Berlin: feeling royal in Charlottenburg Palace

When we were in Spain two years ago, breakfast was quite a problem. There was nothing light to eat, save the hotel breakfast, and we had to buy our own food in a grocery store.

Berlin doesn't pose such problem. It seems there is a bakery on every corner and in every subway station, so we can indulge in croissants and other freshly-baked buns, and coffee.

Today was overcast, so the plan was to stay indoors. Schloss Charlottenburg was beckoning, a royal palace built as a summer residence, but later transformed into the full-fledged palace where the Prussian monarchs of 18th and 19th centuries ruled.

It was badly damaged in the bombing of WW2, and is somewhat restored in its former glory with baroque furnishing...

...and oval reception room overlooking the gardens.

Here's a view of the palace from the rear side across the pond.

Such a royal adventure called for a hearty lunch: wiener schnitzel with-you guessed it- Meg's favorite fried potatoes. We noticed the portions are always on the verge of spilling over the plate. No wonder Germans are so big.

Evening called for a stroll, so we walked to the Brandenburg Gate to find it fenced off and being readied for a concert - notice the tents underneath.

We also made a quick stop in a souvenir shop in the area, where Meg took and old east-German Trabant for a ride...at least in her imagination.