Berlin is a city that breathes history
Every step through its streets tells a story.
As I walk along the Spree River, the imposing Reichstag stands to my right, while the modern Paul-Löbe-Haus rises on the left.
Reichstag building
My German colleague explains to me that the glass dome of the Reichstag in Berlin is a symbol of transparency, democracy and openness of government towards citizens. Another colleague laughs at this and waves his hand.
The dome allows natural lighting into the interior of the Bundestag plenary chamber, and a reflective conical structure inside it directs the light and helps with ventilation. It also allows visitors to view the sessions of parliament from above, symbolically emphasizing the idea that the people control the government.
Personal photo
The contrast of old and new is a reminder of Berlin’s unique evolution.
Night descends, and I find myself walking the streets, camera in hand, capturing moments of the city's vibrant yet solemn atmosphere. Suddenly, I come upon one of the most famous historical sites: Checkpoint Charlie.
Checkpoint Charlie, once the most famous border crossing between East and West Berlin, was a Cold War symbol that saw tense standoffs of Soviet and American tanks in 1961. Today, it stands as a tourist attraction, reminding one of a divided past and a reunified present.
Personal photos
Walking further on, I am struck by several apartment windows still sealed with bricks, a blunt reminder of days when Berlin turned overnight into divided Berlin. That reminds me of some documentary films that showed how families were torn apart and windows were bricked up so nobody could escape.
Only by the time close to midnight, i sow recognizable -Potsdamer Platz.
I began going back toward the hotel with more thoughts in mind about the different historical layers in this city.
The sky was cloudy I prepared to leave the following morning. Following breakfast, after leaving my luggage with reception, I realized three hours were open until my bus would take off to Tegel Airport. Since I was on time, I decided that the Mall of Berlin on Leipziger Platz would be an excellent location for spending time and buying souvenirs for memories of this trip.
Mall of Berlin
Then, at Tegel Airport, something caught my eye: a model of the legendary Red Baron's Fokker Dr.I. The Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, was the most famous fighter pilot of World War I, with 80 claimed aerial victories. This little detail here at the airport gives me a reason to remember that Berlin's history goes much further than what happened in the Cold War era.
Red Baron's Fokker Dr.I or Fokker Triplane.
Personal photo
As I board my flight, I take one last look at the city that has fascinated me with its resilience and transformation. Berlin is not a place; it's an experience-a journey through time that leaves an indelible mark on those who walk its streets.
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I will visit Berlin this year, can't wait 😍
Beautiful city, I can't wait to visit it again
wow the building you shared is very nice my friend
Thanks