So far we have been totally immersed in the holocaust and horrors of World Wars, the Cold war and genocides that form the background of Berlin. There are memorials and signage and exhibitions everywhere we go. It's fascinating and macabre at the same time. Yesterday we went to the Deutsches Historisches Museum where we got a handle on the history of the country. We also realised our Airbnb in Mitte, is in what was East Berlin and is right by the Wall memorial and the 'Ghost' station of Nordbahnhof S-Bahn. These were the substations that, as the subway lines passed into and out of East Germany, were closed off and therefore empty during the Cold war. In fact many people tried to use these lines for escape.
In contrast, the Berlin of today seems like a totally free and openly tolerant of every race, orientation, religion, and whatnot bustling and vibrant city of fun and good times. Aside from the above reminders and the famous sights like the Brandenburg Gate, there are cool shops, funky buildings, hundreds of cafes, and street art everywhere. All the bridges have love locks on them, there are shows, musicals, art exhibitions, street musicians and for some reason,
bears, everywhere.
We have been starting the day with a huge breakfast at a local cafe (taking some of it with us for lunch) and then meandering on foot.
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| A breakfast that lasts all day |
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| Love locks on every bridge |
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| The Germans are friendly and have a good sense of humour |
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| It was just about to rain! |
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| The holocaust memorial |
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| The wall |
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| More wall |
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