Berlin

Where history meets modern times

“Berlin, the greatest cultural extravaganza that one could imagine.” – David Bowie

The first time I went to Berlin was during a high school trip, and since a lot of time has passed since then (I am getting old 😢), I didn't had too much memories of the city. Strangely enough, what I clearly remember is that the city was really clean (of all things I don't know why I remember this 😂).

Luckily for me I had a chance to go and visit again the city during an Interrail.
It was only for three days, but still I had a great moment and this time the memories are clearly vivid.
Berlin is a really modern city, but also full of history. Probably this clear contrast is what makes it so attractive. While walking through its wonderful streets you can see historical buildings alongside really modern architecture. Art, artists and museums are present in every corner.

Soviet War Memorial Tiergarten, erected by the Soviet Union to commemorate its war dead during the Battle of Berlin in April and May 1945

The Brandenburg Gate, no description needed I believe

The Reichstag building, that houses the lower house of Germany's parliament

A projection in a certain-building-which-I-do-not-rembember-the-name

The last day, we went to look the Berlin wall.
I wasn't even born when the wall was destroyed, but just by looking at it, I felt this sense of oppression inside me. I have no idea how it was for the people of those times to live inside a city divided in two parts, not being able to see their loved ones. We do not realize enough how lucky we are to live in a peaceful time like this one (at least in some part of the world).
I personally come from Albania, and my parents have passed through the Communist regime. When they talk about that period and all the restrictions and sacrifices they had to suffer, I suddenly realize how privileged and spoiled I am.

History should help us remember our errors and learn from them. We should not give anything for granted, and remember that for every privilege that we can enjoy now, there have been people who have fought and died.

Visiting Berlin was for me a really important experience. It made me reflect on various aspects of my life that I took for granted.

Has anyone else felt the same emotion as me in Berlin? Please let me know what were your feelings and thoughts.

---

If you enjoyed the post, please leave an upvote and/or a comment and feel free to follow me (at the link below) if you want to see my next post about speleology/climbing/skydiving and all the other crazy things I love to do.

---

➡️ hive.blog/@aurzeq ⬅️

---