Berlin


Berlin might be my least favorite city; it's crowded, busy, not-so-friendly, a typical big city you don't want to live in. But Berlin, one of the most historical cities in Europe has something to bring me back, someday.

Being destroyed back in early 1900 and led by capitalism and communism, Germany suffered from its gloomiest era in history, there's no sign that this country would be one of the strongest countries in the future. I found myself walking down the gap between the greyish blocks in the Holocaust-Mahnmal; the memorial of the murdered Jews. Confusing, desolating, and distressing at the same time, but that's the point. Our tour guide said it was the feeling the designer would like to build, the feeling of loss. 

The Berlin Wall, the sign of separation between the east and the west has been a symbol of disconnection for a long time. Imagine you're separated from your loved ones without knowing when or how you're gonna meet again, we all know how it feels.

The Brandenburger Gate, the Adlon Hotel, and the bunker where Hitler killed himself are parts of their history, the scars that have yet to heal. It's interesting to know that I grew up with Berlin, since the German reunification in 1990 and the fall of Berlin Wall. The country is going strong, Berlin has grown up since then. The city with its skyscrapers, headquarters, edgy arts, musics and movies makes it the sexiest city that every young head wants to live in, but without a doubt that Berlin would ever forget its root and history.


That's what I've learned; living away from home for more than half a year has made myself less judgmental. You know, I came from the society where judging people is common and acceptable. Right and wrong are based on what people see and hear, a conclusion comes without confirmation, no space for explanation.

Berlin with its cosmopolitan appearance might be wrong for some people, but take a closer look then you'll find out that Berlin is actually trying to get rid of their dark times though it still can't shake off the old.

And so it changed, while others never tried at all.


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