Celle

Celle is this lovely town just north of us. Miraculously it was untouched by WWII and so has preserved the old German charm. Churches date from the 12th century and there is a palace type residence where dukes and nobleman lived. The park surrounding the palace has a river running through it dotted with willow trees. This is a place the kids and I will visit often.

Matthew has started a new hobby of collecting sticks wherever we go. Naturally the sticks turn into weapons.

One of the many things I love about Audrey is the love she has and shows for my children. She adores them and they love her.

The one thing Audrey fell in love with in Germany was chocolate Musli. She took home a three months supply. Being the oldest niece and nephew and I the youngest aunt, Audrey and Kyle feel like my sister and brother. I thoroughly enjoyed their company and was so sad to see them go.

Hamburg

Hamburg. A beautiful port city. Canals run throughout city with beautiful buildings that were restored to preserve the old beauty. We took a boat ride around the docks of Hamburg.

Hamburg's Rathaus "town hall."

St. Catherine's church tower. At the top is a crown made from pirate's gold.

Floating dock: this dock is sent out to rescue broken down ships.

We had a traditional German meal: brotwurst and some potato concoction.

Berlin

Berlin. Pretty awesome.

I was completely surprised. There was such variety in the architecture and loads of history. Not to mention beautiful parks.

Reichstag: where parliament meets and where Hitler gave many speeches. Rebuilt after WWII.

Brandenburg Gate.

State Opera House

Bebelplatz: site of the first "book burning"

Book burning memorial: in the ground and a room filled with empty white bookcases.

History of Germany Museum.

Chrissie showing her "bangles" that Audrey gave her. Apparently a big hit.

lovely gowns.

Napoleon's Hat from the Battle of Waterloo.

Matthew sharpening sticks he found in the boulevard of linden trees.

St. Nicholas church in the St. Nicholas district.

Checkpoint Charlie.

Berlin Wall and the basement of the Gestapo where prisoners were tortured, executed, sent to camps.