Day 1: Ich Bin Ein Berliner

I arrived at Berlin Tegel Airport at 11:10am Monday morning September 13. Sleep-deprived and jet-lagged, I began to understand what William Gibson meant when he wrote that travellers arrived at their destinations hours before their souls did. A disadvantage to be sure, but I would have to get by without a soul for the time being. After all, George W. Bush has done pretty well for himself without one so I should be able to manage for a while!

Apparently, Berliners are very smart and resourceful people, because the airport architect saw no need to place any Information kiosks anywhere. Instead, there were endless ticket desks for what seemed to be every European airline in existence, all advertising ridiculously cheap fares, and also advertising "No Information At This Desk". Hmph, thanks a lot. All I wanted was to find out where I could find some public transportation into town, as the only ground transportation I could see was taxis, and I was determined to save some money. The airport was shaped like a donut and I swear, I must have walked around 95% of that damn donut before I finally saw a sign for a bus.

One hour and a botched bus transfer later, I finally arrived at the Marriott Berlin, just off Potsdamer Platz. The Marriott was my first priceline purchase and I have to say, Priceline really came through!! A Category 4 Marriott, rack rate of EUR 209.00, for just US$65/night! I'm hoping the place does not spoil me for the rest of the trip. Oh well, there are worst things than getting a great deal on a hotel.

Since I had to cut my Berlin stay short and will be leaving tomorrow morning, it's a good thing that the Marriott is right in the heart of Potsdamer Platz, one block from the impressive Sony Center with its Paul Bunyan-sized canopy and a 5-minute walk from the iconic Brandenburg Gate and must-see Reichstag. All good things, worth seeing, but I came off with a mildly disappointed opinion of Berlin. An altogether unfair appraisal to make considering that I've only been here for half a day, but I couldn't help but feel that Berlin was Germany's version of Los Angeles - a sprawling metropolis with lots to offer once you get to know it, but not immediately friendly to visitors and somewhat lacking in a soul. Maybe it's the ghost of the Cold War still haunting the city, or the fact that much of its heritage and soul was destroyed in the war, but the city seems a little depressing.

On a side note, I started a little vacation tradition today. This is the first real trip I have taken with my "TaiPod", and I've found that having a "soundtrack" to your meanderings adds an interesting extra element. Berlin was just begging to have Radiohead played. Somehow the melancholy crooning of Thom Yorke over those harsh unforgiving beats fit Berlin perfectly. Nine Inch Nails would have done well also, but alas I didn't have any. Ah well, next stop Copenhagen. I wonder what music goes with cookies and elf shoes?