A Weekend in Berlin: Day 3
- Marissa Weiss
- Nov 15, 2021
- 4 min read
With another late morning, we set out to try another Berlin breakfast spot: Krone Kitchen & Coffee. The sky was clear and the wind had settled but a chill still hung in the air as we set off on foot. The line was long outside the door but we got extremely lucky, seated immediately at an outside table. I've noticed in Europe that regardless of the time of year and weather, outdoor seating is available with complimentary blankets supplied. I got a hot chai latte, Pauvre Chevalier (french toast), and a side of rührei (scrambled eggs). The plating of food at Krone is impeccable. Just thinking about this meal is making me hungry again. It was a picturesque breakfast in a hipster neighborhood of Berlin with the first feeling of fall.
Once the chill had set into our bones again we set off walking towards our next destination: The Berlin Wall Memorial. It's a large open-air exhibition that provides four areas with audio and visual materials. The memorial documents the construction, development, deaths, and reconciliation that occurred as a result of the Berlin Wall. A portion of the wall - both layers of the wall - still stands there along with an art feature imitating the former position of the wall. Additionally, a former watchtower is marked, remains from a house torn down during construction of the wall are left uncovered, and the reconstructed Chapel of Reconciliation stands tall. Along the pathways, the underground escape tunnels are marked with metal plaques inlaid in the grass. In a cozy neighborhood, the memorial stands with an eery silence, as the historical spot where the wall was first erected in 1961.
Taking the U-Bahn - line U8 - from Bernauer Straße to Jannowitzbrücke we crossed town to the East Side Gallery. The longest surviving section of the wall is world-famous as the longest open-air gallery in the world - 1.3 kilometers. The art attests to the history of the inhume GDR border regime as well as joy for the reunification of Germany. Open for over 30 years, the wall is covered with simple graffiti - East Berlin - whereas the opposite side - East Berlin - is filled with endless murals done by artists from various countries.
To kill time we stopped in at a busy cafe located right in front of the Mercedez Benz Arena: ALEX. The decor and ambiance were the main draws but once I saw that they had Sachertorte I was a goner. I sipped on a shot of espresso along with a slice of chocolate fudge cake that was sadly more mousse than cake - I should've followed my gut and gotten the Sachertorte. If I were to describe ALEX I'd say that it's a BJ's Brewhouse but just slightly fancier.
In order to meet up with a friend across town on time, I hopped onto the S-Bahn - line S5 - from S Warschauer Straße to Hackescher Markt. I have a friend that has lived in Berlin her whole life. She studied at my high school during my senior year as a foreign exchange student and we met in English class. I remember telling her about my desire to study abroad in college and now here I was studying abroad and visiting her in Berlin. We met up outside of the S-Bahn station and proceeded to walk to our river cruise tour location of departure.
We took a river cruise tour of the Spree river that divides Berlin. The
1-hour boat tour started near Hackescher Markt, cruised past the Berlin Cathedral, Humboldt Forum, Marshall concert hall, and the oldest part of Berlin - Nikolaiviertel - before turning around and heading west to see the Parliament district and pivoting at the House of World Cultures. The boat had food and drinks available for purchase onboard - standard restaurant-style - and audio commentary is provided. I don't remember much of the scenery around us and I didn't take many pictures mainly due to the fact that I was catching up with my friend but the experience was easily worthwhile despite the finger-numbing temperatures.
With a grumble in our tummies, we set off to find a bit to eat for a late dinner. We ended up at Dolores California Burritos - think Chipotle but probably healthier. I got tacos with carnitas, black beans, green verde, gucamole, topped with coriander and pink onions. They were deeply filling and extremely satisfying after a month and a half of little to no mexican food. It definitely wasn't as good as mexican food back in the states but I'm grateful for what I can get.
Afterwards we headed next door to grab a donut for dessert at Brammibal's Donuts. The only signature American flavor in sight was a Boston Cream, the rest were rather creative: Biscoff Cream, Pumpkin Cheesecake, and Bee Sting. I opted for a classic Cinnamon Sugar to top off my night.
Later that night we decided to head out and explore Berlin's notorious nightlife. A local's recommendation led us to a club called Mein Haus am See. After flashing identification and vaccination cards we entered the bustling club. To the immediate left, there's a smokers lounge and the main bar. The main room is filled with couches and coffee tables. In the back, there are bleacher-style steps with cushions to sit on but in the middle, a hallway cuts into the steps leading to a bathroom and entrance for a "Private Party." We found out later that downstairs - through the door labeled Private Party - there's a nightclub with a dance floor, bar, and minimal seating.
Long story short the upstairs was more "drink and vibe with the DJ" whereas downstairs was "drink and dance". Within our time there I became acutely aware of the European stare as well as the patriarchal ideology that persists in Berlin. I love Berlin but I don't like the men in Berlin. I wouldn't say that it's safe to walk alone at night as a woman - but that's only my experience.
Step Count: 19,902 steps
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