Why We LOVED Berlin

During our stay in Berlin, we kept trying to compare this amazing place with other cities that we know, attempting to put it in context with other urban locations. Early on, Michelle mentioned San Francisco. Lisa kept thinking about New York. It also has that London sprawl. In the end, with its combination of new and old, heart-stopping history and eye-opening culture, we found it to be a place unlike any other.

Berlin is filled with poignant reminders of the landmark historical events of the last century: the rise, domination, and eventual defeat of the Nazis, WWII and the murder of Jews, gypsies, homosexuals, and disabled people across Europe, and the post-WWII occupation that divided the city with a wall and the eventual destruction of that wall and reunification of Berlin. 

The museums and memorials throughout the city don't shy away from telling the city's history. We were repeatedly face-to-face with the many horrors, but also new information and point-of-views that reminded us of the "danger of a single story." 

As mentioned in an earlier post, we caught the movie "Lee" during our stay. Set during WWII, the film prominently displays images of horrific acts perpetuated by the Nazis. Couldn't help but wonder how the Germans in our audience felt as they watched.

Still, the vibe of the city is less about the dark past and more about a vibrant, multi-ethnic future. Go five stops on the subway or street car and you find a different neighborhood that is buzzing with people and activity. 

Here are a few of the places we visited:

Checkpoint Charlie and the Checkpoint Charlie Museum:

The Brandenburg Gate:

The Topography of Terror Museum (former HQ of Nazi Secret Police):

The Berlin Philharmonic was traveling in the U.S., but we were able to catch two violins, a cello, and a harpsichord player who were left behind. They were really terrific and the space was gorgeous.

The Eastside Gallery that had over a mile of art pieces that were painted on a section of the Berlin wall that was left intact.

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe:

Several local markets. Lisa got to try roasted chestnuts for the very first time. And check out the zucchini burgers and the women who reminded me of my mom making lefsa!

And here are a few of our favorite snapshots from around the city.