We drove through the day on Sunday so we could arrive in the late afternoon to Berlin. By that time, I was exhausted from the nonstop walking and exploring of Prague and uncomfortable bus-riding, so I took it easy that night, caught a delicious meal with my friends in the hostel bar, and bonded with some people on the trip from different colleges who decided to lie low as well. The real exploration of the historical German city began the next morning. We woke up early for another walking tour to take in the sights and gain some knowledge of the sights. Sadly, the weather did not cooperate. I was wearing two sweaters, a leather jacket, and a raincoat, and I was still frigid as the wind whipped at our faces, but you know what? It was worth it. I was with my roommates from Florence and some friends I'd met on the trip, and we shivered together. We were able to see the Brandenburg Gate, which towered over the main plaza of the city, which houses the German and French embassies. Oh by the way, in that square, there is also a hotel that costs approximately 15,000 Euro per night to stay in. Guess which one it was? THE ONE WHERE MICHAEL JACKSON DANGLED HIS BABY OUT THE WINDOW! Now that is history.
A picture of a protest in front of a former Nazi building.
The Nazis' perspective as to how German actually was.
We toured all over the city and saw some pretty surreal historical monuments and locations. I never thought I'd be able to say that I stomped all over the grounds which house Hitler's former bunker where he stayed towards the end of WWII, and where he committed suicide, but I can say it now. Another amazing experience was seeing the portion of the Berlin Wall remaining, which was once known as the Death Strip. It divided East and West Berlin and was located right in front of the former S.S. headquarters. Anyone who tried to cross was typically shot dead, but some did make it and were able to be reunited with their loved ones on the other side. We also saw Checkpoint Charlie, the U.S. Army checkpoint in the war. I got a picture posing on some sandbags in front of the replica that has been placed there. It was overall amazing to know I was in the place where so many major events of WWII took place, but nothing compared to knowing I stood right on the place where Hitler took his own life. If only he'd done it earlier.
In front of the Death Strip (clearly we'd be smiling below).
We also got a taste of the war from the side of the victims rather than the Germans by going to the Jewish Museum. We spent approximately 2 hours touring the museum filled with possessions from Holocaust victims and survivors, films, letters, and artwork representing the desperation and sadness felt during the war.My friends and I had a really emotional experience at one piece of art. It is pictured below. An artist filled a long strip of open floor with anguished metal faces of all different sizes. You were allowed to walk over them if you wished. Two of my friends did, and I followed after one of the museum workers confirmed that we could. She asked me how I was feeling as I walked over the faces, and I said guilty, but I continued walking. She asked, "then why are you still doing it?" And I honestly couldn't answer her. I felt horrible walking over these sad metal faces, but I still continued. After hearing this conversation, three more of my friends began walking over the faces, and the museum worker asked them, "After you just heard how guilty she felt doing it, why did you feel the need to try it too?" We all stood there, ashamed of ourselves. We were an example of what happened when the Nazis took over. When someone says it's okay, even if you feel guilty, you feel as though it is acceptable to do it. People follow others, no matter how morally poor the act actually is.I've been to Holocaust museums and read many books on the subject and taken many classes that covered it, but nothing compared to being in the middle of where it all happened. The emotions were fully charged, and it was a once in a lifetime experience to be a part of.
Berlin, as a city, reminded me a lot of New York City. Because it was so brutally destroyed during the war, much of the city was rebuilt closer to present times, giving it a more modern feel. It was very Americanized, but the history was not lost. I had a genuine German meal that evening ad then headed overnight on the bus to Amsterdam, where I am now. I have plenty of stories from today, but I'll have to tell them in my official Amsterdam post. Keep an eye out for more on my journey through Northern Europe! Cheers (as all the Europeans say)!
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