Talking Point: The everyday attraction

On our weekend in Berlin we did many things. Some cost money. Some were for free. So where did we have the most fun? What was our favourite activity? You might be surprised. It kind of caught us by surprise as we wandered the vast glassy complex of Berlin’s Hauptbahnhof, the city’s Central Station.

Built for the 2006 World Cup it’s said to be Europe’s largest station. Some say it’s construction was an important part of reunification, welding back together the transport infrastructures of East and West. Some say it was just a huge €700m waste of money. We say it’s the best fun you can have for free in Berlin.

If you’ve read Roald Dahl you’ll know the story of the Great Glass Elevator. Well we looked for Wilhelm Vonka but he was nowhere to be seen. But you can see a lot, almost everything in fact, from inside these amazing glass elevators. We counted at least six in the station, enough to ride one each, and have lift races. Fancy a ride? Check out the video.

In a world where we value the expensive and flashy it’s good to search out the simple things you can do for free. Sometimes they are right in front of you. Going up anyone? Or going down. It doesn’t matter. Having fun will lift your spirits, whichever way you go.

Talking Point

What have you done lately for fun, for free? Do tell.