The day began with a late start – I had trouble waking up, either from sheer exhaustion or unexpected jet lag which usually doesn’t impact me when I head east.

The day was gray and cloudy but it didn’t rain for which I am thankful since I forgot my umbrella. The forecast for the rest of the week looks just about perfect – sunny and 70’s – so I may not need it after all.

I spent most of the day walking about the historic Mitte and Museuminsel section of Berlin. Another successful day on public transportation, this time riding the train (S-Bahn) into Friedrichstrasse station. I walked first to Checkpoint Charlie and the Mauermuseum. I had seen and photographed Checkpoint Charlie before but hadn’t previously toured the museum. A rather warm building in spite of the cool temps and cloudy skies outside. No air or circulation – again I missed the overuse of air conditioning in the US. I then walked to Museuminsel, passing an interesting flea market or two on the way. Much construction on Museuminsel – they are overhauling the entire island with an end date of 2025. I’m sure it will be just gorgeous but for now all the cranes and construction rather mar the photographic effect.

Later I walked to Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate) and apparently just missed some sort of pro-Israel demonstration. There were lots of people walking around with Israeli flags in hand.

I’m rather tired again so I’ll keep this post brief – it might not actually be that interesting.

The highlight of the day was the boat cruise on the River Spree (pronounced Shpree). I love boats and we passed some interesting sites on the tour:

View from the boat of Berliner Dom and Museuminsel

View of the Reichstag from the Spree

View of the Bode Museum

Another view of Berliner Dom from in front of Neues Museum

I tried to capture what little splashes of color I could with my camera. Here’s hoping its the last gray day of the week!

Flowers outside the US Embassy, next to the Brandenburg Gate