The day began with a 5:15 a.m. wake-up call, a quick bite, and off to the train to begin a fast and furious spectacular day of exploring Berlin Highlights. We visited a number of key government buildings, synagogues, churches and education centers. We took some time to experience a real, nice “hometown lunch” in Maximilian’s restaurant in downtown Berlin. After lunch we headed back to the bus and were off to the famous Checkpoint Charlie, the point where Germany was divided between East and West from the mid 1960s until 1989 when the wall came down. Since the 1989 unification, Germany and the former eastern side have been on a major rebuilding campaign to grow that part of the city once again. Then back on the bus and off to Sacheshausen concentration camp which was one of the first camps and original model camp at the onset of the World War II. We also had an unbelievable tour guide, Tatiana, who was like a walking encyclopedia of knowledge was with us throughout the tour. — Phil

Field of Stelae: A Holocaust Memorial in downtown Berlin.

Reichstag, where the German government has it s seat.

Bunk beds for the prisoners inside Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.

HAL guest Phil from Atlanta, Ga., is currently on Eurodam sailing throughout the Baltic on a 12-day cruise. He will be sending in cruise diaries throughout the duration of his time on board.