? QUESTIONS ? QUESTIONS ? QUESTIONS ?




Frequently Asked Questions about the Upcoming Reunion

0. How do I call the hotel in Germany?
You'll see the hotel listed as:
Best Western Hotel Steglitz International
Tel: +49(0) 30 - 79 00 50
You drop the zero when calling from the states. Here is what you will dial:
011 - 49 - 30 - 79 00 50

Here's a breakdown:
011 gets you an international line from the states
49 is the country code for Germany
30 is the city code for BERLIN (cell phone numbers will be 171, 169, 160, 173 or something like that)
then dial the rest of the number - don't get fooled, because German numbers don't always have the same number of digits, just dial the number

1. What is meant by “casual – elegance” dress attire for the Saturday night dinner dance?
Well, the ladies like to dress up and the men don’t. SO, the ladies will (get dressy) …..and the men will be casual (ie: they will not be required to wear a suit NOR coat and tie). Hint to you men though, the ladies do like to see you a little dressy….so a nice shirt and slacks would be nice. To really score…add a blazer and you’ll be the hit of the evening!

2. Should we bring memorabilia?
Absolutely!!!! It’s practically a requirement! Everyone will be reminiscing and sharing yearbooks, photos and scrapbooks. However, at this particular Reunion we will not be having a “hospitality room.”

3. Must I be a graduate of BAHS?
Heavens No! ….the only prerequisite is that you have fond memories of your days at BERLIN American High School, TAR or just BERLIN, for those parents attending!

4. Can we handle special dietary meals?
Yes! …but contact Jeri (Polansky) Glass at the BERLIN Brats just as soon as possible. (i.e.…. BERLINBrats@gmail.com or 623-764-1105)

5. Can parents attend?
Yes! Several have already indicated they will be coming. Many parents were very active in our school system as chaperones at school dances, the AYA/DYA dances, and on the duty train ….and we would love to see them again too! Besides this is a “Homecoming” as reflected in our chosen Logo (see the top of this page) for this year’s Reunion.

6. Do we pay the “registration fee” for our children?
Yes! If they are attending our events with you. We have to reserve the same seats and meals to include them in our head counts to the bus company and the hotel. They will be treated as a normal registration with all the same benefits.

7. Will there be a “Cash Bar?”
Yes. Both for the Welcome Reception on Thursday and for the Dinner/Dance on Saturday. Paid in Euros to the hotel.

8. How long is the commute from BERLIN’s airport to the hotel?
This depends on which airport you fly into. BERLIN has 3 airports. Click here for more airport information. We even tell you what bus or U-bahn stop to take in addition to taxi information and fares.

9. Who should we see about the “other special activities” in BERLIN?
The hotel’s concierge, some other BERLIN alums and of course the internet. Click here for our list of Things to Do.

10. Do we need a rental car during our stay in BERLIN?
Absolutely not! Have you forgotten how good the German public transportation system is??? Right out the front door of the hotel is an -bahn / -bahn stop. Out the back door of the hotel is a major bus transfer station. So we’re uniquely situated! Should you insist on a rental car, click here for our recommendations. You might want to try one of the new “Smart Cars” everyone is talking about. They too are listed on our site.

11. How do I get the best dollar value for this weekend?
a. Use our designated travel agent….Victoria Stevens at Carlson Wagonlits Travel. If you want to gamble we are told airlines typically reduce their summer airfares (substantially) to Europe for a two week period only, sometime around late February/early March. However, it is never publicized in advance. You must constantly monitor all their sites.
b. Leave the driving to Germany’s public transportation system! As we stated above a car is not needed in BERLIN!
c. Visit the hotel’s bar for discounted drinks just for us!
d. Mail your registration fee in prior to April 30th…and avoid the late fee.
e. TIP like a German. Germans don't tip 20-30% like Americans do. 1 Euro per person for a dinner is more than enough because a 15% service charge is already included in all restaurant and bar prices.
f. Purchase a Welcome Card which gives you 50% off on travel and entrance fees to various sites in BERLIN. Click here to check out the link via BVG.

12. What to pack? Euro Conversion? Credit Cards in Europe?
All this information is and has been posted on our website. Click here to review ALL in our Upcoming Events Box on our Home page.

13. What is School Spirit Day? School Colors?
On Friday, July 28th we will be visiting our former schools, taking Class Pictures and the Group Panoramic, attending the Allied Museum Reception in our honor and then attending a crowded Volksfest. We would like to look “spiffy” for ALL!!! So please plan “maroon & white” attire or better yet, plan on buying a Reunion “polo shirt” once you arrive on site. A large percentage of attendees did this in Asheville and it looked so “cool” in our Class Pictures and the Panoramic Photo. Be sure to bring your checkbook or checks for this purchase. The BERLIN Brats can not process credit cards and does not want to transport "cash" back to the U.S.

14. Is Association Membership required to attend the Reunion?
No. However, your support allows us to maintain our website, purchase software, print our 2,200 + Names & Addresses Database in book form annually, purchase merchandise, purchase traditional office and mailing supplies, and pre-plan Reunions like this one.

15. Can I access the internet from the hotel?
Yes. The hotel has "Hot Spot" to access wireless LAN. Access is 9.90€ for 3 hours or 14.90€ for 5 hours. Each room is also equipped with analog. There is also a computer in the lobby which you can use for 10 minutes for free.

16. What is the dress for the Welcome/Reception on Thursday?
Casual……as this may be a travel day for some. Also since “Casual- Elegance” is reserved for the Saturday Night Banquet we won’t ask you to get “dressy” twice in one weekend!

17. Will there be a babysitting service?
For those of you thinking about bringing "young children" to the Reunion and are in need of a possible sitter, especially for the Saturday night Dinner/Dance PLEASE NOTE: We have made arrangements with the Community Liaison Officer (CLO) at the U.S. Embassy - BERLIN to have "sitters" come to your hotel room. The Embassy has an approved list of sitters, made up of spouses and dependents of U.S. Embassy Personnel, who have had CPR and 1st Aid Training. Sitters charge 8 Euros per hour for up to 2 children. (The U.S. Embassy has held or attended many functions at our Reunion Hotel therefore a large number are already familiar with the hotel and it's location). If this is something you "think you may need" please email Jeri Glass at BERLINBrats@gmail.com or call her at 623-764-1105 to obtain further specifics. These arrangements MUST BE IN PLACE well in advance of the Reunion ..........waiting till you are on site at the Reunion is not an option. Many at the Embassy take summer leave so all coordination must be done in advance. Once your need and specifics are worked out......you will be given direct access to the CLO and your sitter.

18. Hair Dryers?
The Hotel Steglitz has Hair Dryers in every room.

19. Coffee?
There are NO coffee makers in the rooms.

20. Wash cloths?
Bring wash cloths (if you use them).

21. How do I get Euro money?
There are Banking services and an ATM machine 40 feet from the Hotel front door.

22. Ironing?
Irons and ironing boards are on request only (the Hotel is buying more for us!).

23. What do I wear on Friday?
Pack a maroon/white outfit for Friday's School Spirit, School Visit, Class Photo and Museum day. Or buy a Reunion Polo shirt on site!

24. BERLIN Brat Merchandise?
Bring your checkbook to buy any of our For Sale Merchandise on site. We do not accept credit cards and do not want to accept cash with all of us traveling. Please note: checks are not good for payment for anything in Europe besides the Brat Merchandise items.

25. Medication
Keep your "meds" in a prescription bottle w/your name on it to prevent any airport security issues.

26. Measles Alert
Bring your shot record if you are concerned about the Measle Alert.

27. US-Euro Adaptors
The hotel has some in-house adaptors for our use. Additionally we, the BERLIN Brats, are buying some extras ones that you will be able to purchase on site. They are very inexpensive.

28. Laundromat?
The Hotel does provide laundry service in house. A fee schedule will be posted in your individual room.
The Hotel informs there a "public Laundromat" 100 meters from the Hotel.


29. Jogging clothes?
Bring your "joggin' stuff" if you want to do the mile run for old times sake at the Wilma Rudolph Oberschule (formerly BAHS) on Friday. They are even giving us access to our old showers for a quick change and clean up before and after.


We look forward to seeing YOU ALL THERE!

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