Friendship Force Adelaide

Sixteen ambassadors arrived safely from Dubai, via Frankfurt, and over the next three days were joined by 9 others. During this time each ambassador was free to do/see whatever they chose - the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus was the first attraction but all agreed that the Insider Berlin Walks were the most popular, interesting and educational. A 4 hour walk took over 5 hours for some, as the guides on both days were so knowledgeable and entertaining. Having orientated ourselves we were able to explore independently. By Saturday the city was filling with tourists and soccer fans - Munich and Stuttgart were scheduled to play the German Soccer Final that evening in Berlin! It was necessary for us to avoid the train stations as the fans invaded the city! Rain during the day did not deter them. Rain had greeted us on our arrival in Berlin and continued intermittently during the 3 days. On the Saturday night the majority of us adjourned to a nearby Italian restaurant - a fun night developed with dining, wining, dancing and laughter. Ask Pat about it! Our hotel was quaint, and fun. Room sizes and décor varied considerably, and we were intrigued by the small antique lift, but it saved climbing 4 flights of stairs! Free Wi-Fi worked most times - you just had to pick the right time! We all voted it a good place to stay - right opposite the railway station, and with 3-day Welcome Berlin Cards we were free to use all public transport without another thought.
On Sunday we were entertained by the Berlin Friendship Force Club - although it rained most of the morning it did not deter anyone! Much effort was put into preparing a bbq in the garden, and we all had a wonderful time.
Monday morning saw us on the bus to Lubeck for the start of our first exchange. It was June's birthday.