The Brandenburg Gate is a former 'entrance' into the city of Berlin, which was badly damaged during World War II. Between 2000 - 2002 it was fully restored and it is quite impressive!
In 1961 the Berlin Wall was constructed just outside of this gate, thus making the gate inaccessible. Later, in 1989, the wall was 'reopened' and it was at this gate that much of the media attention was focused.
The U.S. Embassy located adjacent to the Brandenburg Gate.
This past weekend we had traveled to Berlin, Germany. This was the first time either of us had visited this very historical city and it's very hard to describe the many emotions that we had each felt.
Below are photos taken from the East-Side Gallery. These photos were found on the display titled "WallOnWall". Here the artist illustrates walls that are currently being used to create separation throughout our world.
Northern Ireland...
Israel...
Iraq...
Spain/Morocco...
Israel...
USA/Mexico...
Northern Ireland...
USA/Mexico...
Iraq...
North Korea...
Not on the "WallOnWall" display, but rather seen on a nearby wall...
The top 5 things we 'dislike' about traveling... (in no specific order):
- Deciding what clothes to pack!
- Being away from our pets!
- Repacking at the end of the trip and heading back home!
- Sorting through the many photos taken!
- Reacclimating back into the work week!
Today I finally received my Netherland's driver's license. Unfortunately, I was required to turn in my U.S. driver's license of which will be forwarded to the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate's Office by the local authorities. This process has taken me a year... mainly because I couldn't come to terms with letting go of my U.S. license.
Most things here are administratively 'exhausting'. This is also true for getting a driver's license. We are here on what is called a '30 percent' ruling, which actually makes some things much easier. For example, the 30 percent ruling does not require that a driving test be taken prior to the issuance of a Netherland's license. However, the process is still rather 'involved' and one that is not very clear to new expats who are unfamiliar with the various administrative processes and governing authorities.
First, I had to obtain an approval letter from the CBR (who I still don't know who they are). This required a small fee paid to the local municipality office for a form that was completed and mailed, with other documentation, to the CBR office.
I received a letter back from the CBR stating that my documentation was received and 'accepted'. This letter and other documentation, including a recent passport photo, were then sent to the RDW office. Two weeks later, I had received a letter stating that my U.S. license qualified me for additional classifications other than the standard classes (i.e. car, moped and towing a small trailer). In other words, my U.S. license allowed me to drive small commercial trucks and The Netherland's needed to know if I wanted to be authorized for this additional classification. This required a submittal of either a completed health form, signed by both my doctor and an ophthalmologist, or a waiver, indicating my acknowledgment of forgoing the additional classification. With the advice of a municipality office clerk, I went ahead and submitted the health form to obtain the additional classification.
Last week I received another letter from the CBR acknowledging receipt of my health form and correspondence stating that I was 'accepted' for the additional classification. A few days later I received a letter from the RDW stating that I was 'approved' and that I could pick up my new driver's license at the local municipality office. This morning I did just that and so now I am official!
Sometime this week I will go out driving with a professional driving instructor who I will hire to simply 'hold my hand' while I take on the Netherland's roads for the very first time. Either this week or next, we expect to purchase our very first Netherland's car.
Stay tuned...
In the meantime, I am repeatedly watching the video below to help me learn the European road signs.... Let the journey begin!
