6

The day began early this morning when we drove out of Berlin into the town of Potsdam. The drive was lovely, passing by unbelievable homes and breathtaking countryside. We pulled over at a lake and got out to walk around. Being that the sun was out and hardly ever is in Germany, we were fortunate enough to be surrounded by naked, orange men. It was awkward, to say the very least! Once in Potsdam, we visited the palace of Sanssouci. The beautiful castle was home to Frederick II, also known as Frederick the Great. The architecture is French and seems out of place in the German countryside. However, this was obviously intended by the prince. Sanssouci translates from French to mean “without worries,” conveying that the palace was a refuge for Frederick the Great, a very fashionable and lavish refuge. As rumor speculates, Frederick II was a homosexual and looked down upon by his father, Frederick William I. Therefore, the prince constructed Sanssouci and entertained guests of his personal taste, one being Voltaire, a close companion for many years; allegedly, they were more than friends. The two men are documented through correspondences illuminating their mutual interest in homoeroticism, which, of course, offers evidence to their romantic relationship. Overall, the palace was beautiful and the gardens were lush and extensive. Also, one thing I found somewhat humorous was that Frederick the Great constructed ruins in his “backyard” to mirror those of Rome, so that he may feel as if he were glancing over a history of art and wisdom, being that he was very refined himself. I do believe the palace was my favorite sight I have seen thus far; I have always, always wanted to visit a castle!
Later in the day Cole and I traveled out into Berlin to find an exchange bureau. The only one we knew of was located near the Zoo. After forty minutes of travel on the bahn, we found the bureau in just a wonderful part of town. Situated in between two brothels, we entered in and were finally able to get more Euros, being that we were running pretty darn low. Then, we began a frantic search for an English bookstore so that Cole may subdue her fervent affinity for the Twilight series and purchase the second book, New Moon; however, tragically, we ended unsuccessful, much to my sister’s dismay. Next door, though, we did have a delicious scoop of Gelato, so our efforts weren’t entirely wasted.
Lastly, we enjoyed a lovely dinner, just Cole and I at, yet again, a Beirgarten. Beer Gardens are called so because they are outside dining.
The day was lovely.