In January last year, I wrote the popular theory that, in the twentieth century, important things tended to happen to Germany in years ending in 9 – i.e. the 1919 Versailles Peace Treaty, the 1939 start of the Second World War, the 1949 founding of the Federal Republic and, most recently, the 1989 fall of the wall. My aim, however, was to prove that years ending in 0 were actually the truly momentous years – or at least of comparable importance.

Ever get lost in thought about where you see yourself in ten years? Or contemplating what steps to take to become a millionaire? Scheming about how to reach that personal zenith of ever-lasting satisfaction in life…? Well, I cannot tell the future, nor can I help in terms of money, but I do know the secret to eternal satisfaction in life!

Found in the Rigveda, an ancient Hindu collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns, there is the saying, “We have drunk of the Soma; we have become immortal, we have seen the light; we have found the Gods.” Now, just what IS this Soma and where can we get it?

If there’s one thing Germany is good at apart from beer (and there are a few things), it’s museums. They might not be free like in the UK, but they are often of exceptional quality. After all, Germans take education, or Bildung as it is reverently referred to, very seriously, and museum visits are considered indispensable in acquiring it. That’s why Germany has a course of study at University level called Museumspädagogik, or “museum education,” offering training on how to bring visitors closer to the works they come into contact with.

Is it a normal phenomenon that you don’t know the tourist sites of the city in which you grew up? I, for instance, have lived in Berlin my entire life and have never been up to the TV-Tower. Instead of writing about the sites and attractions you can easily find in your Berlin travel guide, I’ve collected some personal tips – places that I go to often and that I think show the “real” Berlin. So I’ve put together a little itinerary for 2 exciting days in Berlin, which you can follow or, of course, mix-and-match as you like.

Day 1

You wouldn’t believe the incredible exhibition that had me in awe for days. I can’t wait to tell you all about it…

First, I would like to point out that Berlin is known for its buoyant art scene. If its antiques at the beautiful Museumsinsel in Mitte, contemporary art at the infamous Hamburger Bahnhof, or even the historical Jewish Museum, Berlin embraces art with both arms wide open.

The Martin-Gropius-Bau belongs at the top of the list of must-see museums. Located in the center of the city just around the corner from Potsdamer Platz, the large old building hosts various exhibitions simultaneously; right now there are two. On the top floor you’ll find Frida Kahlo’s Retrospective, and on the ground floor is the impressive installation that had me in awe: Innen Stadt Außen by the Danish Artist Olafur Elissaon.