So many memories in this square. One of my very first trips abroad was the first time I visited Berlin and I was so happy and proud because I was able to make enough money to travel.
I had stayed at a hotel nearby and visited this place many times. There many cafes and bars in the neighborhood like the Newton 54 bar. I also remember a fantastic chocolate shop. Chocolates in all forms, kinds and textures. There was even a replica of the Titanic made out of chocolate. The shop was in place, but I visited it on Sunday. On one hand I miss all those wonderful chocolates but on the other hand I don’t miss the extra fat at all.
So, this time I went to Berlin I didn’t lose the opportunity to go check if everything was in place.
As expected everything was pretty much in place. The Gendarmenmarkt is a square in Berlin and the site of an architectural ensemble including the Konzerthaus (concert hall) and the French and German Churches. The Gendarmenmarkt is named after the cuirassier regiment Gens d'Armes, which had stables at the square until 1773. In the centre of the square stands a monumental statue of Germany's renowned poet Friedrich Schiller.
The Konzerthaus Berlin is the most recent building on the Gendarmenmarkt. It was built by Karl Friedrich Schinkel in 1821 as the Schauspielhaus. It was based on the ruins of the National Theatre, which had been destroyed by fire in 1817. Due to limited time I wasn’t able to attend a concert, but I don’t worry that much because I have one more excuse to visit Berlin again.
As you see, it is a big square with beautiful buildings. There are cafes scattered and people can enjoy their beverages marveling those monuments. Street performers are always present to enhance the auditory experience.
There was used to be couple next to the Schiller statue. The man played keyboard and the woman played the violin. They were fantastic. They played classical music and jazz classics. I still remember their version of “ Concierto de Aranjuez”. Deep inside me I wanted to hear them one more time but I wasn’t lucky. Maybe another time.
At least let’s enjoy this excellent piece of music.
Be Healthy, Smile and Steem.