Berlin Diary ~ Days 2 and 3

Day 2 begins for us with our first real "tour" when we take a train and a transfer and land in Oranienburg, Germany.  Oranienburg is a sleepy little village about 20 miles southwest of Berlin.

just outside the train station

You would never guess that it is home to one of the greatest atrocities of World War II, Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.  Hitler's first camp and the model for all others.

model of the camp

guard house and watch tower in front of camp

on the main gate - "Work Makes You Free"

washroom for 500 men

I have many more pictures from the living quarters, photos of the prisoners, "Station Z,"  etc., but I chose not to post them as they might be too disturbing for some bloggers.  If you're interested in more of the history from a pictorial view, let me know and I will email pictures to you.  This was a most difficult day for us...such glorious weather and yet touring a most evil place.  We will never forget, and I know this tour left the most profound impression on me.

Day 3 found us needing something "lighter" and since there's no "retail therapy" in the city on Sundays (stores are closed), we headed out to Mauerpark - one of Berlin's largest flea markets.

the Berlin Marathon was in full swing as we walked to the U-bahn

stopping at the backerie for bottled water

signage

a tightrope walker

a tiny glimpse of the enormity of the park

MauerPark (Wall Park)

The vendors were not pleased with being photographed so you will have to take my word that this flea market is on a par with any I've seen before.  It's so big, we didn't get to see all of it.  The grassy photos were taken when we finished our browsing and shopping.  Melissa was right on when she said "this place is like Woodstock, but without the music."  (Although there was background music of some sort all day)

Dinner that night was at Ranke's, an original Berlin restaurant.  We sat at curbside tables where we got to chat with some of the marathoners.

outdoor dining

the marathoners....smoking!!

 I had roast pork with sauerkraut, and for dessert I had rote grutze.  This is a red berrry pudding with cream sauce, and favorite of my Mema, my Berlin grossmutter (grandmother).

Ranke's original bar from 1912 which survived WWII

I'm working on a "late edition" post for my blog.  It will feature all the swaps I've participated in during the past month.  I'll be uploading later today, so be sure to stop by again if you can.  I've received some pretty amazing art from some amazing women and I want to share it with you.  Have a most beautiful week...it seems like everyone is finally enjoying some beautiful autumn weather!
xoxo
Karen