Guten Tag Berlin

Well, hello there.  It has been a few days since being online because of a few connectivity issues going on. I think Clyde has it sorted now.  It's a bit late here, but wanted to put some words down at least..

So, Berlin... I am kicking myself that I haven't been here earlier.  This place is kinda f%*ed up in some ways, bloody incredible in others and somewhat insane all around.  There have been times of being completely choked up with stories of survival, recollections of cruelty and seeing locations that you can only imagine the kind of pain that was inflicted there.  The history is saddening, however the way this wonderful city has turned itself around in the last 30 years has been inspiring to me and a true demonstration of determination.

We split the sightseeing over two days as there was a lot to see and a lot to take in. We made use of the hop-on-hop-off-hop-back-on-again bus and followed the history of the Berlin Wall. There are parts of the wall that remain around Berlin and we visited a couple of those sites.  One site just hits you right in the heart, with the original wall, tower and death strip still in place.

They have done a great job in allowing the history to be told.

One of the most confronting parts was the memorial picture wall of those who had the courage to take the wall on, without success. Some victims were as young as two.

It is hard to believe that the wall basically went up overnight; the reason - the East were losing control, losing the talent they required to keep them going and it had to be contained....and the Soviet influence.

In other parts of Berlin the wall has been used for artistic impact.  Although not as confronting, the similar stories of the dark past of Berlin were told by a number of international artists.

We decided at one stage to let Clyde out for a look. Until then it was not appropriate, but part of travelling the world is experiencing the stories of the past that make the world what it is today.  

Well, that was yesterday.  I big dose of PERSPECTIVE.

Feeling grateful.

To finish the day, we sat on a man made beach (with real sand), watched the sunset and knocked back 'a number' of vodkas.  The train ride home was fun however I think Ryan needs to polish up on his pole dancing skills.

Today we continued the sightseeing, again for the most part not the most fluffiest of subjects....the governing of Adolf Hitler, Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate. It may not sound like it, but we have had a terrific time here in Berlin.  We are already planning our next visit.

It is getting very late; I shall write about that tomorrow before we head out for some shopping - it will be our last day in Berlin before heading to London.

Night.