Visit to the Reichstag-Berlin City of Peace

Yesterday I had the privilege to visit the Reichstag Building, Berlin's Parliamentary Quarters. This is where the members of Bundestag do their jobs to represent their people and uphold democracy.

long line of visitors to the Reichstag Building

Although this opportunity is available to the public FOC, thanks to Marven's family, we didn't have to go through the long queue of people at the door.

On a separate entry, we waited for our confirmation to enter the building, went thru security check and then herded into the lift which was jampacked like a can of sardine.

the Eagle was the official symbol of Berlin until they adopted the Bear around 19thcentury

I have seen the building several times in the net and some photos of it but it is quite an awesome experience to be inside. Epecially sitting at one of the public viewers platform seats overlooking the area where the representatives are seated when in session.

the roof over the Bundestag members

And way up above them, the funnel shaped structure part of the glass domed roof hangs above us all. This reminds me of the popular Sony Center in Potsdamer Platz whose canopy or atrium serves the same purpose, source and means of controlling light both natural and artificial through reflection and refraction.

The gentleman (guide) educated us about the building and the Bundestag.
That was a good 30 -45mins. Then it was time to go back to the lift and up the top to finally experience the spiral walk up to the top of the glass dome!

Berlin's panorama as seen from the rooftop of Reichstag

Coming out and turning right into the open from the lifts, the building offers a great sight of the city. From here one can see Potsdamer Platz, TierGarten, Soviet War Memorial, Victory Tower. I am still unsure why the Federal Chancellery Building is supposed to be called the Washing MAchine, but from here, I could see the building in full view.

Straight ahead and to the left was the Soviet Graffiti writing mentioned earlier by the tour moderator and from here I realise I was very close to the Branderburger Gate! The few minutes we had here helped me put the city into its perspective. It gave me an over all view of the city.

I maybe broken but I am fine...

A few minutes to absorb the view and time to take some photos then we headed for the dome. I enjoyed taking photos of me in broken pieces as reflected from the shiny glass parts of the funnel shaped structure of the building.

Looking down from the Glass Dome on top of the Reichstag Bldg

The spiral walkway up towards the top and down again is also a great way to see the city and it's fun as well!

Branderburger Gate

From here we walked down to the Branderburger Gate, walked the length of Unter den Linden thru to Friedriechstrasse where we dropped by at Lacoste in an effort to get my son a messenger bag. Then we capped the day with a visit to one of the Chrismas Markets there.I'm quite grateful for Marvo for the privilege and for taking the initiative to set this day for us. It was also lovely to have the company of his friends, family and his lovely aunt Birgit.

written by

jorgn_craw on December 5, 2008 from Berlin, Germany

from the travel blog: Euro Trip 2008

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BE BERLIN!

written by Marven on December 20, 2008

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6wcAc42hb4

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written by berlin boy on December 23, 2008

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