Berlin

We've spent the last couple of days in Berlin and have been impressed with this young, vibrant city.  As this is the 80th anniversary of the Nazis' rise to power, reminders are everywhere of this sordid part of Berlin's (and Germany's) past.  The exhibition which can be seen in many parts of central Berlin is called Diversity Destroyed.  For example, at the entrance to the Wittenbergplatz train station, a sign lists the death camps where people were taken.  Further, at the site of the former SS and Stasi headquarters, there is a memorial to the thousands of people killed under this "reign of terror".  It seems rather than shirking their past, Berliners are determined to atone for it.  Since I was here about 6 years ago, there has been much more construction and reconstruction with modern architecture embracing the future and the restoration always reminiscent of the past.

This is not to say there isn't a much lighter side to Berlin. There are thriving neighbourhoods, such as Prenzlauer Berg, where citizens and visitors alike are provided with a myriad of ethnic eating choices.  The energy and optimism here, along with the same on the famous shopping avenue of Ku'damm in the former West Berlin, in the Kreuzberg neighbourhood where part of the wall still stands, and elsewhere are almost palpable.  It appears the future is very bright for Berlin.

On a more personal level, we've been struck by how friendly and helpful Berliners are.  We only have to stop and look lost or confused for a minute before some local offers to help us.  Service in the bars and restaurants has been very friendly - although it can get confusing what language to try speaking when you are being served in an Italian or Argentinian restaurant where the owners, themselves "non-native", prefer using their native tongue to German.  One never knows whether to say gracias, merci, or Danke.  I guess as long as it is a big thank you it doesn't matter!!