Berlin
Our visit to Berlin was mainly for its history … first stop was to the “Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe” – unfortunately the information centre wasn’t open, but you can read more here.
Additionally, in a park close by there is a statue of Goethe as well as a Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted under Nazism and a Memorial to the Sinti and Roma of Europe Murdered under National Socialism. An estimated 500,000 people were persecuted as “gypsies” and murdered (men, women and children) under the Nazi regime.
Contrary to other countries continuing to have statues of people despite their dubious (at best) pasts, it is well worth noting the contrast in Berlin – not a statue of Hitler in sight but a memorial to the Jewish people who they accurately describe as murdered instead of sugar-coating it with some euphemism. Clearly they have accepted their history instead of trying to deny it. Found this article which puts it more succinctly than I can: Why there are no Nazi Statues in Germany.
Next stop was Brandenburg Gate – a very imposing structure built in the 18th century, badly damaged during World War II, restored several times since then and now considered not only as a symbol of the tumultuous history of Europe and Germany, but also of European unity and peace. Also took a walk past the Bundestag (German Parliament building).
Last stop before lunch was Check Point Charlie which is an icon of the Cold War. In late October 1961, the border crossing became famous: American and Soviet tanks faced off after members of the US mission at the GDR border post were asked to identify themselves at the checkpoint. At that time, Soviet and Allied tanks had live ammunition. Apparently, there was almost a third world war. Over the years, the checkpoint was the scene of spectacular escapes, which were often fatal.
Last but not least, we visited one of the places that still has remnants of the Berlin Wall. Apparently, construction commenced in 1961 – I realised that I didn’t know nearly as much as I should about the history of the wall – if you’re the same, you can read about it here. (You’re welcome!)
There is not much of the wall left now, but there is a memorial to some of those that lost their lives trying to escape. It had photos as well as their dates of birth and death. Heartbreaking to see that some were as recent as 1985! Brought home the fact that Berlin was still divided when I was in my early twenties.
6 Comments
Audrey
What beautiful cities! I can see why you want to settle in Schwerin Sandy. Thank you both for the beautiful, beautiful photos and wonderful narrative 🙂 You guys are moving at the speed of light! (Or at least 150 kmh). Take it easy on those autobahns.
Valerie Klagsbrun
Good to see that you and Jarrah are getting about Sandra.
It must be very strange to see the places so devoid of crowds.
Thanks for your birthday wishes.
Noosa starting to awaken to life again.
Hope you enjoy your trip and take whatever you can out of it.
Hopefully humanity will get on top of this coronavirus and get back to some semblance of normal in the not too distant future.
Love,
Val.
Diane Cooper
Sobering and yet spectacular at the same time.
Patricia Forner
Thank you for the stunning beauty captured in your photos and thank you for your commentary. It is sometimes very humbling.
Lynda
A very interesting post, great photos.
Deb, Pep n Tayla
Great update, thank you!! – I swam in West Berlin in 1978 when the Wall was still very much in evidence, and we visited what was then the Check Point Charlie Museum. Not sure if its still there but it was both fascinating and terribly sad, the lengths people had gone to in order to try to get from East Berlin to the West, like secret compartments to hide children under cars. Really hard to imagine. Then the Wall actually came down a day or two after our eldest son was born so we have all the newspapers from the day – Real double celebration!!
Glad you have been able to resume your travels – I’d never heard of the Miniatur World so will have to put that on my Bucket List!!
xx