Berlin, Part Eins

For the past week we have been exploring the sites of Belin, thanks to dear Senator Fulbright. We have to say that he has been quite a generous host. He's taken care of our travel expenses, accommodations, meals, and even thrown a few lavish parties at premiere sites around Berlin.

Brandenberg Gate--the most recognizable symbol of Berlin

It was also a symbol of divided Germany as the Berlin Wall ran right by it.

Looking at the side of the Brandenberg Gate towards the Reichstag, which is the principal sight of the German government.

In front of the Reichstag--notice the glass dome.

Standing by the Dom with what was the East German TV tower in the distance. The tower was built as a symbol of Communist power and progressiveness. Our hotel was right next to it in Alexanderplatz.

Most of the major museums are located on 'Museum Island' in the middle of the Spree River. Below is the Bode Museum.

The best of the Berlin museums (in our opinion) is the Pergamon Museum. It houses, among other things, the Pergamon altar, the market gate of Miletus and the famour Ishtar Gate of Babylon. What is unique about it as a museum is that its famous artifacts are actually part of the structure of the museum--so they can't be moved.

Penelope, though happy to flirt with other museum visitors, was not too impressed with the actual artifacts. And given her lack of sleep the night before, she was a bit cranky to boot.

Pergamon altar

The market gate of Miletus

Lion from the Ishtar Gate

Ishtar Gate of Babylon (ancient Iraq)

Viewing the Ishtar Gate from the perspective of ancient Israel's exile in Babylon is a particularly sobering experience.

The biblical prophets weren't exaggerating; the Babylonians were a fierce and powerful people. The displaced Israelites must have been quite overwhelmed.

(To fully understand the picture below, you must realize that Penelope was emitting loud wails while I was rocking the stroller back and forth in a desperate effort to put her to sleep. In case you were wondering, I finally won.)

The processional way lined with lions

This is a wonderful example of the bright brick tiles. One can only imagine how they shimmered in the hot Iraqi sun over 2,500 years ago.

Gazing onto the River Spree

Museum Island on the right and the Dom in the background

Boat ride on the river

The Berlin Dom (cathedral)

The Dom lies in former East Germany. It was heavily damaged during the War and left in ruins by the East German government (Christianity being something of an embarrassment for the aspiring German communists).

After reunification, the restoration of the Dom began, but only recently have actual services resumed.

Today the Dom is both the home of an active Protestant community and also the venue for many concerts--especially concerts involving an organ.

We were fortunate enough to worship with the Berlin congregation during a Sunday service.

It is impossible to capture the beauty and grandeur of this church, and there is no substitute for worshipping in the midst of such thoughtful and theological art and architecture.