I spent Day 8 exploring the Neues Museum and the Pergamon Museum, both filled with thousands of artefacts from across the world. One of the most fascinating days of my trip.
What I saw
The Neues Museum largely preserves damage from WW2 while otherwise modernised.The remains of an Ancient Egyptian burial chamber.Head of a statue of Queen Hatshepsut or King Thutmose III.A gallery of small Egyptian figurines.Sarcophagus lid of a royal audit officer.The most iconic object of Neues Museum, the bust of Queen Nefertiti.The Pergamon Museum is dominated by several huge structures. One is the iconic Blue Gate of Ishtar from Ancient Babylon. It was built in 575 BC on the orders of the fabled King Nebuchadnezzar II.A closer look at the gate.The preserved friezes of lions which once lined the processional way leading to the gate.A replica of the Code of Hammurabi, one of the oldest legal codes in history. The original is in the Louvre in Paris.The Market Gate of Miletus is another grand exhibit. It was built in Miletus (now in Turkey) around 120-130 AD.The Pergamon Altar, the most famous exhibit and namesake of the Museum. Unfortunately, it’s closed till 2023 for refurbishment. (Pic from Wikipedia)
What I ate
I had a delicious doner kebab from a Turkish place near the train station.Kebabs roasting slowly on the spit.Treated myself to an extra helping of currywurst for dinner.
Day 9
On Day 9, I toured the Alexanderplatz, the Berlin Cathedral, the Stasi Museum and a food fair.
What I saw
Alexanderplatz was the former city centre of East Berlin, and still retains the socialist architectural feel. The view is dominated by the Fernsehturm, a television transmission tower constructed by the East German regime.Another landmark is the World Clock, built in 1969. It also includes Singapore.Decided to visit the interior of the Berlin Cathedral.The majestic altar.The cavernous domed ceiling.The immense church organ with 7269 pipes and 113 registers.Berlin from the Cathedral’s rooftop. Tickets cost just 7 euros, less than half that those for the Fernsehturm.View from another side of the roof.My afternoon was spent at the historic Stasi Museum which was once the HQ of East Germany’s feared secret police.
To read a detailed account of this fascinating Cold War museum, click HERE.
What I ate
Had a pulled pork wrap from the street food market near Hackescher Markt station.Explored a food fair with my Twitter friend for dinner.There was a great selection of food, wine and beer available.I had a pulled pork bun which was soft and tender. Like German Char Siew.Ended my day with a glass of German beer of course!
