20 Years after the Berlin Wall came tumbling down, Berlin is a booming, romantic city with so much to offer, and the cost of staying in Berlin is quite reasonable compared to other European cities like London or Paris. Berliners are very friendly; most Berliners seem to speak some measure of English so it's very easy to get around.  

On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall began to be torn down, as East Germans demonstrated for reform, bucking against the Cold War King - The Soviet Union. Ronald Reagan's message to Mr. Gorbachev, "Tear down this Wall" at a speech at the famous Brandenburg Gate in 1987 set the stage for what was later to become one of the most awe inspiring events - the destruction of a symbol of separation and terror. 

Of course, East and West Germany now 20 years later have been formally unified, but not completely unified culturally or politically. There are still those on both sides of the table that believe that everyone would be better off segmented, and they long for the "good 'ole days". But those are the minority. Most Berliners seem happy to be back together again.

Berlin has many restaurants, and because of the influx of Italians, Greeks and Turks, there is indeed cuisine beyond the slab of meat and tall glasses of beer to enjoy. And the chocolate - Wunderbar! Fresh chocolates bought at German chocolatiers, including those that have been around for hundreds of years and who served royalty, such as Fassbender-Rausch, can be found throughout Berlin. There are large chocolatiers and small ones, and then there are the ones at the department stores and chocolate specialty shops. Try for instance, the Wagner brand; a special favorite is the raspberry truffle that is meant to be enjoyed there - on the spot. With the raspberry powder covering chocolate and a raspberry "epicenter" - well, let's just say that should put you in a good mood!

Sight-seeing doesn't have to be all about the Cold War and the failure of Communism, although the Checkpoint Charlie Museum  is a very popular place to visit, and of course, the remnant of the Berlin Wall is a must-see. 

And it doesn't have to be all about World War II either, although there are interesting walking tours of important sites, like Hitler's Bunker, that you probably would never find on your own, as it's behind a non-descript apartment building. 

The Jewish Museum and the Holocaust Memorial are certainly worthwhile, as Berlin especially recognizes the loss of the Jewish consciousness and how different Germany would be today, if the Holocaust hadn't wiped out so many great minds. Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and the Wannsee Conference House are a train ride away - both providing a glimpse into the suburbs of Berlin and a look into the horrors of the Holocaust. Ironically, the Wannsee Conference House sits on a lake and seems oh-so peaceful. A resort area for the SS, it ultimately has its notoriety for being the place where the Nazi's mapped out "The Final Solution."

Of course, if you want to enjoy a romantic evening dining out, book dinner at the restaurant atop the Reichstag, the German Parliament. You'll be able to stay even after the crowds have long gone and enjoy a night-time kiss under the stars, complete with a panoramic view of Berlin. 

If your mind has already been stimulated enough and you want to stimulate your senses, you can spend time gallery hopping, as Berlin has some of the most cutting-edge art work being shown in Europe. Many say it's what New York was like in the 1970's. The two best districts are Mitte and Charlottenberg for galleries. 

Museums offer some Romantic opportunities, too, including seeing the amazing painting that Rembrandt painted of Hendrickje Stoffels, the great love of his life, at the Gemaeldegalerie, and standing before the Gates of Ishtar (Babylonian Gates) at the Pergamon Museum makes you feel like you are a part of history.

But strolling through the parks and gardens outside the city, including the gardens at Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam, a train ride away, where Frederick the Great lived, will allow romance to blossom. The palaces are more livable than the grand palaces in Russia, and you can almost imagine having tea at the fantastic Tea House secluded in the middle of the Gardens there, decorated with lavish Asian motifs, including dragons. And there are romantic parks and gardens in Berlin proper to enjoy, as well.

At night there are many choices for entertainment, including music and clubs for dancing. Berlin can be a decadent place with lots of interesting people out and about until the wee-hours of the morning.

So.... With all Berlin has to offer, consider Berlin for a Romantic Retreat, and maybe you'll become Berlin's "Pleasure Victim"!