Ringing in the New Year in Berlin

We just got back from a two night stay in Berlin. Our friends Jesse and Michelle, who live in Amsterdam, set up a nice little couples trip to celebrate New Years in Berlin. We arrived on Wednesday and drove back today. It was snowing almost the entire time we were there, so we were quite bundled up for the amazing fireworks at the Brandenburg Gate and many a cup of hot Glühwein was enjoyed.

On New Years Eve day we went into downtown Berlin and walked around and did some sightseeing. Michelle put together a great agenda of historical places to visit, but the winter weather was not the best for really taking advantage of all the city has to offer. We all agreed that we need to get back to Berlin another time with more focus. New Years Eve was just a crazy/busy time to be there. Michelle had a great guide to Germany written by Rick Steves, so John and I plan to purchase it to learn more about different places to visit in Germany so we can make the most of our travels.

After hanging out downtown, we went back to the little apartment where we were staying and enjoyed some snacks, farkel, and drinks. We headed out around 10:00 to go back downtown to see fireworks. In Germany, people can purchase and set off their own fireworks, so there were lots of sparklers and explosions happening as we made our way back to the Brandenberg Gate. At one point, a few explosions were so loud, I really thought a bomb went off. Such a nervous Nelly! We were still hearing pops and crackles as we left this afternoon at 2.

The crowds were absolutely insane! Given the fact that I am not such a huge fan of crowds, I was clinging to John for dear life when we were smushed in a quasi stampede of drunken, celebratory Germans who were also venturing to see the fireworks display. The ground was a complete sheet of ice, so I was afraid that someone would slip and literally get trampled, but that did not happen. Several people did get dragged away by the polizei for being too drunk though. When we were nearing the entry way, there was a funnel effect and I could feel us just being pushed along by the crowd. As I looked around, I actually saw an older woman crying.

Germany New Years=scary stuff!

We found a nice little spot to watch the fireworks from and did our own little English countdown which was closely followed by the countdown in German a few seconds later. Champagne was enjoyed. Kisses were exchanged. A great time was had by all.

Here are a few pics from Christmas and New Years:

***

Berlin Trip

I am not quite sure what John is doing in this picture, but if I had to guess, he was probably saying RICK!!! (his best impression of Amy Poehler's SNL skit which he practiced a lot)

Team Toppel, Team Awesome, & Team Schmitty

On the double decker tour bus that made me want to puke!

Outside the restaurant/bar called White Trash Fast Food

It's a celebration....

Near the Brandenburg Gate

Prost at 1:30 am

Dancing Queen!

we got free donuts at some party for old people...

Sledding down the huge ice slope in downtown Berlin.

SO fun! I think that is Krista and Brian, but it helps you get the idea of the hill.
Team Toppel having a blast

Parliament building

Jesse and Michelle always show us a good time!

FIREWORKS!!!

We call this 2010 Katie--she's so fun!

***

CHRISTMAS

I need a tan...enough said.

It was so nice to spend time with both sets of parents over Christmas!

We LOVED spending time with our beautiful niece and celebrating her first Christmas!

Happy New Year everyone!!