Category Archives: Trip Reports

Chapter Wanderlust II: Swiss Air LX977 A320 TXL – ZRH Economy

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While I don’t usually share much on my economy flights experience since there isn’t much to share about and how different could it be among airlines. Furthermore this is an intra europe flight as well. However I though it might be nice given that it is my first experience on Swiss Air as well as sharing on the “uniqueness” of Berlin Tegel Airport. But hey, any flight after an experience in Ryanair feels like first class! Berlin Tegel Airport. My ticket cost around 142 SGD and this include a check in bag as well. I think it was quite a good deal and not much more in comparison to trains or buses. I am quite exciting to be trying a new airline! Tegel airport is pretty nicely connected to city where I took the direct airport bus which was easy enough and there was even wifi. The ride cost me 2.80 Euro and takes about 40 mins.

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Chapter Wanderlust II: Berlin Airportclub Lounge Tegel Airport Terminal A

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This is going to be rather short since I barely warm up the seat even in the lounge. Continuing on my journey from Berlin which is actually my very last stop in the EU. I decided to cut short my trip prematurely and fly to Zurich for almost a week in lieu of my returning flight on Singapore Airlines Suites back home. I flew Swiss Air, the price was alright and it was a direct routing so that is appreciated. I decided to take a flight rather than winging it out on the road since I need to be at the airport for tax refunds and trains are always a bitch when it comes to VAT Refunds! The airport is easy to get to for me with the direct airport bus from Alexanderplatz. Flight experience was a twist. I will get to that in the next post. Berlin Tegal Airport is certainly not cutting edge and seems to be struggling with capacity as well. It is certainly one of the smaller ones in Germany. There is only 1 contract lounge in Terminal A which I was flying out on which is the Airportclub Lounge. On the first note I was surprise that it is located landside although it seems that the configuration of the airport is such that there is almost no transit area. Small group of gates are located just behind the check in counter with the security as barriers.

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Chapter Wanderlust II: Berlin

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Berlin, one of the last few cities that I would really love to visit in Germany! The one major city that have been missing out from my list in the country before I checked off the whole country. As it turn out, Berlin also became one of my last stop in the EU as I decided to cut short my trip and head back home. The World War and history classes definitely tip my interest in the city as the conflict and so much stories that we learn about West Germany and East Germany. I am glad and fortunate to be able to be living in a generation where I could see them together as well as the historical side to this fine city. I am also interested to see the mixture of influences, the blend of modern buildings with the cultural ones as well as the differences between the East side and the West.

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Chapter Wanderlust II: Potsdam

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A city of magnificent palaces, tranquil lakes and parks. Potsdam is next up on my travels. It is a city that you definitely have to visit once. Small but there is so much to do over here in Potsdam. It is also home to the renowned, famous, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sanssouci Palace. The summer home of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia. Which is the main reason for my visit. There are countless amount of palace and gardens in this prussian city. An amazing lively city that is so gorgeous, it is also a mere 30 mins train ride away from Berlin, making it a perfect reason for you to extend your stay slightly in Berlin to make a trip over. For those who are based in Berlin like me, a ABC Zone ticket will allow you to take the S Bahn from Berlin to Potsdam. Easy and fussless. Potsdam is perfect for a day trip. Small and concise but enough sights to get you by for a day. Follow on!

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Chapter Wanderlust II: Hampton by Hilton Berlin City Centre Alexanderplatz

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Continuing on my journey in Berlin, I decided to extend for 2 more nights in the city. While I could have extend at the place where I was staying originally at Hilton Berlin, I thought that I should probably try out some new property, furthermore, the rates are much cheaper at the Hampton. It is also in another area of Berlin. Located at the prime transportation and shopping district, Alexanderplatz. The location of this property is pretty good as well. Furthermore, for those looking to leave Berlin, the direct airport bus stop here as well as easy connections to the main train station. Thankful to the staff at my previous hotel, I stayed in the lounge and check out pretty late. I only went to the Hampton around 8pm in the evening. It is an easy ride away on the UBahn!

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Chapter Wanderlust II: Hilton Berlin

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Immediately after arriving from Hamburg, I took the U Bahn to get to Hilton Berlin. The station is located right outside the hotel. Hilton Berlin is one of the properties in Berlin and it can definitely be said as the flagship one. It is located right in the heart and you can walk to most places. A true 5 star hotel. The museum island is just a short stroll away as is Check Point Charlie and the memorial. Anything further, the U Bahn is right there. The Hilton is also located right outside the Dom opposite, making it super pretty. The exterior is gorgeous and grand as it blends into the surrounding. Berlin is a city of two worlds, the difference between the historical East and West, the blend of skyscrapers and buildings rebuilt after being destroyed by the war as well as the historical ones that remains. Lobby was grand and huge, there is also bell boy service at the entrance. An indicator that this is a true 5 star property. I hate the revolving doors that is so common in Europe.

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Chapter Wanderlust II: Hamburg

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Hamburg, one of the remaining two cities that I would really like to visit in Germany before calling it quits, with the other being Berlin! I have to say that I probably went to Hamburg in the worst possible time. I was there in the hottest day of all time in continental Europe. Right smack in the July 2019 European heat wave. I believe I had rant enough of the weather in my previous couple of posts already. I do have to say that the weather is so detrimental in deciding how much you love the city and your willingness to head out to explore. As a trueborn Singaporean, it is a fact that I love the cooler weather when on the road. To be frank, I struggle with heading out, especially when you literally melt immediately after leaving the hotel. Trust a Singaporean when he says the weather is smoking hot! With that being said, I still checked off Hamburg.

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