Berlin　柏林之旅 3

So I think we have seen enough of the political side of Berlin for now. So we are going to visit the Hackeschen Hoefe next. And we’re going by metropolitan train because public transport is definitely the best way of getting around Berlin. The Hackeschen Hoefe are a place worth visiting in central Berlin and they are great place for shopping too. So, let’s spend some money.

An underground or suburban train departs from the average Berlin station every 5 minutes. Short trips cost one Euros twenty. Longer journeys cost 2.10 (Euros). A day ticket comes to 5 Euros 80 per person. But for all the different lines it is worth picking up a map of the rail network at the information desk to get your bearings. Our trip from the government quarters to Hackeschen Markt takes all of 5 minutes.

The Hackeschen Hoefe formed the largest ensemble of inter-connected courtyards in Germany and are protected as a historic monument. They consist of 8 backyards between O. Strasse (street) and Sophien Strasse. Under East German rule, the art nouveau facade in this first yard were meant to be removed but fortunately the resistance of the tenants prevented this plan from being carried out. Today the renovated Hackeschen Hoefe and their surroundings are a magnet for tourists particularly as a place to come shopping. Since Margits and Jants are keen on British lifestyle, Alexander takes them to a very special shop in Sophien Strasse.

“Shall we go inside?”

“Yes, let’s go inside.”

Hallo.

This is typical of Berlin. No matter how unusual your interests, there is a bound to be a shop that caters to them.

Margits and Jants are already quite knowledgeable when it comes to whisky. But here they receive professional tutoring from a true expert.

E.S.Schmidt , the owner of the shop gives the Bermas some advice on the proper way to enjoy different types of whiskey and invites them to sample some of them.

(Speaking in German ...)

This one's oilier. That’s thinner.

This is really very good. And as a layman I say it is very smooth not rough just as you were saying earlier. With such a variety , it's difficult for Jants to decide which one to buy. Finally he finds the perfect souvenir.

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bearing: 方向

quarters: n. 住處，位置

ensemble: n. 全體

art nouveau: n. (流行于十九世紀末的)新藝術

tutor: v. 輔導