By Debi Lander
mail@floridanewsline.com
I’d visited Munich, the Black Forest, and Neuschwanstein Castle on previous European trips, but never Berlin, the capital of Germany. The city becomes especially attractive for Baby Boomers like myself, who recall the days when it was sadly divided. We want to journey through time, better understand the history, and see the city’s remarkable transformation.
The story of the Berlin Wall remains confusing. Back in 1961, the East German authorities started building a barrier through Berlin. A 100-mile fortified concrete structure encircled and isolated West Berlin from East Germany, acting as the dividing line between capitalism and communism. The perimeter was under the constant surveillance of armed East German border guards who were authorized to shoot anyone attempting to escape into the democratic West. Many died. Finally, the political climate warmed and the world witnessed the start of the Wall’s demolition on Nov. 9, 1989. Eleven months later, East and West Germany were reunited.
The city keeps remnants of the barrier as vivid reminders of the divided past. I started my tour at Checkpoint Charlie, the tense border crossing during the Cold War. I stood at the epicenter, the same ground where East and West faced each other. I toured the Wall Museum, filled with memorabilia, newspaper articles, photos, and videos of both incredible escapes pulled off with heroic efforts and heartbreaking, tragic tales. I later walked through the Brandenburg Gate, the icon of the city that’s seen many changes in government since construction in 1788.
Today, the energetic city of Berlin is alive and thriving with much more than Cold War history. Downtown’s Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers visitors five world-famous museums. The impressive buildings house fantastic collections of ancient artifacts and modern art. (One could spend days here.) In the Neues Museum, I especially enjoyed viewing the beautiful bust of Nefertiti, which is more than 3,000 years old. FYI: the famous Pergamon Museum recently closed for major renovations.
I visited the ruins of the former King’s Church, Kaiser-Wilhelm Kirche, whose damaged tower roof is one of the best-known symbols of Berlin. Attached is a new blue-glass octagonal church. Nearby rests the modern statue simply named Berlin, a “broken chain” meant to symbolize the severed connections between West and East Berlin, their closeness yet isolation on each side. (It also reminds me of German pretzels!)
Berlin’s culinary scene bursts with a vast array of international flavors and traditional German cuisine. The luxury department store KaDeWe, similar to Harrods in London, showcased a gourmet food hall and restaurants covering more than 7,500 square feet on the top floor. My late fall visit did not include a local beer garden, but I enjoyed classic German dishes such as schnitzel, red cabbage, and strudel in a typical Gast Haus or pub.
Public transportation by bus and train proved easy and affordable. I hopped on a train for a day trip to Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam, about half an hour away. Touring the complex is like visiting Versailles near Paris, so be prepared for lots of walking and gobsmacking gold. The grounds include multiple opulent royal palaces, meticulously landscaped gardens, and a fascinating glimpse into Prussian history.
Berlin is more than just a contemporary city for Boomers. It’s full of younger people engaging in a vibrant workplace on lively streets filled with pop art, culture, and diverse activities. It’s a blend of history and modernity that provides an unforgettable experience and leaves a lasting imprint on those who visit.
Visit www.bylandersea.com to read more of local travel writer Debi Lander’s stories and travel tips.
Photo courtesy Debi Lander
Standing by a section of the Berlin Wall.
