Checked into hotel then headed out to check out the place. Sussed out transport options to Potsdam for Tuesday in lieu of the tour company's optional excursion which was ridiculously expensive.
Found somewhere for dinner - italian, and yummy and cheap.
Walked around a bit and that was that.
Today, Tuesday - early start. Headed off on the bus to see the city with a guide. Was cool to see the wall and the gate and the Reichstag. Took our photos and all that jazz.
There was a train strike so mum was a bit worried we wouldn't get to Potsdam, but after enquiring we found out it ended at 9am so we were safe. Saved heaps of money doing it by ourselves, and had the experience of sussing out the public transport system! Went the wrong way on the tram in Potsdam, but made it back within our ticket time so all was good.
The palace we went to see was good to see. Cecilienhof. Such a country estate feel. Very cool to see the tables that Stalin, Churchill, Attlee, Roosevelt, Truman all sat at! Very very very cool.
The gardens were very natural and messy - I liked them. Could picture the royals out with their little dogs etc!
The Marble Palace was sooooo horrid. Definitely not the décor for me!
Train back to Berlin and we used our ticket that we probably weren't meant to, to get the bus to hotel!!! Fare evasion in Germany of all countries! How silly!!
Germany itself - I'm not sure what I think of it. Quite grey, even with the blue skies!!! It isn't pretty like Belgium was. It doesn't really seem to have a vibe that grabs me. I know lots of people love the place, but yeah, it isn't the place for me. Perhaps Munich and Bavaria will be different.
Poland tomorrow. Super super early start - we have to get to the border before other coaches do the guide said - the Polish guards can be a bit moody apparently!
