Journey Woman

Berlin 2000 -- Female Stuff

Evelyn Hannon

Why Berlin? Because history is being made there now! When the Wall came down in mid-1990, Berlin became the largest city in Germany. Since then, it has been frantically preparing for when the Parliament would be moved there from Bonn making it the nation's capital. Subway stations have been renovated, museum collections from East and West are being amalgamated and new modern buildings are springing up everywhere. Reading a map becomes somewhat of a joke as streets and landmarks are changing before your very eyes. This is an exciting time to visit Berlin. It probably ranks next best to being there when the Wall came down.


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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.

Box with check 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!


Women's B&B in Berlin...

Breakfast settingHOTEL INTERMEZZO Bed & Breakfast for woman located between Potsdamer Place and Brandenburger Gate. We have 37 beds conveniently located right in the middle of Berlin. Hotel Intermezzo offers single rooms ($US39), double and twins ($US67 per night). Rates for triples and quads available. We also have a two-bedded-room for disabled guests. All rooms have ensuite shower. Breakfast from $US2-5.00 E-mail: women@hotelintermezzo.de/ Website: www.hotelintermezzo.de, Tel. 049 (0)30/22489096





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