Raven's View

Another short-ish challenge, the Berlin Wall. From the site, "The Berlin Wall takes you on a powerful 30mi (48km) journey through the center of Berlin, Germany, from Waltersdorfer Chaussee to Hermsdorf. What used to be a symbol of a world split in half by the Cold War now is the symbol of freedom, liberty, and unity."

Here's a map from Wiki of the wall back then, showing checkpoints. Key: Solid line: the Berlin Wall Dotted line: edges of East Berlin Blue dots: Checkpoints open to Germans only Red dots: Checkpoints open to Germans and non-Germans.

I got a postcard and letter soon after starting out. I'll add the text from the letter here. 

The thriving city of Berlin is home to 3.8 million people. It is the capital city of Germany, the largest city in the country and one of the most populated in Europe. A tourist destination, Berlin is rich with culture, diverse architecture, vibrant nightlife, a plethora of festivities and a very high quality of life.

Yet not so long-ago, Berlin was a decimated city, a result of heavy bombing during WWII. When Germany lost the war in 1945, the country was divided by the Allies into four sectors. The Allies consisted of the United States, Great Britain, France and the Soviet Union (USSR). East Germany was occupied by the USSR and West Germany was split between the other three. Berlin, as the capital city, was located in East Germany and it too was carved up into East and West Berlin.

 I got this a few weeks ago, thought I would pass it on. Never have gone myself, but do get good feedback from those that have gone.

  TOP 10 REASONS TO BE ON NEXT MONTH'S WINE TASTING PARTY TOUR, SEPTEMBER 22 TO 25!!!
 
10. It's the "10th Anniversary", so going to be a special one!  We are going during the Niagara Wine Festival!  You will be treated to a great evening of live music, wines, food and more!  The end of September is the perfect time of year, harvest time for the grapes.
 
 9. "Getting there can be half the fun"!  We have a deluxe, private 56 passenger motorcoach with all the comforts....washroom, comfortable seats, video for movies, music concerts, etc.  "Refreshments" served at the back of the bus!  No worries about drinking and driving during the 4 days!
 
 8. Our accommodations: We are staying at a very nice hotel, well located in Niagara Falls, close to lots of things you will want or want to see.  It has a great bar/nightclub right off the lobby! 
There is also a very nearby motel for those who might like an even cheaper wine tour package price!  (See below).
 
 7. You will get to visit and explore 9 wineries in 2 wine areas....the Bench Wine Region and the Niagara Peninsula.  Included will be several tours and many, many wine tastings!  You will learn lots about wine production starting in the vineyards all the way to how to appreciate wines and much more....everything from grape to glass....so very educational too!
 
 6. Package price:  If you are one of the next 10 persons to book....$100 deposit (tour is now two-thirds booked), you can still take advantage of a low package price...$429 plus tax (double occupancy) staying at our hotel.  As well, I will throw in a winery BBQ lunch complimentary! 
Or, if you want to stay at the motel about one block away, your package price will be $339 plus tax (double occupancy).  These are great prices for a 4 day / 3 night getaway like this one with all the inclusions I have put in there this year!  You can also ask about single occupancy if you have no-one to travel with.  I would be pleased to try to match you up with a suitable roommate.
 

FYI - MingleWorks is a social gathering that has been run off and on by Barry for a number of years. Good chance to mingle comfortably, nibble some munchies, meet interesting people, and perhaps sign up for a trip or a cruise. Here's the invite he sent out...

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Yes, after many months, "MingleWorks" is back and here is the invite and information.  For those of you who have never been in the past and don't know what it is, MingleWorks is an "afterwork social networking cocktail party", always held on the first Wednesday of each month and always at the same location.  Whether you are single or a couple, it is a great opportunity to get out once a month and "mingle" with friends and meet some new ones.
 
The location is the new MVP Lounge, 683 Bank Street in the Glebe, corner of Clemow.  It will start at 4:30 - 5PM and go until about 9PM.  Some people will head over directly from work; others may prefer to whip home, freshen up and come over then.  There is quite a bit of free parking in the area.