360* Berlin

Today we went to the Berliner Fernsehturm.  It is one of the highest points in which to see Berlin.  In only 40 seconds, the lift brings you the panorama level at a height of 203m.  You can enjoy this fantastic lookout point which, on a clear day, offers a view of up to 80 km in all directions. 

In 1964, after a long series of discussions on the most appropriate location for a high powered transmitter for the GDR, Walter Ulbricht decided in favor of erecting the television tower at Alexanderplatz.  The result was a highly conspicuous building that could be seen from West Berlin, and was intended to represent the socialist part of Germany.  It opened in 1969 and was overhauled in 1995-96.  General overhaul of the tower, including renewal of the building technology, air conditioning, and fire prevention equipment.  Since then, more then a million visitors a year have enjoyed a truly breathtaking view of the city. 

In the pictures, you can see how flat Berlin is.  Also, the large green area in one of the pictures is Tiergarten Park.  We live across the street from the park.  It is nice to have it so close. 

A Boat ride down the Havel River

Saturday, we went on a boat tour down the Havel River with our friends Elder and Sister Frank.  They are from Utah.  They have been assigned to Tiergarten for a month to assist us.  They will be transferred this next week to their permanent place.  We will miss them. 

We started out by taking a train to Zalendorf to meet up with the Franks.  We then went on to Wannsee and the start of our boat tour.  The weather was warm and sunny, a perfect day for sitting on the boat and looking at the scenery.  The Glenike Bridge you see in one of the pictures is where the US and Russia exchanged spy prisoners during the Cold War.  We took the boat to Potsdam. and there we disembarked.  We walked around the Sanssouci Park for an hour and then went into town to have a snack.  The park was lovely, but a lot more crowded then when we were there before.  There was a little street fair going on in the town.  We walked up and down looking at things and just enjoying being outside.  We stopped at a outdoor ice cream store and ordered fancy ice cream treats.  Dan and I shared a "Pizza Ice".  Sis Frank had a "Hamburger Plate Ice" and Brother Frank had a "Strawberry Kuchen".  We all enjoyed our treat and then walked some more.  When it was time to get back to the boat, we grabbed a taxi and headed back to the boat dock.  We got there in time, but still almost got left behind because we weren't paying attention and didn't get on the boat.  Fortunately, we saw it leaving and ran down the dock.  The boat captain was kind enough to re-dock and let us on.  It was a lovely ride back to Wannsee.  We then went to Zalendorf for dinner at a place called The Block House.  It specialized in steaks.  We  then headed back to our apartment.  It was a lovely day.

Tiergarten Park

Tiergarten Park is a large park across the street from us.  It used to be an animal reserve for hunting for the elite of Germany.  Now it is a large park area for everyone to enjoy.  When we first got to Germany, it was barren and dead looking.  The trees were all in hibernation, as well as the grass, and shrubbery.  It really wasn't very pretty.  Now it is absolutely beautiful.  The trees are so thick that you get very little sunshine on the walking paths.  The shrubs are so big that they hang over the paths.  the flowers are beautiful.  As you can see, the rhododendrons are in full bloom.  We love to walk along the canal, or through the park enjoying the peaceful surroundings.  You can hear birds chirping and see them flying about enjoying the spring.  On a warm afternoon, there will be many people lying on the grass reading or napping, or sunbathing.  You have to be careful where you look because nude sunbathing is legal here in Germany.  As people get off work, more and more are walking through the park on their way home unwinding from their day.

A Baby Ruth would be nice!

The 1st time was spontaneous; he gave away a few packs of gum.  Later it was all a good plan gone right.

After WWII, Germany was divided into zones of occupation by the French, British, United States, and the Russians.  Berlin was surrounded in what became East Germany and the city was divided in half.  Check Point Charlie was 1 of 3 roads in and out of the West Berlin.  Millions of people fled out of East Germany to the west.  They never went back.  In the late 1950's, the Russians closed the roads and refused to allow people or supplies to enter.  The people of West Berlin faced starvation.  An airlift was organized.  Food, water and other supplies were shipped to the U.S. east coast and it sailed to England where they were flown to West Berlin.  This went on for over a year, saving lives and keeping West Berlin free from a Russian occupation.  Some pilots flew over 1,000 missions to West Berlin.

Born in Salt Lake city, Gail Halvorsen ins 91 years old now.  He is active and alert.  On Sunday, I heard him bear a powerful testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ and of the Mormon Church.  He didn't talk about how he became famous in Germany.  I think he is too humble for that.  Brother Halvorsen was an air force pilot who flew cargo planes in and out of the Berlin during the blockade.  On a day off, he hitched a ride into West Berlin and wandered around the city.  He spoke to some kids who said they never had any candy and not much else to eat.  After giving away several packs of spearmint gum, he walked away.  A young German girl chased him down and asked for 1 more pack to give to her friend.  Gail was out of gum but he told the girl tomorrow he would fly over and drop some.  The girl asked how she would which plane was his.  Gail told her he would"wiggle" his wings.  The next day he did exactly that, and the day after, and every day after while flying over Berlin.  Other pilots joined in and soon candy mostly wrapped in handmade parachutes rained down on Berlin.  Letters arrived asking for candy.  Gail responded to all of them.  Candy donations flooded the base.  "The Chocolate Flier" was known world wide.  Candy companies got involved as did the US Air Force naming the mission "Operation Lil' Vittles".  Over 23 tons of candy was dropped mostly from old C-47's humping it over Berlin.  A good plane with good men running in harms way for kids.

I shook this fine man's hand on Sunday and told him how much I appreciated his service.  He smiled at me and with a twinkle in his eye thanked me for my missionary service to the people of Berlin.  Gail visits Germany a lot.  He attends Sacrament meeting and visits with his friend, Bishop Barsch of the Tiergarten ward.

God bless Him. 

Dan and Deb in Berlin

The Big Surpr[se

Last night as we were sitting in the foyer of the church waiting for the YSA's to finnish their soccer game so we could lock up the building and go home, Bob and Bobby walked in!  I was so surprised.  Dan knew they were coming, but they wanted to surprise me.  It is so good to see them and get hugs from Bobby.  I like surprises like this!

Today, we went to the Berlin Zoo.  It is just down the street from us.  The weather was perfect, not too warm, partly cloudy, with a little breeze.  It is really a great zoo.  We walked all around it looking at the many animals there Bobby said his favorite was the Vampire Bats.  I couldn't take a picture because they were located in a dark cave.  We saw lions, tigers, bears, zebras, giraffes, monkeys, and lots of birds.  we had a fun time at the zoo.

A Day at Sanssouci Park

Monday, we went to Sanssouci Park, located in Potsdam.  It is a ensemble of palaces and gardens.  Beginning in 1744, Frederick the Great laid out the Baroque gardens featuring the Lustgarten(Pleasure Garden), and the sentimental Rejgarten (Deer Garden).  The park was expanded in the early 19th century under Fredrick William III and Fredrick William IV with the addition of Charlottenhof Palace and the Hopfengarten(Hop Garden).  The Ruinenburg (Mount of Ruins) and the area north of Maulbeeallee were designed as landscape gardens.  In 1906, a section of the park created for Emperor William II, called Potentestuke was added.  The park includes 4 palaces, many gardens, fountains, and lakes.  The major palaces include Oranierrondell, Schloss Charlottenhof,  and Neues Palais.  There are also various balconies, and bridges throughout the park.  We spent 2 1/2 hours with 12 of the missionaries from our zone wandering about the grounds.  We returned to Berlin via train (40 minute ride).  It was a lovely day.

Eisenhuttenstadt is now 1-1

Some of you may recall our December snow, rain, cold, dark trip to sing with the other Missionaries Christmas Carols to people in the city.  The few people we saw were nice but the town was not so nice.  Old and boxy, most of the apartments were very Cold War looking.  The downtown area was drab and plain.  Well, last week we went back when the sun was out and it was warm.  The ride there was beautiful and it was nice to get out of the big city.  The apartments were still big and ugly but the town was kind of cute.  What a difference a little sun and green makes.  Even the people seemed nicer.  We were there for a concert.  For reasons unknown, the BYU wind orchestra was playing a concert as part  of a 21 day European tour.  They were great!  And they were fun!  The town had a well designed little concert hall.  The place was pretty full and the crowd loved the show.  We clapped 2 encores out of the conductor.  I couldn't resist, as the crowd settled down when the show ended for good.  I yelled "Go Cougars".  They honored their school.  The drive home was even nicer than the drive there as the sun settled over the green beautiful German country side.
Dan in Berlin