Berlin - History and the Modernist Dream

Berlin - History and the Modernist Dream

Berlin is a magical metropolis. It is hands down one of the most exciting, interesting places I have ever been, and would highly recommend to anyone that they should  visit this fantastic city for as long as they can. 

Firstly, the nightlife is amazing. The city is so huge you couldn't possibly discover it all unless you were a committed local, and even then I feel it would still withhold some secrets from you. Secondly, the city is rich with history. Germany is nation that has been functioning for over 1000 years (maybe not as GERMANY, but you get the idea) and being in such a nations capital city, evidence of this historical background is evident on a grand scale. 

This post today is going to focus on the Historical and cultural sites that you need to visit in Berlin, and then the next post will cover the nightlife scene. 

1. Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is a statement of architectural genius from a neoclassical period, and is recognized globally as one of the most well known landmarks in the city. While not one of the oldest monuments that can be seen throughout the city, it has a rich modern-historical context. It began as a peace momument constructed by King Fredrick William the 2nd of Prussia. During the sack of Berlin at the climax of World War II, it was nearly destroyed, and then in 2000-2002 it was restored to it's former glory. When the Berlin wall was pulled down, the Gate was once again freely accessible to both East and West Germany, making it a symbol of the cities reunification. 

That's me, awesome, right?

2.Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall is one of those monuments that when you see it, its gravity pulls you in. You can feel its importance, see the impact it would have once had on the city - and the impact its destruction had on the cultural climate of the city to where it is today. The majority of the wall has been pulled down, however, there is a section that still stands to this day, with the original graffiti still in place. I will say that strolling along the wall was one of the most enjoyable experiences of Germany, and the feeling of SEEING history is one to chase. 

unfortunately for you all, i'm in all of these photos.

3. The Holocaust Memorial 

Another important historical icon, the Holocaust memorial was designed to give the viewer a feeling of saddened awe and the sheer amount of Jewish people that died during Hitlers reign in world war II. Exploring through it, it has been designed to get lost in, and when one finally discovers the underground section, they are confronted with all the names known of the Jewish people who were murdered. It is a somber, but needed experience if you're in the capital city. 

Except for this one, who would have thunk it. 

That's all for today Escapists, next post will focus on the nightlife of Berlin, which is renown for it's awesomeness. 

Sebastian Bull

<--! all the images contained within are mine -->

Dubrovnik - Must see pt.2

After our first day of relaxation and exploring beaches we decided to spend our second day taking in some history. For a small fee you can gain access to the top of the town walls, I would highly recommended checking them out. A little tip, as some of you may or may not be aware Dubrovnik is the filming location of Game of Thrones, if you're a fan it's worth paying the extra money to get a guided GOT tour.

Once on top of the walls you are hit with an amazing view of the town below, as you walk around you see views of the bars perched on the cliff face and the sheer beauty of the wall itself. 

View of town from the wall

View of cliff bars from the wall

View of wall on cliff face

The wall took about an hour to walk around, but once on, there are different exits you can take to get off, so it's a really flexible activity to do. Once down from the wall we headed across to the cable cars. 

The line for the cable cars do get a bit long around sunset time, so if you want to be up the top in time for the sunset make sure you get there early. There is a restaurant up the top and also options for dune bugging so it's definitely worth checking out. As for me, the view alone was enough to make it one of my favorite things to do in Dubrovnik. 

View from top of cable cars

- Alice -

Dubrovnik - Must see Pt. 1

During our first day in Dubrovnik the locals told us of a bar called Buzu Bar or “hole in the wall”. At first we were unsure what we were going to find, but we followed their directions and headed to the bar.

On our way through the town to Buzu Bar we passed a small courtyard of markets, it is here that I had the most delicious raspberries I have ever had. The taste of them is something I will never forget, you would never think that a raspberry would have a different taste in other countries, but they do.

Fruit stand at the markets

The Markets

Past the markets we walked up some stairs and by some local crafts, we continued walking along the pathway that runs parallel to the cliff wall. It was only a little further up where we found quite literally a “hole in the wall”, which once through we discovered Buzu Bar.

Local craft and stairs leading up to Buzu Bar

Pathway along the cliff wall

"Hole in the wall" that leads to Buzu Bar

Buzu Bar is a must see when travelling to Dubrovnik, swimming in the clear blue water off the edge of the cliff is a bucket list experience - And don’t forget to pick up some fruit on your way down to eat on the rock ledge while admiring the view. 

Buzu Bar - Perfect for sunset drinks

Swimming off the rocks at Buzu Bar

After checking out Buzu Bar we walked back through the town to go and explore Banje Beach, another tip given to us by the locals. To get to Banje Beach you have to walk back through to the other side of Old Town and go outside the town walls. Once out, you look back towards Old town and see an amazing view of the harbor and the town walls.

Walk to Banje Beach

Walk to Banje Beach - looking back at the town walls

Once you are out of the town walls you continue to walk along the coast line until you turn the corner and see Banje Beach. This beach was my favorite beach that I visited during my European travels, I would recommend hiring a beach chair and enjoying some cocktails from the waited services while swimming in the crystal clear water. 

Banje Beach

Keep an eye out for my next post filled with more tips on the must see's and do's of Dubrovnik. 

- Alice -

Tokyo At A Glance

'Wandering in a smart Tokyo neighborhood is like wandering in a box of Quality Street: everything is different, everything tastes the same.' - Donald Richie 

Mr Richie got it right exactly how I felt when I first stepped into that fascinating land. For years and years fantasizing about one day visiting Japan, reading their manga and watching anime, it stroke right at my heart that this would be the country I would fall in love with. I finally made it to Tokyo last July and determined a goal to come back their at least once a year haha. You see how deeply in love I am with Japan.

Me at Meiji Jingu

It is true that no matter how much I heard about the Japanese people, I was still struck by how immaculate and professional they were right when I arrived at the airport. Everything was white, clean and shiny. With a minimalism freak like me, this kind of architecture really gave me somehow exciting satisfaction. The staffs there were the friendliest customs I had ever dealt with. Good impression right from the start.

Inside a subway carriage

Another thing that impressed was their train system. Trains arrived literally every few minutes and you would not have the feeling that you have been waiting for ages like here in Sydney and most importantly, THEY WERE NEVER LATE. Even though it was peak hour, people were stuffed inside one carriage but still very organized and people were exceptionally quiet and polite. You would not find people pushing each other on the train. I was always wondering why while Japanese hustling during peak hour to catch the train, they were always staring at their feet, this really gave me the feeling that these Japanese people are sad and depressed. Until a month ago, I read 'Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of His Years of Pilgrimage' by Haruki Murakami, and I finally found the answer. It is simply that they just don't want to lose their shoes. How interesting it is!

On the way from the airport to city central

Tokyo is beautiful both at day and night. I seriously cannot stop praising about my adoration for this city. I think I'd better save it for the next posts. My intended plan is to go through everything from very touristy spots to some hidden secret places I discovered. Stay tuned for some more interesting tips and reviews.

Tokyo to me is full of unsolvable enigmas and beautiful endless melancholy 

Till next time guys!

-Anne-

VIETNAM - A Stroll Through The Clouds

Hải Vân Pass.

Merry Christmas lovely people, and welcome to another installment of the Escapist Guide to things you need to check out on your travels around the world, when you're looking for something - just that little bit extra special.

This week i'm going to touch on what I believe to be one of the most beautiful locations that I have visited, and to top it off, a cheap trip for the day if you're running on a budget. 

So "Đèo Hải Vân" means Ocean Cloud Pass in Vietnamese, and the name could not be more apt. As you break the cover of the forest you can see nothing but beautiful blue sky and ocean, alongside the rich contrast of the lush forests available for your overall sensory pleasure. 

View of a coastal village, by the water.

The area itself has a rich history, for all you traveling buffs out there. I will not go too deep into it, because i'm hardly an expert, but the road that you will travel along is riddled with old bunkers that you get to explore, and has always been a major strategic point for the Vietnamese since the dawn of their country. 

History and beauty combined, the area has a captivating ambiance that instills that feeling of adventure that every traveller craves, and really imparts that sense of being in the midst of the unknown - out of the comfort zone - which is the point, right?

I'll just cap this one off by saying you can take a guided tour with a bunch of lovely locals if you wish, or simply explore as you go. Whatever you do, you're guaranteed an experience to remember.

One of the bunkers, ft. random tourists

Till next time, Escape Artists!

Sebastian Bull - Blogger extraordinaire 

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