Travelogue around Asia Pacific Part II

Berlin - We woke up early today @ 2:30AM, change and check-out to catch our flight to Amsterdam at 6AM.   It was an hour flight, with snacks and a drink.   After a short nap, we hear the pilot announcing the approach to the Amsterdam airport.    We had to walk fast to clear immigration, and reach our departure gate within 1hr.   The immigration was autogate for Singaporean passports so that makes the process faster, custom officer stamp an exit chop on our passport and a quick rush to our gate. Our plane was co-share with German Airways - https://germanairways.com/  Sandwiches and a drink was served and within 45 minutes, we landed on the tarmac of Aberdeen airport.  As a small international airport, we walked to the immigration and custom, then back to Quinston home.  

Berlin - Today, we took a train ride out to Potstdam town and it was an 1.5hr ride.  This is an UNESCO site under the name of Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin is a huge collection of important palaces and parks located mostly in Potsdam.   Charlottenhof Palace This was the summer residence of Crown Prince Frederick William, who later became King Frederick William IV.   Charlottenhof Palace is actually a remodeled farmhouse converted into the neo-classical villa you see today Apart from the UNESCO award, Potsdam also has a great history in filmmaking. In fact, Potsdam is the birthplace of the film as we know it. Images first started moving in the city of Babelsberg, which is now a part of Potsdam. The world’s first silent film was made here in 1912. Chinese House in Sanssouci Park The Chinese House is a garden pavilion in Sanssouci Park.  The pavilion's exterior is distinguished by life-sized gilded figures placed around the building individuall...

Berlin - We took the S Bahn to Spandau city about 1hr from our train station.    Spandau, one of Berlin’s largest boroughs, has a wealth of history to explore. Its roots go back to the thirteenth century when it was founded as a medieval fortress town. Down the centuries, it has experienced many changes – and the traces are evident everywhere. The old fortified tower, which is incidentally the oldest building in Berlin, stands in the middle of the Zitadelle, a square fortress built in the 16th century. It is completely surrounded by water and is one of the most important and best-preserved Renaissance fortresses in Europe. The Citadel, the borough's most prominent historical monument, encapsulates this dynamic history and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Berlin's past. Constructed in the 16th century, the Spandau Citadel is one of the best-preserved Renaissance fortresses in Europe. Its imposing bastion walls, which are up to four meters thick, and its vaulted corrido...