Memorial

This memorial is located in a small park near a Jewish school. It was created to commemorate the families who were rounded up on this spot before being sent to death camps.

The inscription ends with "Never Forget."

Marx-Engels Forum

One of the most recognizable landmarks in the former East is the Marx-Engels Forum. No good tourist can pass up the chance to be snapped with the two greats.

The New Synagogue

Sticking with the theme of religious buildings, this is the city's New Synagogue. It was damaged during the Kristalnacht, but not as badly as the Rykestrasse Synagogue. In fact, it received more damage from the Allied bombs than from anti-semitic vandalism!

Luckily, after the war the dome was rebuilt and the building restored to its former glory. It's a very lovely place. In the summertime, visitors can climb the dome for a bird's eye view of Berlin.

Marienskirche

The Marienskirche is the oldest church in Berlin. It is located in the former East, not far from Alexanderplatz.

The church was built in a very simple Gothic style and the interior is very pretty. The only disconcerting thing is the strange "music" that emenates from the trams and underground trains that pass nearby.

Wasserturm

This is Berlin's very first water tower. I was designed by the English architect, Henry Gill. Work began in 1852 and the project was completed in 1875.

The building served its original purpose for many years. However, under the Nazi regime people were taken to the building and tortured in the basement. It has now been converted into apartments, although I'm not sure I'd want to live there. There might be ghosties lurking about!

Goldener Hahn

I am out of pictures of Jackson, so I'll share a few of Berlin while I'm here. This is a wonderful Italian restaurant that my husband and I always visit when we're in town. They have a great wine selection and the menu changes daily, so you know the food is really fresh.

The Golden Cock (the English translation of the name) is located in Kreuzberg, which has a very large Turkish population. Naturally, when Turkey won their match in the European Football championship, things got sort of rowdy in the streets. It was all in good fun, although it took us about 40 minutes to get home, double what it should take!

Magic Mushroom?

I found this very strange fungus growing in my yard. At first I thought it was a piece of trash, but when I went to pick it up, I noticed it was attached. For some reason, it reminds me of the surface of the moon, although I've never been there. It certainly doesn't look like something you'd want to eat!

If anyone is good at identifying fungi, I'd love some insight. Or maybe a link to someplace where I could get more info.