Berlin is an amazing city ...truly. There are just so many interesting things to do here. I didn't have nearly enough time to do it all.
The first thing I decided to do was a tour of the city by bike with a very well informed tour guide. The history here is nothing short of intimidating. Berlin in one century alone has seen the beginning and demise of two Reiche's (Empires) we know as the great wars of the 20th century. No other city in the world can claim such recent (significant) history such as this. It's profound, and the price the city has paid is all around you - the history of this place had always engaged my interest.
Additionally I was moved by the stories of the Wall - the most effective border control system ever devised. The numerous stories alone from this is worth visiting the city alone.
But what really grabs you about all this is Post unification Berlin/Germany and massive undertaking of construction and projects that are happening everywhere. Berlin, particularly the East is transforming rapidly.
With such projects, buildings, memorials and renovation all around you one might think that quality and design may be an after thought. But not here in Berlin. There is such an artistic flair here that is of course quintessentially "Berlin". New construction isn't just a building it's a statement that encompasses the new vision of the city - "The Unified Berlin".
So what is the choice building product of a new era?
Glass, Glass and more Glass. Glass is all over new buildings in Berlin. But why? Glass is slowly transforming the city replacing an infamous era of stone, rocks, tawdry and grey. Essentially the building style of an old era, of intolerance, one that Berlin would rather forget. Glass on the other hand is 'transparent', 'smooth' open, in essence a reflection of tolerance in society - Democracy! ...And another thing is that if you stand in front of glass, sometimes you can see you're own reflection! ...powerful stuff!
This is used in such clever ways. In the Reich's Tag for example (Parliament) they've build a glass dome on top of the parliament. Therefore any person can effectively 'watch' their government at work for the people. The significance is that gone are the days where people will be looked down upon by oppressive regimes and politicians. It is such a powerful statement, it's brilliant. There are other numerous examples all over this place. This city has moved me in so many ways. I hope to return here someday.
Berlin wow! What a place. ..And if there is not enough happening for you during the day then you won't believe how crazy this place is by night!
Link to photo set: here
Viele GrÜsse,
Macht's Gut!
Markus
