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a feel good travel blog

7 Mouth-Watering Plant-Based Restaurants in Barcelona, Spain

3/28/2017

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In a country known for jamon and rare delicatessens, vegan and vegetarian cuisine surges throughout city neighborhoods, plazas and squares. Barcelona is expensive and vegan and vegetarian food is no exception. Some places are more affordable than others, where some restaurants expect to spend a pretty penny, well euro. 

It is easier to eat vegetarian as most restaurants offer a veggie-friendly option, but if you are vegan you'll have to do some research prior to going. Happy Cow is an excellent resource to find which places are vegan and vegan-friendly.  The Lemon Tree promotes plant-based eating and there is no place that resembles the fresh-feelings of a lemon like Spain and Barcelona. Enjoy!
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Vegetalia
​Vegetalia is a vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurant. Most options are vegan though some items like pizza, use real cheese. The vibrant store front welcomes guests to sit inside or outside. The interior has a Himilayan salt rock wall where the plaza has several tables reserved for customers. You may get bugged by the homeless for some cash, but it's still a pleasant atmosphere, specifically to stare at the bountiful breads sitting in the window. 
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Gopal Vegan Deli
Next to Vegetalia is Gopal Vegan Deli. The interior is small and is more of a grab-and-go establishment. You'll find everything from donuts to vegan breakfast sandwiches to fresh-squeezed juice. The best part of Gopal are the prices. Cheap and inexpensive, a few euros gets you a small panini.
 
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Panchito
First things first. Spanish food is not Mexican food. Yes, the Spanish colonized Mexico, but the cuisine differs because of regional ingredients. If you're craving anything "south of the border" in Spain, technically you'd eat Moroccan food, but just know you can find vegetarian-freindly foods here. Specific appetizers are vegan-friendly like salsa and guacamole. 
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Enjoy Vegan
Watch out Spain, tapas are no longer for meat eaters. Enjoy Vegan is a dairy-free, raw and gluten-free tapa-style restaurant. From small plates to salads, enjoy getting healthy with the freshest fruit and veggies from Spain. Some tapas are vegetarian so look out for anything that says "queso" on the menu.

Rasoterra
Sustainable Spanish vegetables + slow food =  Rasoterra. This vegan and vegetarian cafe also offers gluten-free options. Rasoterra purchases produce grown within a 10 mile radius and is rated 0 miles by Slow Food. They make their sourdough bread daily using filtered water. I recommend the croquettes, a Spanish favorite, and the celery soup. 

Cat Bar Cat
Vegan Food. Alcohol. Piano. Cat decor - what else do you need? It's a vegan paradise of cool vibes and tasty delights. One of the hardest decisions you'll make is what burger you'd like to consume. From hemp to the black bean "black cat" there is something for everyone on their menu. 

BioCenter Restaurant Vegetaria
Biocenter has spread peace, love and veggie food since the 1980's. It's a good thing that slow eating is acceptable in Spain, since Biocenter bewitches everyone with its magical charm. It's a mix of modern and homely vibes hinted by some Asian fusion. The atmosphere is everything you'd expect from modern Spain and a hard place to leave. During the day, visitors enjoy the salad bar and a set lunch menu of the day. At night enjoy a set dinner menu, a hearty veg-burger or a lighter fare like the "four elements" dip tray. Most food is vegan though the desserts contain organic eggs. Besides cow milk, Biocenter features oat, soy or rice milk for coffee. 

Where's your favorite plant-based restaurant in Barcelona? 


This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 7 Mouth Watering Plant Based Restaurants in Barcelona, Spain. 
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A Walking Tour of Unter den Linden: Berlin's Most Prominent & Historical Street

3/15/2017

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Berlin, the quirky and eccentric city that is, is known for it’s “poor but sexy” vibe. It is one of Germany’s most popular tourist cities, but ironically Berlin doesn’t fit the vibe for traditional Germany.

Sadly, World War II bombs blasted the city, leaving it ruins. Thanks to the “beauty” of 1950’s architecture, Berlin is a combination of the beautiful, the bold and the “fugly.” Post World War II architecture, in my opinion, isn’t the most glamorous style ever created.  Combined with communist architecture, it’s no wonder why Berlin is a world of its own.

The Lemon Tree loves all things citrus. If your German is rusty, you may not realize that “Unter den Linden” translates to “underneath the lime trees.” Although limes do not exist, one can feel the  deep roots of this city's remarkable history.

Today, Unter den Linden is Berlin’s most prominent and historic boulevard. The initial use was for a bridle path in 1573 and onwards that led from the city palace to Lietzow. In 1701, new architecture emerged alongside the street. And as fate had it during WW2, Unter den Linden was left in complete ruins.

Let’s take a walk together and discover the best sites, landmarks and statues along Unter den Linden.
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Start your journey at the Berliner Dome (Cathedral), which is nearby the bus stop, "lustgarden," for the buses 100, 200 & N2. The cathedral sits between the river and the lustgarden. This land had buildings constructed in the 15th Century. The cathedral underwent construction in 1894 and in 1905 the cathedral had its first ceremony. This is one of the most popular buildings in Berlin.
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The Berliner Dome shares a green/public space called the “lustgarden” with the 1830 Karl Friedrich Schinkel’s Altes Museum. Children play in the several water fountains and street artists flock to the corners to share their magic tricks. At this museum, you’ll notice the damage of old bullet holes that shaved off parts of the pillar from WW2.

​Here, Hitler conducted various speeches during the Nazi era. Today, the museum is home to ancient art and cultural artifacts including Greek, Roman and Etruscans art.
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Behind Altes Museum are four other museums, Pergamon, Bode, Neues and Altes Nationalgalerie. 
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Together, these five museums make up “Museum Island,” a term coined in 1870. Ancient artifacts like the wall of Babylon, the remains of Nefertiti and the Papyrus collection. These are world-class museums and check with the ticket counter for information regarding an all-day pass to these museums. 
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It is easy to spend an entire day, or afternoon exploring the museums. These museums are worth the visit and some of the best I discovered in Europe. 
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Besides historical paintings and grandiose sculptures, seeing the Babylonian Wall is one of the most amazing precious artifacts from human history. This is the point of human history that is fascinating, but least understood. 
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Across the river from the Altes Museum is the Deutsches Historisches Museum, Zeughaus and a water taxi stand if you want to take a ride down stream. Admire the detailed gates alongside the river. Various historical figures, mainly Greco-Roman-like figures. Personally, I love mermaids so the symbolism of the half-man, half-creatures are symbolic to Germany's history that is steeped with Roman influence. 
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Next, you’ll see a solo standing building called the Neue Wache. This “New Guardhouse” is the Central Memorial of the Federal Republic of Germany for the Victims of War and Dictatorship. This monument represents three phases of German history: The War of Liberation, victims of WW1 and the victims of fascism from GDR & WW2. Inside is the Käthe Kollwitz's Pietà statue of her holding her dead son. The underground room contains the remains of an unidentified soldier and resistance soldier and the soil from the battlefields and concentration camp. 
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Next to the memorial is the grand-standing Humboldt University campus, which is named after Alexander von Humboldt’s brother. Wrought iron gates, touched with hints of gold, guard the university’s ground.
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Across the street from the main gates is Staatsoper, or the Berlin Opera House.

Built between 1741 to 1743, the opera house has over 250 years in traditions including some of the world’s best composers and musicians gracing their “notes” with the audience. 
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Make way toward Brandenburg Gate. You’ll walk past a shopping district chocked full of cafes, souvenir stores and banks. Vapiano is a European chain Italian café, and I recommend it for something quick and cheap. (The mista salad is my favorite!) Other than that I recommend eating and drinking at the museum cafes or at Humboldt University. 

Nearby the gate is a center-street park. Enjoy the calm atmosphere in this walkway park chocked full of trees flowing in the wind and people relaxing on park benches. 
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Nearby the Brandenburg Gate is a public square. Near the patch of grass and the water fountain is DZ Bank, a mixed-use building that contains the artistry from the popular architect, Frank Gehry. 
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Inside, the glass interior represents the common modern-style of architecture that is reflective in nature. Reflection plays a role in Berlin’s history, as their dark past is very reflective. 
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Proceed to Brandenburg Gate, which is one of the most photogenic spots in Berlin. 
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Be sure to discover the gate up, down and around. 
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Discover all areas of Brandenburg Gate and from here head right to the popular Reichstag. From here you can discover the park behind Brandenburg Gate, which contains Der Rufer and the Monument of Soviet soldiers statue. There is also a café pavilion that serves hot food and café drinks. 
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Next, head in the opposite direction and walk past the gate. End your walking tour on Ebertstrasse to check out the Jewish monument dedicated to those who died in the holocaust.  
From here you are not too far from Alexander platz, which is accessible via foot. Be sure to wear good walking shoes and I recommend walking on both sides of Unton den Linden. 
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What's your favorite site along Unton den Linden? Let us know and we can add it to the list!

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Explore Berlin without getting lost with GPSmycity.com! Click here for the 
10 Significant WW2 Sites to Visit in Berlin, Germany
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15 Most-Vibrant Beach Clubs in Den Haag, Netherlands

3/7/2017

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Pronouncing "Scheveningen" in Dutch is not my strong point, but enjoying great food and good vibes at a beach club on a sunny is my strength! Den Haag is one of my favorite Dutch cities. If I had to guess, it's what Amsterdam used to be before tourism overtook the city. 

Calm, relaxed and quiet, The Hague gets two thumbs up in my book because of its seaside cafe/bar life. The beach is an added bonus, and although it's not swimmable most of the year, the spring through early fall months light up with life as the pale dutchman seeks as much sun as possible. 

Whether you're looking for something vibrant or something chic, let's take a stroll on the "strandweg," or boardwalk to discover the must-visit beach clubs in the Hague. 
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Bliss Beach Club
Come and find your Om at Bliss Beach Club. Two giant-sized Buddhas are the gateway to a relaxing afternoon of drinking your life away at a private "cabana," accompanied by seaside service. The menu prices are moderate and offer more affordable food and drinks options. Bliss features an extensive menu and offers something for everyone from non-alcoholic drinks to a healthy-fare menu. 
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ElBully Tapas Bar & Grill
While toasting under the Dutch sun, your mind may drift away thinking that you are in Spain. Ignite your digestive fire with ElBully's Spanish tapas food. Serving traditional Spanish-style tapas, the menu is meat heavy, but offers some options for the plant-based individual like the spinach and cheese croquettes.  A full dinner menu is available. 
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ZeeZicht
If you're looking for a low key afternoon, enjoy a glass of wine and relax on a couch while stretching your sea legs at ZeeZicht. The menu ranges from cheap to expensive, which is common in the Hague. They do serve several "all you can eat options," but its meat based (blah!). It's not the most sophisticated menu, but it's a nice place to relax in the afternoon. ZeeZicht features excellent views of the pier. 
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Peukie's
Improve your karma by dining at Peukie's. Walk past several large Buddha statues and down to the main platform where couches and seaside lounge chairs await your gastronomical journey. I spent much time here and am a fan of this establishment. On Friday afternoons, a house-music DJ spun the turntable. What I love about Peukie's are the menu options. They serve a vegan burger and wrap using the "meat" directly from The Hague's vegetarian butcher, De Vegetarische Slager. . Read more about my experience at: Den Haag's Peukie Beach Club: Where Buddha Meets the Beach (and Veganism).
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Mood Beach
Depending on your mood, discover the relaxed and chill-out vibes at Mood Beach Club. If the sun is too bright, sit inside amidst a glass-walled restaurant or relax outdoors under an extra-large umbrella. And whatever mood you are in, there is definitely something on the drink menu to cater your cravings.  

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Zanzibar
Inspired by, well you guessed it, Zanzibar, this wood-theme bar is decorated with colorful flowers and beach chairs. The world lounge music sets the tone for an afternoon of jungle-fever.  Zanzibar is one of the few beach clubs that open for breakfast at 9:00 a.m. The menu features a variety of small finger food plates and heftier grill and bbq plates. I recommend trying the homemade iced tea. The flavor changes daily and is a refreshing, cool choice under the hot summer sun.
 
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Blue Lagoon
Surroundd by palm trees, once you walk down the entryway stairs, you are invited to a magical paradise. Lounge music inspires the atmosphere to chillax with a beer in hand. And the sound of the tunes inspire the mood when staring directly at the beach.  The extensive menu ranges from pizza to iced coffees to breakfast foods. It's an excellent sunset beach club. 

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Ocean's Beach Club
This is one of my favorite beach clubs. Open for breakfast, at times I had the entire club, and beach, to myself. This club attracts a more mature crowd, unlike Peukie's, and features front row couch views of the ocean. This is one of the more popular clubs. You can order breakfast a la carte or with deals like a croissant, coffee and juice combo.
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Bora Bora
This vibrant and eclectic club attracts locals and tourists alike. Global beats simmer into the air, inspiring one's dancing shoes to head down to Peukie's later. The menu is standard and offers more affordable sandwiches and several vegetarian-friendly options. 
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Solbeach
If you need to reconnect with your soul, visit Solbeach bar. Known for it's beer, Solbeach features a more California-beach vibe. Wooden tables, nachos, potted succulents and a beach cruiser, nothing says "Sol-Cal" more than this bar. Veggie burgers are available here! 
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Cocomo
Like Bora Bora, there is no lack of vibrancy at Cocomo. From the friendly staff to the multi-colored couch cushions, color therapy has an effect here. The better you feel, the longer you want to stay to eat and drink. At night, the deck lamps and colored light bulbs glitter across the tables to further promote the club's love for color. It's another excellent sunset beach bar. 

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Twin's
Clean, chic and classy, I'm partial to this place because I love dolphins and my sister's favorite color is purple. I felt nostalgic with childhood memories. Quiet and relaxed, you won't find banging techno parties, but you will discover a variety ofworkshops and activities. From sand sculpture classes to power yoga, expend and consume your recommended daily calories here. 
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El Nino
Head south of the border at another colorfully-schemed beach club. One would think that a place named El Nino is a Spanish or Mexican-speciality restaurant. Well, not exactly. Looks can be deceiving but they serve other types of food than just traditional Spanish-style cuisine.  El Nino serves up American specialties like club sandwiches, Philly cheesesteak and bacon cheeseburgers. They feature an extensive vegetarian menu with choices such as nachos, croquettes and empanadas. 

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Buena Vista
Located at the far end of "Strandweg" is Buena Vista. Inside, guests snuggle on vintage-style leather couches while planning their next activity. Workshops and classes are available from capiora to beach volleyball. Discover introductory lessons for kite surfing, surfing and power boating. Be sure to check out the Lazy Sunday Brunch. 

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The Fat Mermaid
I love mermaids, so I may be biased, but The Fat Mermaid is an adorable club. Lounge in a beach chair accompanied by a fire pit to keep you warm at night. The cafe-style lighting dangles across the club igniting the traditional European cafe atmosphere amidst the seaside decor. Get plump with global fusion such as vietnamese bahn mi to veggie cucumber sandwiches. And don't forget about Fat Friday. Every Friday, this club mixes up the tracks playing a mix of funk, soul, house and disco beats.
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No matter what beach club you visit, you'll discover the common theme of food, drinks, sun, sand & seaside beds. There are more clubs north and south of the boardwalk, so these are just a few noteworthy establishments on the main drag. 

What's your favorite club?


This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 15 Most-Vibrant Beach Clubs in Den Haag, Netherlands.
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10 Significant WW2 Sites to Visit in Berlin, Germany

3/5/2017

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Today, World War II still fascinates people. From trying to understand the Nazi regime to revealing Germany's dark past, visitors flock to Berlin to discover its Third Reich past. And today, many Germans are embarrassed and disgusted with their past, which is why certain events are not memorialized like you would see in America with the Revolutionary and Civil War. 

In my opinion, Germans should no longer be ashamed of their past. Since the world cannot turn back time, Germans should be proud of the safe and functioning society they re-built post WW2 and communism. 

No matter where you go in Berlin, almost every building, street and site has some sort of historical significance and linkage to the Third Reich and World War 2. If you're searching the past, these are some history-book worthy places to visit in Berlin. 
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Anhalter Banhof (train station)
Anhalter is a former railway terminal station turned bunker in WW2. Opened in 1880, it was considered the most-grand train station in the world. People marveled at it's architecture and this "Gateway to the South" station served as the main platforms to get to international cities like Rome, Vienna & Athens. During WW2, Anhalter was one of three train stations to deport Jews to camps. Some 9.600 Jews left this station between 1941-1945. Air bombings demolished the station and this is what is left today.  

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Lustgarten & Altes Museum
Lustgarten is an open green space surrounded by museums. Today, the Dom and the Altes Museum still stand, which were popular grounds during the Nazi era. Hitler gave several speeches on the museum's stairs and various celebrations like May Day took place on these grounds. 

​If you look closely at the pillars, or any older building in Berlin, you'll notice countless bullet holes.  

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Templehof Airport
The airport's origins date back to medieval Berlin of the Knights Templar land, thus resulting in the name Templehof. The stoic-looking airport served the Nazis well during the war. Today Templehof serves as a convention center. Read more about it's timeline history here. 


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Holocaust Memorial
Nearby the Brandenburg Gate is the memorial for the murdered Jews during WW2. Created by a NYC architect, Peter Eisenmann, visitors discover 2,711 concrete pillars varying in different heights to promote an uncomfortable feel. There is a visitor center next door that features 3 million names of Jewish people who were killed. 
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Topography of Terror
This indoor and outdoor museum is the site where the Gestapo's offices once operated during the Third Reich. Here, you'll see torture cellars, a place for persecution and terror,  and discover it's own "house prison." The museum features a timeline of the rise and fall of Hitler. The museum is free, but guided headphones are an additional fee. The museum is nearby Potsdamer Platz. 
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.Reichstag
Hitler was already in power as chancellor, so he was not a dictator yet. The Reichstag was a flash point for Hitler to take control. One night the Reichstag caught on fire, and a known Communist suspect was caught for this crime. In turn, Hitler declared Marshall Law and went after the Communist party in Germany. This building is significant to German government as its equivalent to The Capital building in DC. 

Kurfürstendamm - The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
Kurfürstendamm is one of the most popular avenues in Berlin. Constructed in the 1890's, this Protestant church sits in Breitscheidplatz and named after Kaiser Wilhelm, who initiated the construction. Today, the church remains are a memorial after being damaged in the November 23, 1943 air bombing raids. 

Flak Towers
Flak towers are gun platforms used during the war to protect Berlin from air raids. Many have been removed, but a few remain at Berliner Zoo, Humboldthain & Friedrichshain. Today, graffiti covers most of the facade. 


Führerbunker
Hitler and other high ranking officers used the Führerbunker as a place to work toward the end of the war when the Russians were getting close. Hitler and his wife, Eva, committed suicide by chewing cyanide capsules. Built in 1944, this concrete bunker sits 8.2 feet below the ground and housed Hitler in 1945. It is said that Hitler and Eva's bodies were taken outside, covered in gasoline and lit on fire. No memorial exists except for a small sign next to a parking lot. 
Address: In den Ministergärten 2, 10117, Berlin

German Resistance Memorial Centre
This museum is the dedication to the individuals who took action against the dictatorship between 1933-1945. The museum showcases images, documents and research from that era. Be sure to check out the courtyard, accessible from
Stauffenbergstrasse, which is the center of "The Bendler Block." The "Bendler Block" is a set of historical buildings near Tiergarten Park and was once the site of Hitler's famous "lebensraum" (living area) in the east" speech on February 3, 1933. This is also the site where an attempt to overthrow the regime on July 20, 1944. 
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This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 10 Significant WW2 Sites to Visit in Berlin, Germany
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    Elizabeth Rae Kovar is a Fitness Trainer, Author of Finding Om, Presenter, Yogi, Vegan & lover of the World. View her portfolio at www.elizabethkovar.comor health-based blog at mindbodysoul-food.com

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