I’ve been awake significantly more than 24 hours but note my dedication to you, dear blog readers, in posting again before going to bed, very tired but satisfied with a good first day.

Success in using the U-Bahn (subway) to Olympiastadion Berlin and back! (See Arrival in Berlin) I found my way to the station with ease, got on the right line in the right direction, got off at the right stop and repeated it all, in a very crowded post-game train, to return to the hotel. It was actually quite easy, making me feel much better about traveling further around the city tomorrow and Monday. Public transportation in Europe is generally good but I’ve been hesitant to use subways and local rail lines on past trips and I’m determined to move past that hesitance this time.

How was the game? Well first I should tell you how cool I thought it was to be walking in the same Olympic Stadium where Jesse Owens won gold in the 100 and 200 meter, much to the annoyance of Adolf Hitler. I didn’t realize it was the exact same stadium so that was rather exciting. Of course I didn’t drag my “real” camera to the game so I had to settle for iPhone pics. There are actually two stadiums on the site and the other one is really cool too – it’s been allowed to age rather gracefully.

I know virtually nothing about Hertha Berlin, other than that they’re not Bayern Munich or Borrussia Dortmund and therefore not a leading team in the Bundesliga (with apologies to the very passionate home fans). Still it was great to attend a soccer match in Europe where the excitement for each game is as real and palpable as that of any football match in America. The game wasn’t the best and the home team didn’t win but still a fun experience.

One downside – the smoking in the stadium – that’s definitely one of the drawbacks of Europe – still too much smoking in public!

I forgot about the “with or without gas” question (still or sparkling, in American terms) when ordering a water. When asked, I immediately requested “without” only to find out they didn’t have any. So I ended up with a Fanta and a Brezel and later went back for currywurst. The currywurst was fine – not really anything to rave about – but a popular local snack and now I’ve had it. Check.

Michael, the hotel concierge, is already my new best friend. He’s been rather helpful in just one day, knows my name (well, Mrs. Measler, anyway; Arrival in Berlin), and has absolutely saved the day with the last bit of help. Much to my chagrin, today I realized that my electric adapter wouldn’t work for my laptop plug – every other plug but that one. My laptop was already down to a 60% charge (thereby jeopardizing my ability to blog and post pictures more easily) when I went to Michael explaining the problem and asking if there was a store where I could buy the proper adapter. He told me to wait a minute, went into the back office and shortly came out with a universal adapter that he’s allowing me to use until I check out. He’s my hero for the day – and should be yours too if you’re reading (and hopefully enjoying) this blog – ‘cause it would have been difficult to do from my iPad. Those of you who have read my blog before know how much I hate trying to type with that “keyboard.” Thank you Michael!

I ended a good first day window-shopping on the Kurfurstendamm, a major shopping district in the city and, conveniently, the same street my hotel is on. Lots of great shops – I’m sure I’ll do some actual shopping before the week is over. I did buy one thing – a delicious blueberries and cream ice cream cone from Haagen Daaz. It was fabulous. I have always loved blueberry ice cream – had it as a child from Longacre’s Dairy in Bally, PA and have always looked for blueberry ice cream ever since – its pretty hard to find. I may be stopping at that Haagen Daaz on a daily basis – it was that good.

That’s all for today. Soon I’ll be in bed and sleeping well, thanks to Simply Sleep. Yes, I’m taking a sleep aid – I didn’t want to risk being tired on this trip. I took it the week before I left and I got some really good sleep for the first time in months. It was wonderful. Sweet dreams to all my readers.