Third Day in Berlin...alone

Day three started with Jerry leaving for his side trip. The rest of us mapped out a plan to return to the east part of Berlin ( we are staying on west side) to see Museum Island. This is a grouping of 5 museums by the Spree River. After Alex made sure we were on the train heading in the right direction, we settled in for our 20 min ride. Then once we got off the train it was only about 5 minutes to the museum after 10 minutes of trying to figure out which direction to go. We saw several ancient exhibits with artifacts from Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Islamic cultures. Also famous works of art- with major historical significance, I am sure, but to me they were either pretty or creepy. We all got scolded by Germans for various innocent mistakes: I sat my stuff on a nice marble table so I could take off my jacket only to be told by a no-nonsense guard in words I didn't understand but facial expressions and gestures hard to miss not to put items on the exhibits-I guess those stone statues sitting on the bench were important. Then later Mom got a quiet talking-to for sneaking bites of a cereal bar in a no eating zone. Later at lunch, after we asked for English menus and ordered food we told the less than friendly and barely English speaking waitress we woul just drink the bottles of pop we had just brought in with us. This is apparently more unacceptable here than at home and she launched into a litany that of course we didn't get until she had someone else tell us No drinks not from restaurant. Museums would be better if all exhibits are on one floor: when you hear "5 floors of exhibits" at first you think " cool"- but after several floors and multiple museums you think "why?" The highlight of today had to be touring the Berlin Cathedral. It is spectacular! Words can't describe the details, stained glass, sculptures and, yes, stairs. Alex tooke the 270 stair climb to top that leads to an outdoor walkwsy for outstanding city views. So naturally when he described this I couldn't miss it. While it was an amazing view of the city, that stairs were a combination of narrow, wooden, winding stairs and metal spiral stairs. Alex thought it was fun to record my agony so I'm sure it is. trending topic on YouTube. This area of the city has a large park-like atmosphere with people picknicking and musicians playing. As it started to rain we made our way back to the train station and miraculously got on the right train. Our day without our "guide" was a success! Topping it off with a piece of home, we ate at the Hard Rock Cafe -not wanting to create anymore controversy in restaurants. And just to make us feel at home, we had a 90 minute wait for a table. But it was worth it! what will tomorrow bring?