An impressionable city the world can learn from
Whenever I travel there are a few traits that become inexplicably clear to me almost instantly as you arrive at a new location- people's manner, the culture in the air, usually born of people's manner, and the pride the people have in their culture and history. Throughout the past 3 weeks, I've traveled to 9 countries, many amazed me and some I could see myself living in but no other city made such a significant impression on my heart than Germany and particularly the city of Berlin. This is the city you don't want to miss.
Berlin was amazing. The city is old yet it's most influential history ridiculously young. Germany is a nation categorized by an ugly war history when it should be identified as a nation full of some of the most resilient people in the world.
Five minutes of a tour here is all you need to come to understand the elasticity of the hearts of the Germans after human travesty, dictatorship, atrocity, and physical boundaries attempted to break the beauty of the true human spirit. Of approximately 15 countries I have traveled to so far, each with their own fights, I cannot surpass being truly impressed by the Germans. To me, this relatively young country has much to be proud of and the world could do with taking notice of how they turned life around.
The Berlin Wall, still standing in sections, demonstrates how divided the country was. It is mind-boggling to comprehend that overnight family and friends became divided strangers for 28years trapped in a 'country' that separated them from those they loved. The Wall is decorated with art now and one famous piece whereby the east and west leaders are kissing and making up. Many wouldn't necessarily know however that it was the efforts of the average person that really forced the Berlin Wall down. It is a pleasure that parts of this wall exist to remember a life the Germans will never have to return to. However, I find it also extremely beautiful and perfect poetic justice that Adolf Hitler is not glorified at all in this city.
The lack of glorification to Adolf Hitler is such a joy because it shows so fervently how Germans felt about this power-tripping maniac. The shame is that many who don't travel here will not understand this unless it is written about. On a walking tour about Berlin, you are taken to a car park and are told that you are standing on top of Hitler's bunker. Many tourists I was traveling with were excited to see the 'spot' where he ended his rule but the Germans didn't give Hitler the notoriety, not even in death. It is a perfect ending to an ugly story. Had it been 2015 I wonder if our media would have done the same. Either way, I found it extremely impressive that the Germans virtually erased him, well what you could, given the horrible, countless crimes he and the SS (secret service) committed.
Other extremely impressive parts of Berlin are the artwork, hipster cafés, and restaurants, and various musicians that play for your amusement in the u-Bahn (underground and overground stations). Of course, the people here are very lovely. It's the only city in Europe I've managed to have a fun snowball fight with randoms, been offered a toboggan ride from a grandfather, or held random conversations with local people for a lengthy time.
Overall Germany to me, in my short glimpse, is simply impressive. I am deeply saddened by the horrendous loss and tragedy the Germans have faced but I am also in awe of how resilient, kind-hearted, and exceptional the people are. It will always be a city I will be happy to return to and travelers should never take it off their bucket list.
