After a long overnight flight across Africa, I was back with civilization in Germany. I made my connecting flight to Berlin, and I definitely have to recommend that you go there. It's quite easy.
After exiting TXL (Berlin's airport), take bus X9 or X109 to the zoo for only €2,10 (about US$2.50). You can't go wrong, as it is the last stop. At the zoo station, transfer to bus 100. Get a window seat on the upper deck and you'll see everything.
You can stop at this one column in the middle of this huge garden to climb 285 steps for a spectacular view of the city. Then, walk along the city's park, where at times, you cannot see or tell that you are in a city. It's incredible.
If you're lucky, you'll see a fair like I did where they serve various German foods on the street, which mean they taste great and cost less. You must try the bratwurst and sausages. Though not burnt, they're delightfully crunchy. The fair also featured a bungee jump platform, where a guy that looked like a cross between Danny Kielbasa and Paul Quiroz offered me a change to plunge 77 meters. Sorry, I paid a lot less for something much better just a few hours ago for 111 meters in southern Africa.
Walk a little further east, and you'll be at Brandenburg gate, the last gate from the fallen Berlin wall. It's breathtaking to stand somewhere where so much had happened. Now you're in West Germany; now you're in East Germany.
If you're lucky, you might either witness protests or some ethnic function. When I was there, Turks were doing some sort of whatever. Their red flags were everywhere. There was even a truck where some Turks threw out candy and water bottles to the crowd. Of course this only happens outside the U.S.; otherwise, there'd be lawsuits from the heavy bottles of water chucked at people.
Head east, and you'll be at Unter Ben Laden, a street that's similar to the Parisian Champs d'Elysses, except everything's affordable. You'll also pass by a few consulates, including the ever protected U.S. Consulate, complete with Deutch Polizei and concrete blocks.
Head south, and you'll be at Checkpoint Charlie, where the allied forces were. There's even a recreated booth, complete with a sign that says, 'You are leaving the American sector.'
Head west along the same road and you'll be retracing the steps of the former Berlin Wall, until you actually walk into a preserved part of it. The wall is much lower and thinner than I imagined; yet, I suppose it did it's job.
Head back north to Brandenburg gate and you'll pass by the Jewish memorial that's currently being constructed. Then there's this ultra modern plaza complete with eats and a theater.
This entire trip takes less than a full day. You barely need to speak any German. I highly recommend you come. Now, either find a hotel or camp out at the airport.
Total cost: €4,20 (about US$5.00) in transportation + hotel. This is a great value.
Next stop: Munchen (Munich).