Berlin 22nd – 24th
Looking for Freedom…
Our journey to Berlin from Prague was a relatively short one in comparison to those that we had become accustomed to since we left Italy. We were staying in the Generator Prenzlauer Berg hostel paying circa 10 euros; give or take a couple. The Generator is quite frankly massive in comparison to the vast majority of hostels we had stayed in whereas its facilities were similar to that of the Mosiac hostel in Prague; very hotel like. When contrasted with Paris, London, Amsterdam, Berlin is very impressive, hosting a vast economically developed, modern metropolis comparatively speaking. The city is also felt very accommodating to tourists and there were a number of English sports pubs we were all too happy to find when looking for a bar to watch the Newcastle/Aston Villa game. Considering the city’s plight at the end of the war, the economic progress the German capital has made in less than 70 years is astonishing. The city easily eclipses that of the aforementioned capitals, reflected in its dominance over the European Union, while rightly donating significant tribute to its history.
We had heard much about the famous Berlin night-life; particularly Berghain and Watergate. After deliberation, we ventured to Watergate, anticipating a big night. The night however, failed to live up to expectations. As we were coming to the end of our trip, money was scarce. We paid at least 10 euros to get into the club itself and to find the minimum drink price was 5 – 7 euros for a respectable alcoholic drink (vodka & mixer or a pint of larger), we decided we weren’t hanging around for long. The clubs position on the river Spree does allow for a tremendous view at night nonetheless. The morning we were due to leave for Brussels, already running late, we heroically dived onto the departing metro carriage; the only carriage to be populated by ticket inspectors. Sod’s law; the one day we did not have a metro pass, we were asked to provide our tickets. Having been charged 40 euros each and subsequently missing our train, our anger was evident in each of us. After a well needed Starbucks we decided to cut our losses, leave the wretched city of Berlin and head for Rotterdam instead of Brussels. Fortunate train timing and the flexibility that the inter-railing pass allows the traveller meant this was easily done.
Rotterdam & Amsterdam 24th – 28th August
The Dams…
For us at the time, Rotterdam; Amsterdam’s city of culture, acted very much as a rest-bite before completing the final leg of our trip in Amsterdam. Rotterdam itself was a nice city but as far as activities, night-life and tourist hotspots are concerned, it is limited, despite serving it’s purpose.
Out of all the cities that I have been to and mentioned in these blogs, Amsterdam is most likely the city many of you will know best…. And what a cool city it is. The city is packed with tourists, backpackers, stag/hen parties and friendship groups looking to drink and smoke for a few days and rightly so. With the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh museum and Anne Frank’s House among many more, the city is not short of history and culture. Pedal bikes cost only several euros for at least an hours ride; something I would definitely recommend, despite the remarkably high chance of a collision with cars, pedestrians or other like minded cyclists; road safety is certainly not on the locals’ list of priorities. The city also hosts a great zoo as well as the Netherlands’ most prosperous football team: Ajax. For a relatively cheap price you can see either of these attractions although if you decide to invest in an Amsterdam city card; available for 24, 48 or 72 hours as we did: paying 70 euros for 48 hours, these attractions as well as several museums, are free. We stayed in Bob’s Hostel for 20 euros a night (amongst the cheapest available), only a matter of minutes away from the city centre, the red light district and therefore the cities night-life. Like many of the major cities in Europe, alcohol was somewhat expensive (from 6 euros a pint); most likely a side effect of the cities cannabis culture. The Red Light District was something else entirely. Having never been to Amsterdam before I was unsure what to expect but it certainly did not disappoint. Nevertheless I feel it is important to add that I didn’t experience the full package that the red light district has to offer; hats off to those ‘lads’ that did however.
And so with a overnight ferry journey home, a journey I had previously made only 6 weeks prior when I was returning home from Sennelager, Germany, a few drinks toasting the success of our holiday, and a comfortable nights sleep, we awoke in the motherland and much like this blog, our journey was over.
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