Thursday, February 26, 2009

Berlin's Parliament

Reichtag Building- Platz der Republik which once housed the German Parliament, was burned by the Nazis in 1933. Rebuilt, it now contains exhibits depicting the history of Germany.

The German Bundestag is the heart of democracy. The Dedication "Dem Deustchen Volke" (means "To the German People") is mounted above the western portico of the Reichstag Building. Whoever sits as a Member is elected by the German people and makes laws for everyone living in Germany. The Bundestag is an open House. Indeed, since it has been located in Berlin, it has become a world-famous tourist attraction. More and more visitors are taking the opportunity to gain a direct insight into parliamentary proceedings and are inspired by the indelible impression of the redesigned Reichstag Building. Guest from around the world make sure they do not leave Berlin without visiting the Bundestag. Groups of visitors from German constituencies who want to see their Member of the Bundestag in action in Berlin join the bustling throng of politicians, journalists and staff around the Reichstag Building, the new parliamentary buildings, the Brandenburg Gate and the Federal Chancellery. Pleasure boats sail on the arc of the River Spree, conveying tourists and day trippers who wish to look into the heart of democracy. The Bundestag is one of the highlights of every visit to Berlin-and there is no entrance charge for anyone visiting Parliament.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Brandenburger Tor or Brandenburg Gate

Brandenburg gate- just east of Tiergarten at the end of Unter den Linden , was built 1788-89 as the imperial entrance to Berlin. Its Doric columns were fashioned after the Propylaea of the Acropolis in Athens. Napoleon Bonaparte confiscated the gate's Goddess of Victory when he captured Berlin in 1806, but the crownpiece was returned to the city after emperor's defeat in 1814.

The gate was a stronghold for government troops in the 1919 Communists uprising and was badly damaged in World War II. A replica of the Goddess of Victory, a gift from the former West Berlin, now decorates the gate.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Snows.....

These photos taken last valentines day during our trip to Hahn Airport going to Berlin. It was a beautiful and exquisite day... It was really nice to see the wonderful nature. I enjoyed taking pictures of natures especially here in Germany.




It was really nice to see the refreshing clean, breezy and cool green Christmas Tree with real snows.....

More refreshing green Christmas Tree....