Our trip to Berlin was as special as we were able to visit a friend of mine from high school who had been an exchange student in Omaha. It was such a treat to be able to spend time with her after all these years. It was great to catch up and it was awesome to have a local to show you around.
Although our time in Berlin was too short, it left a great impression. Berlin is a city with a unique energy. It’s a city that is being reborn. It is trying to decide what it wants to be as it grows. The people are laid back. The food is great. It some aspects it reminds me of a Colorado mountain town hippy feel within a big city or the lower east side.
Interesting insights and highlights from our trip:
- The city is full of art. Cool independent galleries. If you’re into it. This is the place for you
- Seeing the wall
- filling our bellies with German comfort food
- if your in the mood you can hop on the beer bike
- The contrast of architecture tells the history of the city. As you walk along you see beautiful buildings that managed to survive WWII, next to this a cold War/Post war building, and next to this a funkier modern building.
- Despite Germany economic success Berlin continues to be one of the poorest areas of the country. The national government and the local government are seated in the same area which leads to interesting tensions.
- Every so slowly there is a revival of German pride. For so long the concept of German pride has been taboo, but, the new generation is finding their footing. (according to the locals)
- HOUSE MUSIC. Baby rock it all night long...or least the Germans do to house & eletronic music.
