Here are some more pics from Berlin. Like Albany, Berlin is a capital city, and it is impossible to avoid noticing politics. Despite the plea from at least one reader for "less history, more beer," this page will have a political theme.

The photo at the right is part of the roof of the restored Reichstag, Germany's parliamentary house. Most of the damage to the original building was actually inflicted prior to the war, by an arsonist's activity.

Nobody knows for sure who started the fire, but the most likely hypothesis is that the newly-empowered Nazis burned it and blamed the Communists to solidify their position. Could you imagine a government doing such a thing? Conspiracy theory nuts...

This year is a big election year for Germany, so there are many political posters hanging around the country. Sadly, there are still some extremists out there. One such party, the MLBD (Marxistisch-Leninistiche Partei Deutschland), advocates a repressive socialist state. The text reads, "Trust is good, control is better." Sounds good to me, as long as I'm the one in control.

There is also a neo-fascist party, the NPD, that desire the deportation of all immigrants. The poster below reads, "Good trip home - now NPD." Seeing as Germany has negative population growth, and that most Germans, like Americans, do not take the most menial jobs, this plan may be somewhat myopic.

I'm told that together these parties will get somewhat less than 5% of the vote, demonstrating that somewhat less than 5% of humanity are damn bloody idiots.

Christian Fundementalists are also in Germany, but unlike in the U.S., they wield no influence. This poster translates loosely as, "A shape for the future worth preserving. Healthy Families: Pure Growth, I am the Lord, your God, Party of Bible-loyal Christians."

I wonder if they are the Pat Robertson kind of Christians, advocating assassination of those who oppose their ideals?

Here is a self portrait of Jenn and me. What's this have to do with politics, you might ask? It's a shot of our reflections in the dome of the Reichstag, Germany's parliament building. The dome was rebuilt in a completely modern style, all glass and steel, and is a striking contrast to the rest of the building. One can also get a great view of Berlin from the top.
Here's Jenn standing in front of the restored Reichstag. The inscription reads, "of the German People."
OK, OK, back to some beer stuff:

Below is a photo from a small brewpub called Georgbraeu. No kidding! We sat outside, like most people, because the weather has been so incredibly summer-like, but this is a picture of their brewhouse. Notice the shine of the copper; it is the result of the apprenticeship system. They get a fresh batch of very low-paid apprentices each year and can assign them whatever tasks they need done. I'd like some apprentices!

The beer here, while drinkable, was not up to the usual standard we expect from German breweries. They offer two, a Helles and a Dunkles, and both were remarkable for their high diacetyl content (i.e., buttery flavor).

The service was very friendly, and the food good. I had some tasty Matjesfilet (pickled herring), while Jenn enjoyed a Wurst sampler. The portions were small for the price, but the location right on the river was lovely.

The beer recycling facility at Georgbraeu.
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