At the memorial, a section of a sculptural model of Berlin showing the dividing wall.
So I am guilty of being a shopping tourist. Drop me in a city filled with beautiful boutiques, cute markets and cafés and I sort of lose my mind. Sight-seeing what??? Well thanks to a niggling conscience buried deep down, I did get in a bit of that…quite possibly the most important site of all. You really can't go to Germany, let alone Berlin and not experience the sobering yet beautiful memorial dedicated to the dividing wall and what was once East vs. West Germany. With mixed emotions, my travel buddies and I made it through the coldest day of our trip deep in thought and contemplation over one of the most recent and interesting historical moments of our time.
Furthermore, there was a lot of construction to "see". Two cranes on most empty lots signaling the arrival of new residential complexes. Again, another parallel to Brooklyn, however, I definitely liked the consistency of the modern architecture popping up over there. Visually fitting into the cityscape, merging old with new in a seemingly flawless way. I wonder what properties cost over there...
The minimalist outdoor displays highlighting moments related to the history of the wall.
What looks like metal pavers actually are markers indicating where underground tunnels existed.
Loving these framed windows, a very modern take on the bay window
Some of my favourite building materials: wood, exposed concrete and glass.
The museum in the back.
The reconciliation sculpture.
A section of what's left of the inner wall
A restaurant inside a bus! Taking the food truck to the next level.
Corinthian-esque columns supporting the coffered ceiling of this tunnel.
All in all, a great 10 days was spent in Germany. Where have you travelled to lately?
One,
anishka