It’s Monday and we hope that your weekend was everything that you hoped for. Unfortunately you are back at your desk, looking down the barrel of the rest of the week and while it may seem bleak, we have got some great things to do today to help you get through it. If you happen to be in Berlin, or plan on visiting soon, this installment of Dollars & Sense is just for you. Check it out below.
Visit The Bradenburger Tor
Napoleon’s army “borrowed” it and Ronald Reagan called for Gorbachev to “tear down this wall” from behind it. It’s been variously a symbol of victory, peace, division and unity, and today still draws punters by the busload. If there were a prize for Berlin’s most recognizable attraction, it would be the Brandenburger Tor.
The best way to enjoy it is to stroll towards it via Unter den Linden, Berlin’s take on the Champs-Elysée, taking in the chestnut trees and the run of shops, glamorous theaters and excellent museums along the way. It’s a very touristy spot, so for a bit of peace and quiet pop into the Room of Silence on the north side, built specifically for visitors to rest and reflect.
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Visit The Reichstag
The seat of the German Parliament is also one of Berlin’s most famed landmarks. From “mysteriously” burning down in 1933 (the Nazis blamed the Commies and vice versa) to being abandoned, then wrapped in a million square feet of fireproof polypropylene fabric by artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude, and finally being capped with a fancy transparent dome designed by Sir Norman Foster, the building has enjoyed its fair share of ups and downs.
Guided tours (lasting 90 minutes) are available when Parliament is not sitting (advance reservation only) and other guided tours are offered daily at 10.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm and 6.30pm. Booking a tour is a good way to avoid the horrendous queues that almost always form outside. You can also consider a lunch or dinner at the rooftop restaurant (reservation recommended).
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Financial Tip Of The Day
Watch Your Credit
Your credit score can help determine whether you can get a mortgage, a car loan, and even a job. The most important things are to make sure you make loan payments on time and that you don’t use more than 30-50% of any given available credit line. In addition, be careful of closing your oldest credit card since that would shorten your credit history, which is also an important component of your score.
