Here I am in Berlin and we have just finished a whirlwind tour of this city of so many different styles and cultures. This city will I think present a whole new series of emotions that I have yet to experience this trip so far. Those emotions have surfaced already as I stood next to Check Point Charlie. This was the third of the check points along with Alfa, Bravo and then the most famous……Charlie. Before I came here all I really thought about when I heard the words Check Point Charlie were the previously mentioned Micahel Caine Movies and the John Le Carre novel Tinker, Taylor, Soldier Spy.
However, standing there with our guide listening to the stories of the 500 plus people who were shot on sight trying to escape to the West and those hundreds more who were captured and never seen again………well, the movies become real life and life for the people in the east was full of despair. This dispair was also evident in the buildings that looked exactly the same as some of the Soviet ones we saw in St.Petersburg. From Check Point Charlie we went to the last pieces of the Berlin Wall. You do not need me to tell you the significance of its collapse and the sections that are still standing have been painted by young artists with reminders and memories of what was. The one that struck me was the painting of the only car ever to be made in Eastern Germany. It was called a Trabant and the painting by a young 19 year old artist depicts the Trabant smashing through the Berlin wall signifying the escape to Freedom. Once again to stand next to this piece of history which is full of both happy and sad memories for so many people.
Well, we are now at a Restaurant or German Pub having checked into the Hilton Hotel. We are with our tour operators and everyone is drinking beers the size of the Russian security woman whose sweaty hands I can still feel all over me. I had a quick shower as I smelt like ……..well you know……je ne sais quoi.
As they drink their beers and laugh and eat the wonderful bratwurst that is laid family style on the table. Heidi is here and I have missed her very much.
It is such a privilege to be visiting all these places and make sure I have all the recommendations ready for the guests. I have to admit that I am tired……really tired……my ankle hurts and today’s fiasco at St. Petersburg was nearly the final straw and being honest I wanted to bugger off home. However, having seen what I have seen today I am rejuvenated and realize that I am beyond lucky to see these places and realize how much guests will rely on me to provide them with the right information.
I know PA 007 will tell me to wind my neck in and stop whining……………..so I have.
As soon as the sausage has been eaten and they have emptied their huge beer glasses I am off to my bed.
Tomorrow will be a day of so many mixed emotions and none more so then when we visit one of the tours we are offering. …….the infamous Sachsenhausen concentration camp.
I have no idea how will I feel ……I mean I know I will feel outraged, sad, angry and goodness knows what else. My worry is should we offer this tour, is it offensive or disrespectful to do so……..I do not know and as always I would be greatful for your feedback my friends.
Anyway, sorry to leave on this subject but its time to go to bed. Tomorrow we leave this hotel and after our long day in Berlin we will drive for three hours to Warnemunde where the Carnival Splendor will dock. This means like today I will have no time to blog from my lap top thingy so no photos until Tuesday and I am sorry to say that you will have to put up with multiple small blogs from the small keys here on my Raspberry thingy.
Ok, that’s enough…..you could use the bags under my eyes to carry your shopping in. The problem is that Heidi has missed me and mentioned something about Das Happy Sticken………..there is no chance and even if Das Happy Stick has ein grossen smile my Sticken is totally Kaput.
Guten Nacht
Ihren Freunden.
Johann und Heidelein
Filed under: Europe, Travel | Tagged: Berlin, bratwurst, Check Point Charlie, Splendor Godmother, St. Petersburg, Trabant
Hey John & Heidi,
About the concentration camp…the old saying “if we forget we are doomed to repeat” or something like that anyway. My father in law was over there in what he called the Big One (WWII) & I think he would be honored that people were still interested enough to travel that far & spend $$ to see what they liberated. Just my thought.
As always, I appreciate your blog.
Jan
John, this is your last try at the smiley stick for four months. We don’t want Heidi to miss the bloggers cruise do we because the oven is a poppin. So take a make it go uppin bill and go to work.
BIG ED
John–Glad you have gotten past all the horrible flights and airports, I hope! Glad you and Heidi are together again. To answer your question, you should most certainly be offering the concentration camp tour. I am Jewish (big shock to you there, huh!) and I would definitely want to go, as chilled to the bone it would make me feel. I have friends and relatives who lost loved ones in the Holocaust. It should be a personal choice whether to visit or not, as any excursion is, but the Holocaust should never be forgotten so nothing like it ever happens again. Although seemingly mankind has not learned its lesson quite yet because horrible discrimination is still going on in this world. I do agree it does not quite go with the party atmosphere of a cruise but then again, it is of historical significance. I have been to the museum in Washington, DC, and what you see there forever changes how you think as a person. If this tour were offered to me, I would definitely go.
I shall now remove myself from the soapbox…..
Hi John, You must leave in the tours of the concentration camp. People must never forget what happened. We have to learn from history so it never happens again. I hope we get to go on a trip to Berlin on our Splendor cruise. We were there many years ago when there was still a wall. I would like to see the changes in the city.
Jo
Guten Nacth, Rest well so you both can enjoy the visit to Berlin. I’m looking forward to the reports about all you see. Jeri
Hi Heidi, you were missed not only by John but by all of us. We need another blog from you. While he is totally exshausted, how about sneaking the laptop out of his lap and give us a blog sometime soon. If John says…. ” there is no chance and even if Das Happy Stick has ein grossen smile my Sticken is totally Kaput.”…… he HAS to be past exhaustion.
But John your sister says, never say never……. grin
Carolyn….. who is past exhaustion from ironing all day.
John, as for the concentration camp I think it should be offered without any worry. Just like everything else in life YOU DON”T have to do it if you don’t want too. But if I was ever to go to Germany it would be one of my must see places just for the history fact of it.
But no matter which way you go with it you know somebody will say you were wrong. The old “damned it you do and damed if you don’t”
BIG ED
After not seeing Heidi for as long as it has been (3 or 4 days?) I wouldn’t think your sticken would be kaput! See, she really missed you!! When you mentioned the concentration camp, I got very sad, don’t know if people would want to go on such a tour, but I am sure you will make the right decision one you have been able to see it for yourself. I kind of like the raspberry thingy blogs. It is like having a conversation with you more often. Can’t wait for the pictures on Tuesday. I must say you did a great job on pictures in Russia. But I am sure you are glad to have Heidi back to be the photographer now. Happy days for you 2 in Germany my friends. Your friends, Mike & Linda
Hi John,
You asked, so here is my opinion. The concentration camp should be left in as a tour option. It is too important to omit. No one has to go that doesn’t want to. It would be much more disrespectful to leave it out.
John,,
*LOL* You crack me up with the Sticken being Kaput.
True story: I had a boss once whose name was Adaline Kaput.
Ciao, Kathleen
John,
As PA 007 would tell you…..wind your neck in and stop whining! I think your bloggers are looking for a new Jr CD!!!
You can sleep after!
Sorry about your ankle; please take care of yourself; my husband and I are really looking forward to sailing with you again on the Splendor in July; so keep safe, at least you have Heidi back with you.
See ya’ll soon!
You should definitely offer the tour. You might get complaints from all sorts of people who find it offensive or people who don’t believe, but I went to Auschwitz, and the lesson of the horrors done there is one of the most valuable lessons I have ever, ever learned.
John,
You should definitely offer the tour to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp.
History must be remembered so we do not allow it to be repeated.
Jo and Iwent to another late one evening and it was really erie. You could feel the souls of those who lost lives many years ago.
Dave
It’s great that you’re both back together now. Blog on as well as you can. The raspberry blogs are good.
There will be people on both sides of the issue with the camp. It should be offered people can decide if they want to go or not. They do not have to at least they have a choice.
I think the Sachsenhausen concentration camp should be an available tour. It is part of history and hopefully we can all learn from it.
Hi John Y Heidi, Youabsolutely have no idea just how much I have enjoyed your blos for the last month or so. The Emerald Princess trip sounded great and now your reki trip tothe Baltic states has been absolutely fascinating. I am sorry that you have had such a bummer time with the airline/airport folk and I don’t blame you a bit for being more than miffed with them. I absolutely love your descriptions of some of the “officials”. You know, you could make a bundle writing “comedy travelogues” if you ever decide to give up being a CD. Thanks so much for giving us all so much enjoyment while we sit at home and dream of cruising!!!!!! We Love Your daily visits.
Nora in Vancouver, Canada
Welcome back Heidi!!! Again John you had me laughing at the nurses station and there I was explaining about the “smiling stick”. For your sake, I hope it wasn’t smiling tonight. You definately need some rest! Now you probably understand what it is like for the cruisers. We want to see it all in the little time we have ashore, so it is nonstop from the minute we get off the ship till the last minute before we reboard. We will look forward to raspberry blogs tomorrow.
Sleep well!
Sheryl
how do u become a cruise director..
Good evening Mr. Heald. I’m so surprised that you were able to fly in such difficult arrangements. I would have so angry. About arranging the infamous Sachsenhausen concentration camp for the people on the cruise, if I may let you know a very personal feeling about this. I think it is not only important for the people to see it, I think it is a must. Though it may be difficult for many people to see the horrors that the Nazis did upon the Jews, I think it is important for today’s world to understand how individuals treat others. If you look at today’s world, it has been happening today, Darfur. People have to learn that we must treat our one another with love and caring, not negativity. I know if I was to go there, it would be difficult for me to see and learn about how God’s children were treated but at the same time to learn about it would be a learning experience, one that everyone should learn about.
I’m happy to see that you are really back. I enjoyed the ending of your blog:
” Das Happy Sticken………..there is no chance and even if Das Happy Stick has ein grossen smile my Sticken is totally Kaput.” Thank you for giving me a smile at the end of this dreary, cold, wet and snowy April day, Ciao my friend and I hope that you and Heidi are both feeling fantastic.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Have fun in Berlin! Even if it is the jelly donut city. JFK got that speech mixed up. :p
Personally I don’t think it is disrespectful at all to offer the tour there. I would sign up to visit the camp in an instant. To easy is it to forget the atrocities that happened during WWII. It is a part of history, no matter how painful. Personally, if it was possible to visit and Carnival didn’t offer it, I would wonder why and question the decision. Ultimately, it is your decision though.
Hi John,
So glad you & Heidi are back together again. I’m sure it’s a great relief.
As for the concentration camp, I’ve never been to Sachsenhausen but have been to Dachau & Tereisenstadt. I could still feel the total evil & despair even though 50+ years have passed. Many people who have an interest in history will want to visit there & show their respect to all the victims who suffered & died there. However, I do think it would be appropriate to warn people not to take their children there. There is no way that children should be exposed to something like that. It would have a negative reaction on any child even if they were too young to understand exactly what went on. Even for someone interested in history, it’s a very sad journey.
Thank you for the blog’s today. A trip to Sachsenhausen should be offered. We, the world, must never allow extermination of a race again.
Good Lord what a busy day. Poor Heidi but I’m sure she understands. Since there was no mention of luggage we will assume both of you have yours safe and sound.
Boy a tour of a concentration camp – that’s a rough one. I’ve viewed many documentaries and visited the Holocaust museum but to actually step foot on the grounds of one – I’m just not sure. I hope there is no one left who has to see one up close and personal to finally accept the fact that the atrocities actually happened.
Hard to wish you a good day knowing where you are headed.
The concentration camps are well worth offering to your passengers. The need and desire are felt by most people to see and feel the atrocities that happened long ago.
We were at Dachau a few years ago with 2 teen agers and I would encourage anyone traveling with teens to take them on this excursion. It may not be suitable for all and not for younger children but it did make a lasting impression on the boys we took. They had a deeper understanding of what can come of the prejudice that is currently taking place in our own communities and they also the issues that face so many other places around the world.
I did a “Junior Year Abroad” program in college and spent a year in London. Some other American students went on a trip to Germany that included a visit to a concentration camp. It was interesting to see the effect – it literally sobered them up for quite a while. They were 19 – 20 years old and I don’t think they were in any way ready to cope with what they saw and how it made them feel. Going out drinking seemed too disrespectful. (At least they didn’t veer off in the other direction, getting drunk and silly to pretend it didn’t happen.)
So my suggestion is that you offer the tour, have a lecture beforehand so people really know what they are choosing to see, and then figure out some way to let them “debrief” after the trip, so they can talk about it and work through any deeply uncomfortable feelings. It’s a very valuable experience yet I think it’s good to give people some help processing it all.
John,
We sailed with you this past September on the Freedom. We are thinking about sailing the Freedom on the transatlantic from Rome to FLL in Nov and wanted to know if there is any chance you would be back on the Freedom? We really enjoyed sailing with you. My hubby says to ask, “If not on the Freedom, where will you be?” (He is not really a stalker he just sounds like one.)
Melissa
John, Now you know that your Sticken is NOT KAPUT!!!! Once you place your eyes upon your beautiful wife that Sticken will be stricken with love. GO FOR IT JOHN!!!
Paula and Nelson Baker
John, a definite YES on the tour of the concentration camp. Dick and I went to Dachau some years back, and actually being there brings history alive and makes it real. This is a part of history we must never forget. MHO (my humble opinion)
Hugs to you both,
Duchess Sandy
As many others, I’ve been to the Holocaust museum in D.C. and it was life changing. So profound to see it in person, and I was ony 16 at the time.
John,
In response to your question about the concentration camp…when I was in high school, I went on a school trip to Europe. One of the tours in Germany was of the concentration camp at Dachau. Parents had to give permission for us to participate on the tour. My mother insisted that I go because she felt it was so important for me to see first hand that horrible part of history. It was important that I never forget what I learned in the history books. And, I have to tell you it made a huge impression, one I’ll never forget.
I highly recommend you keep it as a tour option. People have the choice of whether or not they want to take it…no one is forced. But, they should be given an option. It’s important we NEVER forget!
Just my humble opinion,
Lisa Kilmartin
John, loving the blog as usual. The current series is of particular interest as we join the Splendor for back-to-back trips at the end of August (24 days, London to Rome – oh my). I was interested to read the restrictions and requirements for stepping ashore in St Petersburg – we were wondering what the situation was with our passports: do we hand them in at the start of the trip and get them back at the end, or do we retain possession should they be required while ashore somewhere?
We are booking the Berlin “10 of the Best” tour through Carnival – really looking forward to this one, as I think it includes the concentration camp visit which I feel is a must-see, if only to ensure that the memory never fades. I’ve heard a rumour that it is possible for tourists to get passports stamped at Checkpoint Charlie – is this true? That would be a great memento of the visit.
Looking forward to joining you aboard the Splendor in 20 Saturdays – my my, time is flying. Best to you and your lovely wife, and keep smiling – it makes people wonder what you’re up to. Oh yes, please keep the pictures of the Splendor coming – I love teasing Lex with them at work, and she shows them off to the girls in the office with evil glee.
Cheers,
Mal and Alexis from Western Australia
John, I can feel your exhaustion! Between your problems with air flight and Kuki’s problems with air flight, may the two of you never fly on the same flight, and may I never fly with either of you! sheesh!
John,
I would say you must offer the tour of the concentration camp. I agree with Big Ed, you don’t have to take the tour if you don’t want to. But I think you might have a better idea after being there….so I’m going to wait and see what you have to say about it tomorrow.
Good nite and I’m glad you have your Hedi back with you.
Princess Susan
John…
A hotel… air conditioning… relaxing… but you’re on whirlwind… it just keeps coming and coming…
I haven’t been to Berlin in many years. The wall stood then and check point Charlie still checked. Traveling to East Berlin was an adventure and I went because history is so important to experience and remember. We must learn it all.
I’ll be thinking of you during your tour tomorrow. It will be hard and full of emotions, but you will be better for knowing the horrors. The truth can be shocking… Let it NEVER be repeated! By offering the opportunity, some will go and learn and see and feel. That power will be a deterrent…
You’re in our thoughts and prayers…
Lambie
John -
I have to concur with the members of the “Those who forget history are bound to repeat it” brigade – the tour of the Concentration Camp is a must and will, I believe, be a big hit with the passengers.
As for the other issue, buck up – you are give those of us of the male gender a bad name with this behavior. Just don’t confuse the sugar free jelly beans for the little orange pill.
gutes Glück und Schlaf gut nachher
Gerechtes Johan
John,
I too agree that you should keep the camp tours. For better or worse, it is history. For if we forget where we came from we will wind up right back there. I do not ever want that to happen ever again.
Hope you are well.
Tim
Brooksville, Florida
In reference to the concentration camp tour….it is an important part of history… a part that should never be forgotten. It allows us to reflect on the horrible injustices and atrocities that occurred there. Sure, it would be a somber but contemplative experience but a learning one as well…we must learn from the mistakes of the past….to never allow those horrible and despicable acts to transpire again.
John…..on the subject of the concentration camp….I think it must be offered as a choice. We must never forget what happened there. I do think it should be an adults only excursion or older teens and adults. As others have said, if some don’t want to do it, fine, it’s a choice to go there.
Hi John & Heidi (glad you’re back together),
I want to tell you that I really appreciated your commentary & photos of St. Petersburg. But I feel for all you had to endure arriving, during, and departing. Rest up.
I agree – the concentration camp tour should definitely be offered. There is no way we should let this atrocity happen again, and no way we should forget those 6,000,000 people. My family was lucky. As far as I know, none of my family was in any of the camps. But, my sister’s in-laws were not so lucky. Her mother-in-law was in a camp (not sure which one), but everytime I see the numbers on her arm I get goosebumps. Her late husband was from Poland and was in the Ghetto. I know family survived on his side – they’re all over the world – Israel, South America, the US – but to endure something like that when you’re so young. Truthfully, I can’t look at photos of the camps without crying.
I’m changing the subject – 170+ days to my cruise. Can’t wait.
And I can’t wait for the next raspberry blog thingy. Take care both of you and Das Happy Schtick.
Love,
Carol
Good Morning John,
I would definately offer the concentration camp tour. It’s part of world history and if people want to go they will, if they don’t they will find something else to do. No matter what you will always have the people who would even complain if “you hung them with a new rope”! Go for it, if you don’t then you will have people complaining “we were sooo close why didn’t Carnival offer a tour? See what I mean??!!
I still have to say you are a much braver soul than I would be flying those small planes and having Helga as a flight attendant. Is she a cousin, sister of Fatima??
Take care and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! (It really doesn’t seem like a year has past)
Joan
Regarding the concentration camp. I think it should be offered. Those who are upset or offended can chose not to go on this tour. It is such a part of history and the opportunity to visit is one not to miss. We as a people need to never forget what happened in those places, and this offers another way to remember that!
Dear John.
You certainly need to keep the concentration camp as part of the tour options. It is a very poignant reminder of man’s inhumanity to man and it is a shameful part of history that needs remembering.
You will no doubt get complaints… but maybe you will get less complaints about food quality and cabin space if you make all the passengers go on that tour….
I’m intrigued by the painting of a Trabant smashing it’s way through the Berlin Wall… I always thought they had some kind of papier mache derivative for the bodywork, and that they were famous for the car’s occupants coming off worst in the event of the car hitting a pedestrian…
Hello John and Heidi,
Heidi – I’m glad you’re back with John. It’s really hard to be apart from the one you love.
You must keep the tour of the concentration camp in the itinerary. We toured Dachau and it is a very moving experience. I can’t believe there are people who say the holocaust never happened. That’s why we must keep the memory alive. My mother was in a camp in Siberia after being taken by the Russians. A lot of people don’t know that the Russians had camps too but they did. Please offer the tour.
At least you’re back in some civilized areas so you should make it back to the UK in one piece.
Keep up the blogs.
Made final payment on the Splendor today so now we’re ready to go. The Carnival reservations center as well as supervisors still say the naming ceremony is July 2 in Genoa. I told them you said it would be in Dover on July 10 and now they’re stumped. Looks like the July 10 cruise is sold out.
Linda
John,
In regards to your comment about the camp…. I have just one thing to say, Remember 911. that should say it all. I think you need to keep it to remind people what history really is.
Hope you and Heidi have a safe and wonderfull trip. I am wait to comment more when you return to a normal routine
Your friend Bill
john,
2 more weeks till the Freedom for us!.. see you when you and Heidi join the ship.. Kuki is off in istanbul someplace on the***cruiseline writing a review .. his luggage has taken another vacation in the opposite direction.. his flying experiences emulate yours.. but hopefully him and his luggage will find its way to the Freedom.
now, as to those sf jelly beans I promised you.. well, I tried some and you do not exaggerate its effects.. so therefore, seeing as we will both be on the same ship in compassion for all other passengers..I have tossed the remaining ones into the trash..! , however, I think I am now 2 lbs. lighter and have been purged… see you on board the Freedom SOON!!…
John,
Just a little comment regarding the visit to the concentration camp: to bypass it and not offer the opportunity to visit is to almost deny that it happened. It’s a part of history, which is never tidy and neatly wrapped: it is what it is. I feel that a tour there is a way to honor the victims memories and to remind us of the atrocities of war. As with all shore excursions, the opportunity is given to either chose to visit or not visit…the freedom of choice, for which so many died.
You MUST include a concentration camp excursion. Not to would be highly offensive to people. Those who don’t want to take the tour, obviously will have other options, right?
If it is to be part of another excursion, you might consider it an adjunct that is optional. I know I sound shallow, but I don’t think I could stand that pain — especially when I am on holiday.
But then, it took me three days to watch all of Schindler’s List, it was so painful.
Hi John/Heidi:
I commend you and appreciate you going to the camp. “Never Forget” is what I was always taught in religious school growing up, and its because of people like you that we will not let this sad period in history simply go away. Thank you.
Glad you are back together with your bride. I am sure she missed you just as much as you missed her.
Hope your ankle gets better soon.
My wife would love reading about your Germany escapades since it is her favorite country in the world.
Thanks for another great blog and good luck!
David
John,
I completely understand what you mean when you asked if it would be disrespectful offering the camp tours. Actually though, I think it would be disrespectful not to offer them. If someone is offended, they don’t have to go, but to not offer it is tantamount to sweeping the whole thing under the carpet. I think people need to go there, they need to see it for themselves. By giving people that opportunity you are making the deaths of so many people mean something. It is their story that will continue to cry out to those who visit that “Yes, this did happen!”, and somebody must remember to ensure it will never happen again. I know decisions like this must be hard ones to make and I certainly don’t envy you that task, but it sounds to me like we are all in agreement on this issue. We may not be representative of every Carnival guest, but if you catch flack from anyone, think back to this moment and remember all of us who believe this is the right thing to do! And if the head office needs convincing, share these replies with them. It’s that important!
Mike & Mary
Dear John & Heidi,
Definitely retain the Sachesenhausen Tours, it is on our list for our August trip, not for any ghoulish reasons but because we owe it to those who suffered to honour their memories. It will be confronting and no doubt very sad, but any discomfort we may feel is lost when we remember the horrors of what happened to so many. We think most people welcome the opportunity to show their respect. Loved everything we have seen so far in relation to the tours so it is going to be hard to decide on some of them.
Suzanne & Lisa (Downunder)