En Voyage_Issue#11_Flickbook

EATING & DRINKING
German food is so much more than
sausages and pretzels accompanied by
big tankards of beer. The Michelin Guide
enthuses about the Neue Deutsche Küche
(New German Cuisine) of the nation’s top
chefs, and Berlin has eateries featuring
every type of ethnic cuisine. Do try some
traditional German fare, however: there’s a
wonderful array of gourmet Bratwurst, and
Berlin’s speciality sausage is the Currywurst.
Then there’s Sauerkraut – green cabbage
pickled in white wine vinegar – although
you might prefer Apfelrotkohl, apple-spiced
red cabbage. Germany produces some
spectacular baked goods, including 300
varieties of bread. Rye Pumpernickel is
worth a try, and German pretzels, known
as Brezeln and covered in salt crystals,
are much better than their American
counterparts. Don’t miss out on Kaffee und
Kuchen (coffee and cakes), the Germanic
equivalent to the English afternoon tea.
When in Germany, you should sample not
only the famous beer but also world-class
wines, most notably the magnificent Riesling.
WHAT TO DO
Berlin is Germany’s most happening city
with an exciting mix of modern buildings,
thought-provoking monuments and
world-class museums. Berlin’s character is
shaped by events in its turbulent past, and
Checkpoint Charlie gives a fascinating view
of how the city’s heart was cut in two. The
Berlin Wall Memorial, the only preserved
section of the Wall remaining, forms part
of a memorial to all the suffering caused by
Berlin’s division. The Pergamon Museum
is just one of five institutions that make up
Museum Island, which spans 6000 years of
art, sculpture and architecture from around
the world. Berlin’s most iconic building is the
1894 Reichstag, now home to the German
parliament and where the best views of
the city can be enjoyed. The 18th-century
neoclassical Brandenburg Gate, once the site
of major historical events, is another sight
that shouldn’t be missed.
BERLIN SKYLINE WITH SPREE RIVER AT SUNSET
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