Since I am in Berlin, people are telling me that I have to visit Potsdam. After three months in here, I did it! I took the S-Bahn, crossed Wannsee, and then took a bus to the castles! And indeed, this place is beautiful and I’ve found the castles nice, not too big, not too small; just enough!
For those who don’t know this place (because I didn’t know either), Potsdam is a small city and is the capital of the Brandenburg Land. It is a very touristic place because there are many Prussian castles and historic places. The most famous one is called “Sans souci”, edified by Friedrich II; an enlightened (and warrior) despot. So, I started with this one, very nice; one floor (I think) and a funny small windmill next to it. About that windmill, there’s a nice story about it, it belonged to a miller and the king Friedrich II wanted to buy it from him. The miller refused and the king threatened him to confiscate this good but the farmer answered: “That would be true, were there no judges in Berlin!” In the 18th century, I admire the courage of the miller and the wisdom of the king.
Then I continued my way within this huge park where you can walk and see the Chinese garden, Voltaire place and also vineyards (they try to produce wine but I don’t know if they succeed)! Voltaire’s place is really nice; you just have a small bench and some flowers with a small statue. With the sun I had you can really philosophize ;) Next, I took a veryyyy long road to “Neues Palais” but unfortunately, they were restoring this palace. I find it less beautiful than “Sans souci”; it is much bigger and more classic.
After several hours in this place, I decided to go to the next destination on my list; Cecilienhof! Built during the First World War, that’s also where the Potsdam conference took place. I paid a ticket for the visit and also I paid a ticket to make photos (3€!). An advice if you will visit this place, DO NOT PAY THE PHOTO TICKET! I made 6 photos of this place which say it is 50cents/pic and I was against the light, so I think it is much cheaper to buy post card! Also the visit is extremely small, just a few rooms and then finished; thank you auf wiedersehen! Even with the audio guide, you don’t have lot of information. But I admit, it is a nice place to negotiate J
And to finish my historic day, I went to Glienecke bridge, I am sure you already see it. It is this famous bridge where the spies were exchanged! If you never see it, just watch McGyver!
You can see my tour on flickr! http://www.flickr.com/photos/65846682@N06/sets/72157627500024401/
