I actually went to Berlin to meet up with several of my friends from work who were in town for a Market Research Conference. But of course I found other things to do as well. I arrived in Berlin on Saturday morning and spent the first couple hours shopping. I found some great deals on quality clothing at the local Peek & Cloppenburg. Shortly thereafter I arrived at the Berlin Intercontinental Hotel where I was able to get a wonderful suite. I got my room at a reduced rate thanks to the conference coordinator.

After unpacking I met up with several of the guys and gals from back home and headed out for a dinner, conversation and of course a drink or two. As you can guess this turned into a late night back at the Hotel Bar. Early that next morning I rested and later showered for Sunday’s activities. I connected with my boss and one of the other sales types around noon and did the tourist thing from there. We didn’t get many pictures though. Most of the ones posted here came from Dan Mevis, one of my Air Force buddies who was activated with me in the first wave along with yours truly. Special thanks go out to Dan for the great photographs. And may he rest in peace. Dan, a friend, a family man died shortly after these photographs were taken.

At midnight I departed for Sembach. I had to report for Duty first thing Monday morning and was anticipating a four to five hour drive back. This would turn out to be an underestimation on my part. As it turned out the original four and a half hour drive there turned into nearly an eight-hour drive back. Due to heavy traffic caused mostly by what seamed to be never ending road construction. Germany may have the fastest roads in the world, but they also have some of the slowest drivers. After arriving at Sembach AB just past 0730 I had just enough time to shower and head to Ramstein. I don’t think I need to tell you just how rough that day was.