Potsdam

Potsdam is only half an hour or so away from Berlin (I took the S-Bahn, but it's quicker with DB) so it seemed an obvious place to visit. I'd made a list of things I definitely needed to see, but I had no idea just how much there was in and around the city! There are so many castles and palaces that I'll definitely have to come back.

St. Nikolai Church

I ended up wandering onto Platz der Einheit, where there was a memorial to the victims of fascism, then decided to take a tram to Glienicke Bridge, because it was hot and it looked quite a way on the map. (It wasn't)

Glienicker Brucke- 'The Bridge of Spies'

The border between East Germany and Western occupied Berlin ran through the bridge (as it connects Potsdam and the Berlin district of Wannsee) and between 1962 and 1986, the Allies and Soviets exchanged captured spies here. As an avid 'Spooks' fan, I was quite thrilled by this!

Gorgeous weather

the Dutch quarter

After wandering around the Dutch quarter, I stumbled across an art shop selling small pictures outside. I didn't notice that it said 'FROM 3 euros' because I am an idiot so after finding a set of pictures I liked and thinking, well 12 euros isn't THAT bad, the woman said 'You've seen the price, yes?', then told me it was 32 euros. By that point, I couldn't (read, was too intimidated to) back out so with my stupidness I bought them, pretending I was some massive art lover. I should have asked who the artist was as I can't make out the name...Oh dear. I do like them though (even if they are some strange fakes) and they make a nice souvenir!

God knows

I also stumbled upon this incredible shop where I was tempted to buy everything, but my purse was now a bit empty. I managed to find 2 euros for a little whale made out some sort of stone. From the age of, well, very young, I was convinced I was going to be a Geologist and I still have an enormous collection of rocks and gems, but I don't think the whale is really a valid addition...cute though.

Then I walked up to the Russian Colony, Alexandrowka, which is a UNESCO site. Friedrich Wilhem III had it built in 1826, in memory of Tzar Alezander I of Russia, and the first people to live here used to be members of a Russian soldier's choir. It wasn't what I was expecting at all but it was lovely in the sun! People still live in these houses too, which is just mad!

The restaurant at Alexandrowka

Ukrainian Borscht

Chicken in nut sauce (hazelnut, walnuts, almonds and peanuts)

Honey cake, divine doesn't even cover it

 Since I'd emptied my pockets on some questionable art, I had to pay by card but to do that I needed to spend 25 euros. I didn't think that would be a problem, but bloody hell. The food was amazing and I'm surprised they didn't have to roll me out of the restaurant. I also didn't realise until I was tucking into my Borscht, that I was eating a Ukrainian dish in a Russian restaurant....topical.

I got a horrendous stitch climbing the hill to see this church after all that food, but it was worth it. Then I walked for about 20 minutes to Park Sanssouci which is basically just a huge UNESCO park filled with castles, palaces and other lovely buildings. It was a gorgeous place and I would love to spend more time there. By that, I mean, I'd like to sunbathe there all day.

Sanssouci Palace

In summer, the terraces leading up to the palace are covered in vines and plants- according to the tourist info, and every other picture of this palace ever taken.

'The Chinese House' looking a bit magical

Looking like Meep and not knowing where I was going

the Roman Baths

After wandering around the park, I decided to make my way back to the station as I was knackered, still poorly from this week and just so warm and desperate for a drink. I ended up walking through a very swanky residential area, seething with jealousy.

I made it back to the station and the train was sitting there, 1 minute before it left. Some complete NITWIT was in front of me at the ticket machine, dithering around and then standing there counting out her bloody change. I said, as pointedly as I could manage in German, that I would like to get on this train, and she moved but it was too late! I had just validated my ticket when the doors closed. On the S-Bahn, that is final. I could see the stupid woman through the window and I had to wait for another 15 minutes. She's on my list.

Anyway, I can't say enough how lovely Potsdam was. But I've noticed, that despite my ridiculous purchases of 3 course meals and art, I didn't buy a postcard...or a fridge magnet. Please do not tell my mother this. I'll have to go back now...

xx