First impressions of Berlin

The four hour ride seemed to pass quickly. The rails are smooth with none of the 'clickety-clack' sensations that you might imagine. I didn't doze in spite of the overnight flight, but probably could have done so without too much trouble. The seats are large and comfortable and the other travelers seem to be mostly business men and women clicking away on their laptops or reading the newspaper.

Naturally, it is cool here, but not terribly cold. Berlin is in northeastern Germany, not too far from the Polish border, probably less than 100 miles or so. I'm willing to accept winter travel in Europe in exchange for fewer crowds, little or no lines at sites and (slightly) cheaper expenses. With the dollar faring so poorly against the Euro, that's especially important.


Since I'm traveling solo, my accomodations are decidedly humble. I'm staying in a small pension in a area called Charlottenburg. It's only 50 Euros per night with a typically tiny room, but it's clean and warm and the proprieters are quite friendly. They say it is a short walk to the banks of the Spree, but I haven't seen it yet.