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If you appreciate women-centered art, then a visit to the
Kathi Kollwitz Museum (located in a lovely old villa) is a
must-see experience. Kollwitz deals with the poignant subject of mother
and child and how this relationship is affected by war. Look carefully
for the way she illustrates the enormous power of a caress or an
embrace. (Fasanenstrasse 24)
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Than, take the time to seek out a very special Kollwitz statue called
"Mutterliebe" (Mother's Love) that stands on a space at the
end of Kollwitzstrasse. It marks the spot where the artist lived before
a wartime bomb destroyed her apartment. Well worth the walk!
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Want to see where the films starring the very famous Marlene
Dietrich were produced? For a fun day tour, make your way to DEFA film
studios in the town of Babelsberg where you can tour the lot and check
out the props and costumes. Kind of a German-Hollywood experience.
(August-Bebel-Strasse 26-53)
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Looking for all-female accommodation in Berlin? Overlooking the rooftops
of Berlin is Das Frauenhotel artemisia, a women-only hotel
and the first of its kind in Europe when it opened in 1989. Located on
the 4th and 5th floors of an old building, its sunny roof terrace offers
a brilliant view over Berlin. Each room is dedicated to a famous woman
in Berlin's history while changing exhibits of contemporary female
artists contribute to the unique atmosphere of the place. A breakfast
buffet served on the roof terrace during the summer months is included
in all moderate room prices. Good news for mothers--children under eight
stay free. Contact: Das Frauenhotel artemisia, Brandenburgischestr, 18,
D-10707 Berlin, Fax: 030-861 8653.
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According to the guidebook "Berlinwalks", there's a weekly fun event
for the older adventuress at #25 Augustrasse. Clarchens Ballhaus
is an honest-to-goodness neighbourhood dance hall (one of the
many that flourished in Berlin before and after World War One) with a
fifty-something clientele and featuring fifty-something music with a
sentimental twist. Wednesday night is "Ladies Choice" so... go for it!
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Yes! There's a woman's bookstore in Berlin and yes, it does carry some
English books. It's called Lilith, it's at Knesebeck 86 and
closest transportation is the U-Bahn Ernst Reuter Platz. Seems like a
great stop if you're looking for women-centered information.
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Want the experience of a women's only steambath? You've got it at
Berlin's Hamam located in the Schoko Fabrik Center at
Marianenstrasse 7. Once you've relaxed your body and cleansed those
pores, look out for the Schoko Cafe in the same complex.
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If Birkenstock sandals are your absolute favorite, then
stop into just about any shoe shop in Berlin. After all, Germany is the
country where this famous footwear was born!
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Ah-h-h to be female and courted by royalty in Germany!
Charlottenburg Palace was built in 1790 for the future queen,
Sophie-Charlotte by her suitor King Fredrich 1st. There's formal gardens
for meandering, there's exploring the Galerie der Romantik with
paintings by German Romantic masters as well as three other museums
across the road if you get bored. Closest bus stop? Number 145.
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Typical German food is heavy food especially if you're sampling
Berlin's selection of delicious sausages. So, when your body begins to
scream for something lighter, try the interesting salads served by the
Movenpick chain. They're moderately priced and at some
locations you can even lunch outdoors while watching the world go by.
For the best veggie specialties and the number one apple strudel in
town, try Cafe Oren situated right next door to the
synagogue at Oranienburger Strasse 28.
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Finally, you must visit KaDeWe, the mother of all
department stores, housing the largest food department in Europe. Think
30,000 edible items including 400 different kinds of bread and 1,300
different kinds of cheese. The assortment is almost unbelievable and the
food displays a work of art. Don't feel like eating in a restaurant?
Make your way to the sixth floor, browse the aisles and pick out a
picnic (wine included) to be eaten in your hotel room . And, don't worry
about dining solo. You'll have the German version of MASH on TV to keep
you company!
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