A long weekend in Berlin
We undertook this trip, with a close group of friends, two years ago now. Our motivation was to pay homage to the beautiful Nefertiti. We had all visited the site of Amarna in Egypt, and all stared longingly at the very spot in the sand where she was found. The very fine sculpted head is familiar to everyone, and although film and print have revealed every detail, there is nothing like being face to face with the real thing. 
We were not disappointed. The difficulty was staying focused in the museum and heading straight for her, before the crowds arrived. I kept seeing other much loved exhibits out of the corner of my eye, and had to fight the urge to stop every few minutes to stare in wonder and admiration.
The Pergamon Museum was next on the list, especially for its reconstruction of the fabulous Ishtar Gate; see lion panel below.
The museums were exhausting, but had to be seen, sadly only briefly, given the short time we were there.
We also had to be tourists for the city itself is fantastic. Very alive, and a wonderful mix of old and new architecture. Many buildings still bare the scars of the distant war, somehow briefly taking you back in time. Turn another corner, and modern Berlin brings you fully into the present.
I will leave you with a selection of images, that I hope will give you an idea of this wonderful city, and, perhaps if you haven't already done so, inspire you to visit in the near future. 
