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If you appreciate women-centered
art, then a visit to the Kathi Kollwitz Museum (located
in a lovely old villa) is a must-see experience. Kollwitz deals
with the poignant subject of mother and child and how this relationship
is affected by war. Look carefully for the way she illustrates
the enormous power of a caress or an embrace. (Fasanenstrasse
24)
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Than, take the time to
seek out a very special Kollwitz statue called "Mutterliebe"
(Mother's Love) that stands on a space at the end of Kollwitzstrasse.
It marks the spot where the artist lived before a wartime bomb
destroyed her apartment. Well worth the walk!
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Want to see where the
films starring the very famous Marlene Dietrich were
produced? For a fun day tour, make your way to DEFA film studios
in the town of Babelsberg where you can tour the lot and check
out the props and costumes. Kind of a German-Hollywood experience.
(August-Bebel-Strasse 26-53)
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Looking for all-female
accommodation in Berlin? Overlooking the rooftops of Berlin
is Das Frauenhotel artemisia, a women-only hotel and
the first of its kind in Europe when it opened in 1989. Located
on the 4th and 5th floors of an old building, its sunny roof
terrace offers a brilliant view over Berlin. Each room is dedicated
to a famous woman in Berlin's history while changing exhibits
of contemporary female artists contribute to the unique atmosphere
of the place. A breakfast buffet served on the roof terrace
during the summer months is included in all moderate room prices.
Good news for mothers--children under eight stay free. Contact:
Das Frauenhotel artemisia, Brandenburgischestr, 18, D-10707
Berlin, Fax: 030-861 8653.
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According to the guidebook
"Berlinwalks", there's a weekly fun event for the older adventuress
at #25 Augustrasse. Clarchens Ballhaus is an honest-to-goodness
neighbourhood dance hall (one of the many that flourished in
Berlin before and after World War One) with a fifty-something
clientele and featuring fifty-something music with a sentimental
twist. Wednesday night is "Ladies Choice" so... go for it!
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Yes! There's a woman's
bookstore in Berlin and yes, it does carry some English books.
It's called Lilith, it's at Knesebeck 86 and closest
transportation is the U-Bahn Ernst Reuter Platz. Seems like
a great stop if you're looking for women-centered information.
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Want the experience of
a women's only steambath? You've got it at Berlin's Hamam
located in the Schoko Fabrik Center at Marianenstrasse 7. Once
you've relaxed your body and cleansed those pores, look out
for the Schoko Cafe in the same complex.
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If Birkenstock
sandals are your absolute favorite, then stop into just about
any shoe shop in Berlin. After all, Germany is the country where
this famous footwear was born!
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Ah-h-h to be female and
courted by royalty in Germany! Charlottenburg Palace
was built in 1790 for the future queen, Sophie-Charlotte by
her suitor King Fredrich 1st. There's formal gardens for meandering,
there's exploring the Galerie der Romantik with paintings by
German Romantic masters as well as three other museums across
the road if you get bored. Closest bus stop? Number 145.
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Typical German food is
heavy food especially if you're sampling Berlin's selection
of delicious sausages. So, when your body begins to scream for
something lighter, try the interesting salads served by the
Movenpick chain. They're moderately priced and at some
locations you can even lunch outdoors while watching the world
go by. For the best veggie specialties and the number one apple
strudel in town, try Cafe Oren situated right next door
to the synagogue at Oranienburger Strasse 28.
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Join other independent
travellers on walking tours offered by Berlin Walks. Choose from:
Discover Berlin Walk (the main sights), Infamous Third Reich Sites,
Jewish Life in Berlin and more. There's no need to book for regular
tours; walks take place in all weathers - simply turn up at the
easy-to-find meeting points and buy a ticket from the guide (or
buy a ticket in advance from the EurAide office inside Zoo Station).
For further information visit their website: www.berlinwalks.com. |
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Finally, you must visit
KaDeWe, the mother of all department stores, housing
the largest food department in Europe. Think 30,000 edible items
including 400 different kinds of bread and 1,300 different kinds
of cheese. The assortment is almost unbelievable and the food
displays a work of art. Don't feel like eating in a restaurant?
Make your way to the sixth floor, browse the aisles and pick
out a picnic (wine included) to be eaten in your hotel room
. And, don't worry about dining solo. You'll have the German
version of MASH on TV to keep you company!
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