Berlin: history shapes it, but doesn't define it

Instead of hotels, we've been staying with locals in rooms through Airbnb. It's a great way to save money and experience a city like its residents do. We had a super apartment in Berlin Mitte, which we understood to be the city centre. What we didn't understand before we arrived was that Berlin covers 891 square km, making it more than eight times the size of Paris. So, although we were technically in the centre of things, we still did a lot of walking.

Berlin is a goldmine for any twentieth century history buff. Even for us (decidedly NOT history buffs), the sites of Berlin were charged with emotion. Reminders of WWII and the Berlin Wall mark the city at every corner. Yet, the city seems determined not to let the past define it: construction and cranes have as much a presence in the sprawling capital as do memorials and museums.

We found our time in Berlin short as we were anxious to see and learn as much as we could. History in Berlin is a different experience; because of the atrocities of WWII, history here is framed by shame instead of pride. If there are two kinds of travel, learning and vacation, Berlin is definitely the former. Although learning Berlin history is important and necessary we couldn't help but selfishly look forward to the vacation awaiting us in the south of France when we left Berlin. 

Reichstag (Germany's Parliment) Building - burnt down in 1933 and was rebuilt to include a glass dome at the top. From the parliamentary floor the politicians can look up and see the public in the dome as a reminder of who they serve. 

The dome up close

Mirrored wall inside the dome that reflects natural light into the building

MB enjoying the view from the top of the Reichstag

We visited a concentration camp north of the city. These words are on the front gate and would be read by captives as they enter. It translates to: "work sets you free". This was the first of many disturbing images we saw here. 

This was the walk signal used only in East Berlin. Since the wall came down he has been adopted on the west side too. He's a popular fellow in Berlin and even has his own souvenir shops.  I love his hat!

The Berlin Wall East Side Gallery is a 1.3km-long section of the wall near the center of Berlin. Approximately 106 paintings by artists from all over the world cover this memorial for freedom and make it the largest open air gallery in the world.  Below are a few of our favourite sections.