

The hotel I stayed was in the Train Station itself. This was so convenient as the S-Bahn was a short pace from my room. I decided to do a Berlin walk in the afternoon. I never really planned on visiting this place so I was a little bit disorganized on what to see. I started my way to Unter den Linden. This boulevard is lined up with palaces and cafes. It was legendary throughout Europe in the olden days just like Champs-Elysées. The street is lined with symmetrical rows of trees that Friedrich Wilhelm decreed that anyone cutting down one of his lindens should have his hand cut. Hitler, in defiance of the monarchical tradition, cut all of them down to widen the boulevard for his military parades. The East Germans replanted the trees after World War II and restored many of the neoclassical palaces and Humboldt University buildings that line it today. One of its most famous landmarks is the equestrian statue of Frederick the Great.

After 15 mins, I was within sights of the famous Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor). I only see this landmark in movies and now I am here. This triumphal arch--now restored--stands in the very heart of Berlin, and once was the symbol of the divided city. In the heyday of East Germany, the structure was integrated into the Berlin Wall. Six Doric columns hold up an entablature that was inspired by the Propylaea of the Parthenon at Athens. Atop is the much photographed Quadriga(a chariot drawn by four horses and driven by the Goddess of Victory).

A short distance is Reichstag (Parliament). This building is now the official seat of the German government. It was designed in the late 19th century in a neo-Renaissance style and rebuilt in a more streamlined style after World War II.The night of February 17, 1933, was a date that lives in infamy in Germany's history. On that night, a mysterious fire broke out in its chambers and nearly destroyed the building. Declaring Communist responsible although it was set by the Nazis, Hitler used the fire as an pretext for his troops to begin mass arrests of "dissidents and enemies of the lawful government" of Germany and to assume dictatorial powers. Democracy came to an end in Germany that night.

On my way back to the hotel, I passed by the Berliner Dom. It was constructed from 1894 to 1905, in the style of the High Renaissance. It’s the largest Protestant cathedral in Germany.

I wanted to visit the Ägyptisches Museum where the famous colored bust of Queen Nefertiti is being displayed. But I could not find way. I also missed the Berlin Wall (by 11 years!).

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