Berlin



One of the places high on my list in Europe was Berlin.  Everyone I know puts it in their top 10 European cities. 

 

Its not one of those quintessential, idyllic, classic European destinations.  Instead its the complete opposite... which makes it so interesting. 

 

For me personally, it was also very intriguing because of all European cities, Berlin is the center of the most important and most recent historical events...one that even I remember.  And Berlin has done an excellent job of preserving its history.

 

There is so many excellent things to see so a long four day weekend was perfect.  From the Holocaust Memorial (a powerful memorial to the victims), to the DDR Museum (a wonderful insight into the communist life) and walking along the Berlin Wall (a real life remanent and reminder of the past), there were so many highlights. The Berlin Wall is long so we picked the most popular section and spent the day walking from Brandenburg Gate, stopping at Haus am Checkpoint Charlie and ending at the East Side Gallery. All in all, it was very satisfying. 

 



As with every city I visit, I love to take time away from the tourist sites and feel the vibe of the city.  But even more so in Berlin.

Its not just the great historical sites that make Berlin special...its more so the impact and the cool, proud and individualistic character of the city that survived. Its gritty yet transforming. Its rebellious and stubborn. Its beautiful.