By Alana Breen
(Headliners)
Berlin is rapidly climbing the ladder of European hotspots; Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have recently bought a house in the trendy Mitte district in the former eastern quarters of the city. I was lucky enough to be discovering this city with my friends, teachers and even some Berlin locals.
We were none other than the ‘special guests’ at the European Academy in Berlin situated just five minutes from the busy Kurfurstendamm area. The academy plays host too many important conferences and events as well as being a three star hotel. The area boasts idyllic avenues, and the sea of red and yellow leaves give the area a warm autumnal feel. The hotel was the height of city centre luxury with a range of double and single rooms and a buffet-style menu every evening. I can safely assure that the academy lived up to the standards of the St Michael’s teenagers.
Our first port of call was guided tour of the Jewish museum. Built in 2002 by a polish architect, the museum has many rare and unusual artefacts on display. It has nine different sections all conveying a different aspect of the lives of Jewish people in Germany. The architecture of the building, as well as the layout of the museum leaves a lot to the imagination of the visitor; the architect wants us to take away our own personal message from the museum. For any visitor to Berlin the museum is a must see; take a guided tour or at your leisure it is guaranteed to be a long lasting memory.
We were given a tour of the city by a local professor of political science. One of the sights he took us to was the Olympic stadium. Built in 1934 under Hitler’s orders, the sheer size of the building is spectacular. Although unlike any other Olympic village it is derelict and only used for the occasional Rolling Stones concert!
The Brandenburg gate is situated in the former eastern quarters of the city, it was the only monument that could be viewed from the west, and its height clearly tells us why. Just seconds round the corner is the Reichstag, famously burnt down by Nazis in the 1933 fire. The dome situated on top of the building gives a spectacular panoramic view of the city like no other.
Berlin by night is very limited for under 18s but the TV tower is one such activity that can be enjoyed by all – except those who have a fear of heights. In less than six seconds the elevator takes you up 40 000ft where you can enjoy spectacular views of the city by night and enjoy a meal in the revolving restaurant.
As part of our programme staying with the academy we had to spend two days with students from the Sophie-Charlotte school in Berlin. Although our German was limited their English was fluent and conversation was soon flowing. We enjoyed two days and nights together and within hours they were already looking to come back home to ‘party in Lurgan’ although I’m not sure if that is even possible.
Walking round the city it is hard to believe that it was once the centre of European politics, what went on in Berlin has shaped the world into its current state. Nowadays it’s easy to see how the war has affected this city. Where spectacular buildings once stood concrete blocks have filled their place. Where millions of people lived only three and a half million remain. Berlin is a city that has so much to offer in the way of everything. History, Museums, Shopping, Culture. It is a city well worth the air fare and one I intend to revisit.
(Headliners)
Berlin is rapidly climbing the ladder of European hotspots; Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have recently bought a house in the trendy Mitte district in the former eastern quarters of the city. I was lucky enough to be discovering this city with my friends, teachers and even some Berlin locals.
We were none other than the ‘special guests’ at the European Academy in Berlin situated just five minutes from the busy Kurfurstendamm area. The academy plays host too many important conferences and events as well as being a three star hotel. The area boasts idyllic avenues, and the sea of red and yellow leaves give the area a warm autumnal feel. The hotel was the height of city centre luxury with a range of double and single rooms and a buffet-style menu every evening. I can safely assure that the academy lived up to the standards of the St Michael’s teenagers.
Our first port of call was guided tour of the Jewish museum. Built in 2002 by a polish architect, the museum has many rare and unusual artefacts on display. It has nine different sections all conveying a different aspect of the lives of Jewish people in Germany. The architecture of the building, as well as the layout of the museum leaves a lot to the imagination of the visitor; the architect wants us to take away our own personal message from the museum. For any visitor to Berlin the museum is a must see; take a guided tour or at your leisure it is guaranteed to be a long lasting memory.
We were given a tour of the city by a local professor of political science. One of the sights he took us to was the Olympic stadium. Built in 1934 under Hitler’s orders, the sheer size of the building is spectacular. Although unlike any other Olympic village it is derelict and only used for the occasional Rolling Stones concert!The Brandenburg gate is situated in the former eastern quarters of the city, it was the only monument that could be viewed from the west, and its height clearly tells us why. Just seconds round the corner is the Reichstag, famously burnt down by Nazis in the 1933 fire. The dome situated on top of the building gives a spectacular panoramic view of the city like no other.
Berlin by night is very limited for under 18s but the TV tower is one such activity that can be enjoyed by all – except those who have a fear of heights. In less than six seconds the elevator takes you up 40 000ft where you can enjoy spectacular views of the city by night and enjoy a meal in the revolving restaurant.
As part of our programme staying with the academy we had to spend two days with students from the Sophie-Charlotte school in Berlin. Although our German was limited their English was fluent and conversation was soon flowing. We enjoyed two days and nights together and within hours they were already looking to come back home to ‘party in Lurgan’ although I’m not sure if that is even possible.Walking round the city it is hard to believe that it was once the centre of European politics, what went on in Berlin has shaped the world into its current state. Nowadays it’s easy to see how the war has affected this city. Where spectacular buildings once stood concrete blocks have filled their place. Where millions of people lived only three and a half million remain. Berlin is a city that has so much to offer in the way of everything. History, Museums, Shopping, Culture. It is a city well worth the air fare and one I intend to revisit.
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