Berlin - Hotels and Trains and Nespresso

It was an amazing journey to Berlin. I got off the train at the main station, Berlin Berganhaauf, standing there in awe. I was also a bit overwhelmed and lost, having no way to knowing exactly which way to turn, but just decided to just wing it as I tried to make my way to my hotel. Going with my gut landed me on an S-Bahn going the long way around, but I paid it no mind and just smiled thinking what an interesting way to immerse myself into the culture as I watched the locals in their daily routine. I got a seat next to a very nice elderly German woman who knew only a few words in English. She was so kind, giving me her station map that explained the way.  My small detour proved fruitful as I connected with this beautiful human being.

It was the Apple City Hotel that I booked because of its close proximity to local transport and that fact that it was minutes back to the main train station for me to head toward my next destination in the morning. The hotel's staff got high marks with their courteousness, professionalism and knowledge. The room, though small, was sleek, clean with 2 comfortable twin beds and ample room for my luggage. The WiFi was in working order allowing me to update my blogs and work on my recent book. I was in the 3rd floor and the small elevator was more convenient, than me toting my backup up the stairs. Being in the heart of things, I wouldn't recommend this as a very quiet place, but if you want to be close to the heartbeat, this is one to consider.  Since I was here I wanted to touch the history of the cold war and what was once the Berlin wall and the hotel being right by the U trains (underground) allowed me to easily connect with the S-Bahn system making touring easy with the use of a handy transit map.

I took about an hour to rest before venturing out to see the city. I had so many suggestions but wanted to go with the flow. I plotted a course for the American Checkpoint hoping that it would provide me with a bit of history.   My calculations were a little off, but magically ran into one of the few young ex-pats from New York as I exited the underground.  As I looked a little lost, he noticed that I looked perplezed and asked where I was going. I am always amazed that somehow people are there for assistance, even when I have not asked.

“Come with me darling,” he motioned, as I followed him to the S-Bahn from the underground. On the train we chatted and laughed about New York and I was once again assisted through synchronicity. I thanked him as I exited the train, following his directions. 

I strolled up the main road for the 25 minute walk from where I was going on the shopping street toward Checkpoint Charlie, but for me today, as most days, it was not about the destination, but about the journey.  I brought my stride down to a leisurely stroll, taking in everything I could along the way. 

I stopped when I saw a Nespresso store and decided to walk in and see what George Clooney found so fascinating about this particular brand of coffee.  

I felt as if I were walking right into one of the comical commercials that are plastered all over YouTube showing George making fun of himself. 

“This can’t be real,” I thought. I stood there looking up at the floor to ceiling displays of color coded coffee pods and walked to the back of the store to the coffee room to find 2 girls there serving coffee to patrons.

Once again I was treated to an enlightened conversation as I enjoyed complimentary espressos and cookies. I smiled to myself relishing the moment.

I believe that the Universe puts us in places for reasons. There were 2 ladies speaking English standing next to me. One seemed to be having a tough time. Being who I am, I introduced myself, shared my information and words of encouragement had the opportunity to assist another. 

While in Berlin I also talk about Checkpoint Charlie and a few other tidbits, so look for those posts in this series. 

Enjoy your spiritual travel and wishing you amazing Travel Awakenings,
LeeZa Donatella

Here are some links to items I enjoy, that you may find useful 

Travel Accessories
Great Travel Backpacks
Luggage

All my Books  available on Amazon 

Other authors books that have helped me on my journey.

The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz

The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield

The Essential Rumi  by Jalal al-Din Rumi

Carlos Castaneda's books

Leeza Donatella is an author, speaker and teacher

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