Berlin is one of the greatest cities in the world. The sense of that reputation is very apparent, enough to warrant crafting an entire vacation to Berlin. Hamburg holds a special place in the hearts of Beatles fans everywhere. The Black Forest is more than just the name of an incredibly delicious chocolate cake or ham; it is known for its natural beauty, thermal baths, and more. Then, there's Munich… and the festive fun of Oktoberfest in lederhosen or surfing the Eisbach Canal. For such a busy, important nation, Germany excels in the simple pleasures of life, and you will leave reminiscing on exactly that.

Germany likes its meat and potatoes, and shares some commonalities with the cuisine of its Central European neighbors.Schnitzel is known to be Austrian (though invented in Italy), and made with veal, while in Germany it is made with pork and served with a sauce. Spätzle is Germany's popular macaroni. Spargel is white asparagus soup. Bavaria's Schweinsbraten is a pickled roasted pork often served with stöcklkraut (roasted cabbage). Rouladen is bacon, onions, mustard and pickles wrapped together in sliced beef or veal and cooked. Königsberger klopse are veal meatballs in a cream sauce, traditionally served with boiled potatoes. Currywurst is a popular street food of grilled pork sausage, flavored with curry and ketchup. Kartoffelpuffer are fried potato pancakes, much like Jewish latkes. A delicious dessert is apfelkuchen: cinnamon soaked apples baked into a butter crust. A refreshing drink is the radler: beer mixed with sparkling lemonade or soda.

Alexanderplatz (A. Doblin), The Tin Drum (G. Grass), They Divided the Sky (C. Wolf), Alone in Berlin (H. Fallada), Book of Clouds (C. Aridjis), Goodbye to Berlin (C. Isherwood).