An Unforgettable Four Days in Berlin with Team Gibe
There’s something magical about spending time together as a team outside the office, and our four-day trip to Berlin was no exception. From the moment we met at Bristol Airport to our return home, it was a whirlwind of history, culture, laughter, and team bonding. Here’s a glimpse into our unforgettable Berlin adventure.
Day One: Touchdown in Berlin
Excitement was palpable as we all gathered at Bristol Airport at 1pm, ready to set off on our journey. By 3pm, we were airborne, heading toward the historic city of Berlin. After landing, we made our way to a hotel near the famous Checkpoint Charlie—an ideal spot for exploring the city’s storied past.
That evening, the team kicked things off with cocktails at the hotel bar before diving into some traditional German fare at a Bavarian-style restaurant. We enjoyed hearty dishes and explored the vast selection of German beers. The night got even better when Luke introduced us to a fun guessing game called "Knuckles," which quickly became a hit.
Day Two: History and Scenic Views
After a delicious continental breakfast, we began our day with a tour of Berlin's subterranean history: the Berlin Underworlds Bunker Tour. Led by the energetic and hilarious Crissy, we spent two hours exploring World War II-era bunkers. Her humour and fascinating stories made the time fly by, and it’s safe to say everyone left with newfound appreciation for the city’s underground secrets.
Lunch at Smack Burger was a revelation—massive portions we weren't quite prepared for! Afterward, we visited the interactive DDR Museum, which gave us a glimpse into life in pre-unified East Germany. One of the highlights was trying out the augmented reality driving experience, where we got behind the wheel of a virtual German car to drive through a simulated Berlin.
As the day wound down, we made our way up the iconic Berlin TV Tower to catch a breath-taking sunset over the city. Dinner at Hofbräu Wirtshaus, with its live German band and huge portions, was the perfect end to the evening. The mix of traditional German music and surprising renditions of British pop songs had everyone in high spirits.
Day Three: Reflecting on Berlin’s History
We kicked off day three with an early visit to the top of the Reichstag, the German parliament building, which offered stunning views of the city from its glass dome. Afterward, we took a poignant trip to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, reflecting on the profound history of Berlin.
For lunch, we sampled a food market near the TV Tower that we had discovered the night before, and in the afternoon, the team visited the Berlin Wall. The team was deeply moved by the art and social commentary painted on the remaining sections of the wall, a reminder of the city’s divided past.
Dinner was an unforgettable experience at the Michelin-starred India Club, where we indulged in exquisite Indian cuisine and cocktails. Some of us ended the night at a riverside bar, enjoying a quiet moment to absorb the beauty of Berlin by night.
Day Four: A Relaxing Farewell
Our final day in Berlin was a "free day," giving everyone the chance to explore on their own. I, along with Bilal, decided to visit a local chocolatier, where we marvelled at chocolate replicas of iconic Berlin landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate. Afterward, we strolled through the serene Tiergarten park, eventually meeting up with most of the team at a lakeside café. There, we reminisced about the highlights of the trip while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
For our final meal, we split into two groups—one racing on electric scooters and the other navigating Berlin’s bus system. In a thrilling finish, the scooter team arrived at the Turkish restaurant just seconds after the rest of us. A fitting end to a playful and memorable day.
As the trip came to an end, we headed to the airport for a sleepy return to Bristol. Despite a flight delay and a minor celebrity sighting, we touched down around midnight, exhausted but already dreaming of our next Gibe adventure.
Berlin offered us a perfect balance of history, fun, and bonding time. Every moment, from the tours to the meals and spontaneous games, helped us connect and create lasting memories. We can’t wait to see where our next trip takes us!
