Potsdam

After we left that adorable windmill, we headed off to another gorgeous town just 15 or so kilometers from Berlin-- Potsdam. We heard great things about this town and had to see for ourself why people think it's so wonderful. I just wish we had more time to spend there... but we were anxious (being Christmas) to make it home in time to prepare Christmas dinner. Restaurants in Europe aren't really an option on holidays...

Here we are visiting the most popular attraction in Potsdam, Sanssouci Palace. It was a former summer palace of Frederick the Great.

Sanssouci Palace gardens

This entire area is surrounded by gorgeous buildings. I managed to snap a couple photos. They truly do it no justice.

There are stories about this windmill. Whether they are myths or reality, no one is sure. There's a windmill that is located just across from the Sanssouci Palace and it is said that Frederick the Great disliked it and had it removed (noise or something). It has since been rebuilt in the same spot. Whether this is true, I'm not sure... interesting either way.

After walking around the palace, we set out to see one more thing (though there were tons more we sadly didn't explore)... the Relexa Schlosshotel Cecilienhof. It's a hotel, basically. It's located at the Neuer Garten (new garden) and has 41 rooms inside that you can stay at for a starting price of 160 Euro/night. Ouch! Why would anyone want to spend so much to stay in a hotel that isn't Ritz Carlton or better... you might ask? Well, this is the hotel where Truman and Churchill met Stalin during the 1945 Potsdam Conference. They were there to discuss "what now" for the state of Berlin and Germany after the surrender/defeat of the Nazi party.

It's a charming building, isn't it?

Next stop... Neuenrade! (then Frankfurt to pick up Ray's parents... then Altena Castle!)