Berlin: Been there, done that

Germany’s capital, Berlin, is a world city with both modern and historical influences and architecture. Berlin’s eventful history makes it a great place to learn about Germany past and present. With its 12 neighborhoods, and even more attractions, Berlin takes several days to experience. Tourists can probably get by in Berlin without knowledge of the German language, but knowing key phrases is usually appreciated by the locals. Berlin is big city, but it has an extensive public transportation system with several types of transportation that go everywhere: the S-bahn (S for street train), the U-bahn (U for underground train), trams, and buses.

Since the public transportation is so good in Berlin, visitors can stay anywhere in the city and be connected to the sights. The Mitte district, however, is close to many of Berlin’s main sights, restaurants, and shopping, as well as hotels and hostels across all price ranges.

Mitte, which means “middle” in German, is the historic part of Berlin, which was mainly part of East Berlin when the Wall divided the city. Unter den Linden is a beautiful boulevard in this part of Berlin, which is great for shopping or just going for a stroll. The street’s name means “Under the Linden,” which are a type of tree which line the street, leading the way to the Prussian royal palace. Attractions near Unter den Linden include a statue of Frederick the Great of Prussia on a horse, and historic buildings like the Old Library, on Bebelplatz, the square where Nazi book burning took place – where there is now a memorial of empty bookshelves.

A bit farther down the street, the Brandenburger Tur (the Brandenburg Gate) stands as the entrance to the city. Built in 1730, the wall has served as part of the fortification of the city, a symbol of the Nazi Party, and eventually as a symbol of freedom, once the Berlin Wall fell. Nearby, the Reichstag building, with its glass dome top, is Berlin’s parliament building. The building offers tours and free admission, allowing visitors to trek up the dome and onto the roof for spectacular views of Berlin. Visitors must make reservations in advance.

The Siegessäule, or Victory Column, also offers panoramic views of the city after a climb up the 67 meter tower (there’s no elevator). This column is situated in the middle of a busy roundabout, but an underground passage allows visitors easy access. The column is topped with Victoria the Goddess of Victory, also known as Goldelse (Golden Else).

The Berliner Dom, or Cathedral is a must-see ornate Protestant church, with great architecture, also located in the Mitte district. A short distance from that, Museum Island sits in the Spree River, with 5 museums containing art and artifacts from the Greeks, Etruscans, Egyptians, and more: Altes (Old) Museum, Neues (New) Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery), Pergamon Museum, and Bode Museum. The Jewish Museum has two buildings of informative exhibits and contains 2,000 years of Jewish history.

World War II and the years that followed had a large impact on Berlin, especially because of the division of the city. The Berlin Wall was erected in 1961, and torn down at the start of Berlin’s reunification on November 9, 1989, but parts of it remain. The East Side Gallery is a mile-long stretch of the Berlin Wall, which was painted with murals and political graffiti by artists from around the world in 1990. The wall serves as a sobering reminder of the people who were trapped behind the walls, or were shot for trying to escape.

The Holocaust Memorial, called the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, was dedicated in 2005. The memorial consists of rows of concrete blocks (called stelae) of various heights covering 4 acres, which demonstrates the disorienting effects order can have.

Another remnant from the Berlin Wall-era is Checkpoint Charlie, one of the checkpoints between East and West Germany. The checkpoint still stands in the middle of Friedrichstrasse, where actors in military uniform stand guard for photos. Next to it, the Checkpoint Charlie Museum offers a glimpse into life with the Berlin Wall, as well as many stories of escape.

Friedrichstrasse is a main street for shopping, and was once the main spot for Berlin’s Roaring Twenties. Other busy centers that visitors to Berlin must check out are Alexanderplatz and Potsdamerplatz.

Berlin’s food specialties are the “Berliner” or pfankuchen, which are jelly-filled donuts, Currywurst, which was created in Berlin, and other types of sausage, especially from street vendors. Beer, sauerkraut, and potatoes are the perfect additions to your Berlin meal. On food, Fernsehturm Berlin (Berlin TV Tower) has a good restaurant and offers 360 degree views.

With all these sights and more, most visitors to Berlin quickly find their way back to experience more of this beautiful city.

Historic Route 66

What is Route 66?

Known by many nicknames, including the “Mother Road,” “Main Street of America,” and “The Great American Highway,” Route 66 was one of the first cross-country roads in the United States, as well as one of the most influential.

Where is the Historic Route 66?

The original Route 66 traveled from Chicago, Illinois through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, ending in Los Angeles, California.

The route was constructed in large part along the old Beale Wagon Road, which travelers used to get through New Mexico and Arizona to California during the Gold Rush and westward expansion.

Why was Route 66 constructed?

With the rise of the automobile after Henry Ford’s innovations with the Ford Model-T starting in 1908, cars became a common modern convenience. They allowed freedom and mobility of Americans, but only so far as the roads would allow. The idea for public highways began circulating. Throughout the ’20s, the automobile shaped American culture, shrinking the country and allowing for more movement. Though the railroad was able to transport passengers, the railroad proved limited, mainly restricted to flat places.

Cyrus Avery, a businessman from Tulsa, Oklahoma pushed for the creation of a road linking Chicago to Los Angeles, two major centers of commerce. In the early 1920s, government legislation of public roads began, with a plan for a national highway system, and the route from Chicago to California was designated on November 11, 1926. The route connected small towns to big cities, giving rural areas increased access. Only a small portion of the route was paved. Avery pushed for the entire road to be paved, and it became the first completely paved highway in 1938.

When did Route 66 gain popularity?

The U.S. Highway Association, whose first president was John Woodruff in 1927, along with Cyrus Avery worked to promote Route 66. One of their most successful publicity campaigns was the Bunion Derby, which was a cross-country race between New York City and Los Angeles – the longest race in history. Will Rogers and other celebrities cheered the runners on along the way. Route 66 is now known as the Will Rogers Highway for this reason.

The Dust Bowl in the 1930s pushed people westward toward California, for farming families from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, and Texas, to find agricultural work. Much of the mass migration followed the route, helping it gain popularity.

The popularity of Route 66 improved the economy of the small towns along its route during the Great Depression, leading to the rise of mom-and-pop businesses, gas stations, and restaurants. Motels sprang up along the route, as convenient stops for motorists – the word “motel” is derived from the combination of “hotel” and “motorist.”

During the 1950s, roadside attractions began popping up along the route, like Native American curio shops, teepee motels, reptile farms, and themed restaurants. These attractions encouraged travel on Route 66, making it an entertaining family road, creating the concept of the roadtrip.

What was the fate of Route 66?

Over the entire of existence for Route 66, its path continued to change and evolve. Many sections of the road were notoriously dangerous for motorists. Some were  even referred to as “Bloody 66.” Over the years, Route 66 was straightened to remove these dangerous curves.

Parts of Route 66 were rerouted as part of this straightening process, which resulted in some cities being bypassed, and a shorter drive for travelers along the route. In 1956, the Interstate Highway Act was signed by President Eisenhower, which created a new system of expressways across the country. Route 66 was moved around, repaved, and ultimately decommissioned.

Route 66 was divided up and made into several different Interstates in the new system:

Interstate 55 – From Chicago, Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri

Interstate 44 – From St. Louis to Oklahoma City

Interstate 40 – From Oklahoma City to Barstow, California (the longest stretch of former Route 66)

Interstate 15 – From Barstow, California to San Bernadino, California

Interstate 210/10 & State Route 2 – From San Bernadino, California to Santa Monica, California

Many of the original windy roads of Route 66 became “Business loops,” and some are now just local roads.

What were the effects of Route 66?

Not only did Route 66 help Americans travel across the United States, it also shaped the American culture of the 20^th century. Route 66 gave birth to the first ever fast-food restaurants and drive-ins, including the first McDonald’s in Barstow, California, American car culture, service stations, the Great American Roadtrip, motels, and more. These aspects of Route 66 became emblematic of Americana.

For the small towns along its roads, Route 66 brought business and purpose. Boom towns sprung up, and once the road was rerouted and decommissioned, many of these towns were abandoned, becoming ghost towns.

A revitalization of Route 66 and its small towns began with Route 66 Associations, which began forming in 1987 to preserve the history of the route. These Associations began putting up “Historic Route 66” signs along the way. In 1999, the National Route 66 Preservation Bill was signed in an effort to protect this piece of American history. Route 66 saw a surge in traffic after Pixar’s 2006 movie, Cars, which takes place along Route 66.

What attractions are located along Route 66?

Wigwam motel in Holbrook, Arizona, and San Bernadino, California: Sleep in one of the few remaining teepee motels.

Petrified Forest National Wilderness Area, Arizona: One of the largest collections of petrified wood in the world.

Painted Desert, Arizona: Multi-colored rock formations that allow visitors to see the many layers and types of rock.

Meteor Crater, Arizona: The site of a meteor crash that happened over 50,000 years ago.

Jack Rabbit Trading Post, Arizona: An original trading post from Route 66’s heyday, Jack Rabbit is now a convenience store and Native American curio shop, famous for the many billboards advertising the shop.

The Big Texan in Amarillo, Texas: Heavily advertised roadside attraction and restaurant that offers a free 72 oz steak to anyone who can finish it in under an hour.

Leaning Water Tower of Groom, Texas: America’s own leaning tower.

Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas: An interactive art exhibit consisting of 10 Cadillacs from the 1950s and 1960s, buried nose-down in the ground. Travelers stop by the open field and add their own graffiti to the classic cars.

Chain of Rocks Bridge, over the Mississippi River between Illinois and Missouri: This pedestrian and bike bridge has a 22 degree bend.

Rome: Been there, done that

Since reaching its apex as the capital of the world under the Roman Empire, Rome has persisted as a world city throughout history. Home to many famous attractions, like the Colosseum and the Vatican, Rome is one of the world’s top destinations for travel. With so many historic sights, you’ll need several days in Rome just to see the major ones.

Where to stay:

Rome has plenty of options for lodging all across the city, and across all prices, from hostels to luxury hotels. Many hotels and hostels are concentrated in the area near Termini train station, which is a convenient location. Another option is staying right in the center of town, where you’ll spend more but be within walking distance to almost all the sights. It’s best to stay inside or close to Rome’s historic center, as Rome is not an ideal place for tourists to drive.

Where to eat:

Trastevere is a great, somewhat less touristic neighborhood for dinner, where many restaurants offer fixed menus that have several courses and house wine included for around 10 euros. Trastevere is a popular destination for tourists and Romans alike to go out at night. During the summer, shops, bars, and restaurants are set up along the banks of the Tiber (Tevere) river, providing a beautiful setting for a night out

Try to avoid eating nearby major tourist attractions: you’ll pay more for lower quality food. When ordering pizza in Italy, one pizza per person is the norm. Pizza al Taglio (pizza by the slice) has a thicker crust, and is sold by the gram, making it a good option for a quick lunch. Some of Rome’s pasta specialties are Carbonara (egg, Parmesan cheese, and Pancetta) and Amatriciana (spicy tomato sauce with guanciale).

Rome gets very hot and humid in the summer, but thankfully there are gelaterias all around the city where you can buy gelato, or Italian ice cream, that will help you cool off. Old Bridge, located right across from the Vatican Museum, is a popular gelateria with great service and big portions of delicious gelato. At any gelateria, choose more than one flavor (2-3 complementary flavors are best), pick your cup or cone size, and when you are asked if you want “panna” know that this whipped cream is normally unsweetened, which can be strange if you’re not expecting it.

What to see:

Colosseum – Walk around outside, then go for a self-guided tour of the interior, and try to imagine the events and matches that went on in this building.

Imperian Forum – If you’re visiting both the Colosseum and the Forum, it’s cheaper to buy the ticket that includes both.

Pantheon – Free admission, very well preserved inside and out, great architecture. Walk around the interior to see some beautifully done, unique Stations of the Cross.

Spanish Steps – A great spot for people watching, and taking photos

Trevi Fountain – A baroque fountain, and a very popular tourist attraction. Legend has it that if you throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder, you will return to Rome.

Vittorio Emanuele II Monument – A large, ornate, white marble building known as the “wedding cake” or “typewriter,” you can’t miss this controversial monument located right in the center of town.

St. Peter’s Basilica (the Vatican church) – If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the Pope, don’t visit during summer, because the Pope heads off to his summer residence to get away from the heat. If you want to see the inside (you should!) no short shorts/skirts or tank tops are allowed for men or women. Once you’ve been inside, you can get in the line to the right of the main entrance to climb to the top of the dome. There is a fee of 5 euro to climb the entire way, or 7 euro to take an elevator, but it only takes you up the first few floors, so you’re better off taking the stairs. You’ll go to the inside of the dome to get a new perspective on the Basilica’s beautiful design, before climbing more stairs to reach the outside of the dome for amazing views of the whole city, as well as a peek into the rest of the grounds of Vatican city.

Vatican Museum – If you’re in Rome during the summer, get in line very early. You’ll still end up waiting in a long line, but it won’t be as hot. This attraction could take the better part of a day to get through, but experiencing the Sistine Chapel firsthand is worth it.

Galleria Borghese – Aside from the Vatican Museum, this is the best museum in the city. Get a guided tour to better appreciate the art, and learn the story of Bernini ‘s incredible statue of Apollo and Daphne.

Roman Catacombs – During the Roman Empire, it was against Roman laws to bury people within the city walls, so the catacombs were constructed as a final resting place. Located along the Appian Way, the ancient road that crosses Italy from Rome to Brindisi, the churches with catacombs in Rome are a long way out of the city and difficult to get to. Before you decide to make the trek out there (whether by rental car or one of the few buses that run out there), know that these catacombs are underground crypts, but you won’t be seeing any skulls or skeletons. If that’s what you’re hoping to see, you don’t have to look far: try the Capuchin Crypt!

Capuchin Crypt – under Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini (near Piazza Barberini) contains the bones of 4,000 friars – some in piles, some nailed to walls, forming patterns and designs, and some even hang from the ceilings as chandeliers. The Capuchin Crypt is a sacred place, not meant to be creepy (but that’s tough to remember once you see the skeletal decor).

Other piazzas to check out:

Piazza del Popolo – At the end of Via del Corso, the most famous shopping street in the city, you’ll find this large, open piazza. Climb the stairs on the right site (from Corso), for a cool park with amazing views.

Piazza Navona – Navona has great fountains, touristy restaurants, but is pleasant place to hang out in the evenings.

Campo dei Fiori – Not far from Piazza Navona, Campo dei Fiori is a popular piazza to hang out at night (there are even stadium seats set up, for better people watching). By day, markets fill the square.

Piazza del Campidoglio – Michelangelo designed this ornate piazza on one of Rome’s Seven Hills, Capitoline.

Seattle, Washington: Been There, Done That

Seattle, along with hub cities like Tacoma, forms a part of the largest metropolitan area in the Pacific Northwest. The home of prominent companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks, this port city is a national leader in the adoption of green technologies. Visiting here is an essential way to experience the real culture of this part of America, from young tech-savvy hipsters to grizzled seafarers. The city has a rich history in aviation, and is home to the largest private air and space museum in the world, the Museum of Flight. Seattle is also a center of architectural innovation, so you’ll be catching a glimpse of many interesting and unique buildings, such as the Seattle Central Library and the Space Needle. Additionally, anyone with an interest in Native American culture will find lots to do, like paying a visit to a local tribe or taking in one of Seattle’s many excellent museums, such as the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture.

The Space Needle is definitely the most recognizable landmark in Seattle, located in the tourist-oriented (but beautiful) Seattle Center. Of course, there’s never a time to visit the Space Needle when it isn’t crowded, but if you don’t mind the long lines you can take a trip up the elevator and get a great view from the observation deck. For the quintessential Space Needle experience, make some reservations at the SkyCity restaurant and enjoy a meal as you rotate 500 feet above the ground, taking in a panoramic view of the city. The food here is excellent, if somewhat pricey–and those who arrive late will find themselves to be out of luck!

Any tourist should be aware that while there are many public transportation services, a car is still the best way to get around. Watch out for traffic jams, though, as this is one of the most congested cities in the nation. On the plus side, hotel rooms are easy to get, even deep within Seattle’s downtown area (although look for prices to rise the closer you get to the center). Seattle is known for having cloudy and rainy weather for much of the year, so summer is probably the best time to visit if you plan on doing anything outdoors. On the other hand, if you love snow sports like skiing, winter is a great time to show up, with the weather in this part of the country still remaining relatively mild.

Seattle is heaven for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and sailing. There are many beautiful wilderness areas surrounding the city, as well as numerous large parks within such as Green Lake Park (where anyone can take a walk around the lovely lake in the center) and Discovery Park (the largest park, with several scenic hiking trails). There are also many options for visiting the park at the base of Mount Rainier, one of the Pacific Northwest’s largest mountains and a constant presence visible from anywhere in the city. Seattle is surrounded by water, so don’t miss the high-quality seafood and gorgeous views of the ocean. A lover of boats can also have a great time viewing the watercraft at the pier, or even charter a ride and cruise around Puget Sound taking in the sights.

If you’re going to Seattle in the summer, you can’t miss at least a part of Seafair. Seafair is a summer-long celebration made up of a series of festivals, large and small, that all take place in different neighborhoods. It begins in early July of each year, always starting off with the funny antics of the Milk Carton Derby on Green Lake. Most of the parades and spectacles are perfect for families with young children, incorporating events such as boat races and public appearances of whimsical characters like the Seafair Clowns and the Seafair Pirates.

Seattle is well-known for having a number of street fairs and open markets, often with live entertainment. One of the biggest draws is certainly Pike Place Market, one of the country’s oldest farmer’s markets. You can spend all day browsing the antique stores, craft shops, and other unique locations, then stop for a meal at one of the small family-owned restaurants in the area. If you’re going to be doing your own cooking, pick up some fresh vegetables or fish from the market.

The performing arts are huge in Seattle. If you’re a fan of high-brow entertainments like the ballet, opera, or orchestra, it’s likely that a delightful performance will be taking place during your stay. Seattle is also one of the foremost cities in the United States for live theater, so you’ll definitely have the chance to take in a show. You can’t miss the smaller-scale entertainments here, either–Seattle has a lively independent arts scene, from black box theaters to slam poetry events. Because of acts such as Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Pearl Jam, the city is famous for being the home of the “grunge” rock movement, and continues to have an important influence in the world of alternative music. Fans of indie rock can find performances taking place every night in both more conventional and underground venues. Take a look around, and you’ll be surprised at what you can find!

Charleston, South Carolina: Been there, done that

Charleston, South Carolina is a charming city with great southern food and hospitality. If you enjoy American war history, beaches and palmetto trees, gardens and graveyards, or fresh seafood, Charleston should be on your list of places to visit.

To experience the character of this city, a B&B close to downtown is the best accommodation option, but for a serene and secluded getaway, check out the Inn at Middleton Place, located right along the Ashley River. It’s a bit of a drive from downtown, but a stay at the Inn includes access to the historical Middleton Place, which has beautiful gardens, stables, and a museum.

Charleston is known for its many churches and its long history. The city played an important role in both the American Revolution and the Civil War. Fort Sullivan and Fort Sumter were the setting for battles of the Revolutionary War and Civil War respectively. Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired, is accessible by ferry from Liberty Square, where you can visit an education center to learn about the Battle of Fort Sumter before you take a tour of the island.

Since Charleston consists of a group of barrier islands, there are a few great places to enjoy the beach. Folly Beach is a good suggestion for a beach day. Located  a short distance from downtown Charleston, it has its own little beach town. Right off the coast is Morris Island Lighthouse, one of the best-known landmarks of South Carolina. On Johns Island, you’ll find the Angel Oak, a large southern Live Oak tree estimated around 1500 years old, making it one of the oldest Live Oak trees in the world.

The Battery (or Battery Park) offers great views of Fort Sumter, antebellum homes, and a scenic park along the promenade. Museum Mile on Meeting Street downtown, is where many historic churches, buildings and museums are centralized. Check out the 300 year old Powder Magazine, South Carolina’s oldest public building.

Downtown Charleston is great for shopping and dining. Walk along the palm tree lined cobblestone streets and check out the Market, a covered outdoor marketplace where you can see (overpriced) handmade crafts and souvenirs. Gilligan’s is a popular restaurant right near the Market, where you can try the South Carolina specialty, She-crab soup. Another option is Jestine’s Kitchen, which has amazing southern food at a great price. It gets very busy for dinner, so be prepared to wait.

One last note about Charleston – it consistently places near the top of the list of the most haunted cities in the United States. Whether you enjoy ghost stories and ghost hunting, or just like to hear tales of characters from the city’s past, look into taking a walking tour of Charleston’s haunted places, which often include graveyards, jails, and dungeons. Many of these guided tours are available at night for an extra spooky way to spend an evening in Charleston.