EXPLORING THE CITY

When in Berlin, do as the locals do. For me, that was to join a bike tour! What an experience it was, seeing the city from the two wheel vantage point enjoying the sights, sounds and smells all while working off that Bratwurst you feasted on at your lunch pit stop! The Fat Tire Bike Tour allowed us to explore new parts of Berlin that would not have been accessible by foot. The 4-hour bike tour gave us the opportunity to delve into culture and the life of the locals. We biked through fun parks with residents playing outdoor games, all while passing interesting buildings where street artists put their own spin on the walls, decorating it with colorful graffiti and then the East side gallery which is the longest stretch of the Berlin wall. My favorite part of the tour was exploring Templehof, an abandoned airport that is now a park where people can picnic and run around in the open space. I never felt so free biking on what was once a plane landing strip, and then being able to look to my left at the remarkable Nazi-era terminal. Awesome day, awesome experience

On another day, we used another mode of transport ~ our feet, yes we went on a walking tour. We arrived at the Brandenburg gate, which was where the Nazis once marched through. We saw Checkpoint Charlie and the crossing point between East and West Berlin. This day was where we were able to seek museums at "Museum Island" here we immersed ourselves and learnt about the unique architecture Berlin has to offer.

After the Tour my friends and I wandered off to the Carnival of Cultures, a colorful street parade with music and dance. This was the most incredible experience I have ever partaken in. There were Dancers in unique costumes that represented each country and thousands of people in the streets following the floats, singing and chanting. We were even invited to go on one of the Floats! Yes, Imagine that…3 American girls on a Nigerian Float looking down on the whole parade. I forgot to mention that as well as the vast entertainment, street food and drinks served…we each got a Berlin Beer for only 2 euros, now that is not something you don't see stateside. All in all, I think this carnival really opened my eyes to new discoveries, opportunities and experience a mind blowing Sunday!

Der Himmel uber Berlin- I love living in Berlin