Hilary Seabrook - writer, podcaster, musician

Today began with a walk past Berlin's Intercontinental Hotel that was my home for several weeks while working on ‘The Wall’ Berlin 1990. Although much extended, the hotel was recognisably the same, although much of Berlin has changed considerably since my first visit 34 years ago. First stop was Schweizes cafe to meet with pianist and composer Craig Urquhart. We had a long chat, but I recorded a snippet for my podcast - Harmonious World . Craig Urquhart and I take a break from discussions (and tea) The weather was glorious, so we took a walk back to the German Resistance Museum, where we realised that our hotel overlooks the window to German army officer Claus von Stauffenberg’s office, where he planned the attempted assassination of Adolf Hitler on 20 July 1944. It was chilling to think of how much he risked and sacrificed in his attempt to bring peace to the world. Looking across to our hotel from von Stauffenberg's office I can highly recommend walking around Berlin, and we ...

Apparently, it rained while we toured the Neue Museum in Berlin, enjoying some modern art. We were fortunate to miss the downpour and enjoyed a walk across to Museum Island. First stop was at Berlin Cathedral with a walk up the dome to enjoy spectacular views across the city. As I descended into the body of this incredible building, the organ was playing - and what an organ it is! 7,269 pipes, 113 stops and four manuals, and it sounded like the organist was trying them all out in their various permutations. Stunning to both look at and listen to, this was a real treat on a Sunday afternoon. As we wandered back along the river in the direction of the imposing Reichstag and surrounding modern government buildings, we opted for another boat trip - the third in just a few days, although the only one with a disappointing recorded voice, rather than a more engaging and entertaining live guide, such as those in Copenhagen and Malmo. In any case, it was a lovely way to spend an hour and to get...

A long travel day that included a brief stop over in Hamburg to change trains. We left our hotel in Copenhagen just after 8am and, although we'd been warned about disruption on the German train services, our experience could hardly have been better. Arrival in Berlin coincided with the city’s Pride march, with hundreds of people on the streets and in the restaurants. On arrival at our hotel, we discovered that the view from our (palatial) room looks out over the German Resistance Museum, which is definitely on our list to visit in the three days we’re here. Both Richard and I have spent time in Berlin over the years, but so much has changed that there is still plenty we want to see. 

Coming out of my hotel just off Berlin's Ku'dam, I found myself accidentally right outside the hotel I stayed in 23 years ago when working on Roger Waters' 'The Wall', Berlin 1990. Later in the day, when enjoying being a tourist, I realise that the impressive Holocaust Memorial between the Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz sits right where my portakabin was. I had a tiny office, shared with a colleague while all around us the stage was built, rehearsals performed, costumes created and tantrums calmed. Usually. One of my most vivid memories was the day of the show in July 1990, trying to monitor the 'Access All Areas' passes. These coveted AAA laminates were worn around the neck of stars and their friends, families and 'staff'. Some of the requests were reasonable, friendly and satisfied (Bryan Adams could have had anything he lik - he was full of respect). Others were difficult, arrogant and downright nasty (naming no names, but they know who they...