Berlin Day Two

Day two of Berlin was again nothing shy of amazing! The day began when we again validated our all day train tickets and took the train into the city center. We then embarked on a walking tour that lead us to a large section of the Berlin Wall. The Berlin Wall is truly incredible. Seeing such a large part of the wall still in tact left me speechless. It is hard to believe that such horrific events were taking place such a short time ago in our history. The wall is tattooed with phrases such as the word "why?" It truly is impossible to not wonder why mankind is capable of such atrocities.

After visiting the Berlin Wall we then went to an exhibit titled The Topography of Terror. Inside the exhibit it shed insight into the works of high ranking officials such as Hitler. It was interesting yet horrifying how he was able to con others into believing that his political beliefs were of their own best interest. He took advantage of people who were already experiencing serious misfortunes. 

After going to the exhibit we were then taken to perhaps one of the most humbling sights I have ever experienced. In the middle of the city is the Holocaust Memorial. The creator of the memorial choose an outdoor exhibit that made one feel extremely disoriented in not only where they were but who they were. Upon entering the exhibit one is surrounded by massive pillars and shifts in the ground that make the sight truly remarkable. I was able to get away and explore the sight on my own which lead to silent thought about all that I have experienced and have yet to experience. 

 

After some time at the Holocaust Memorial sight we then went to the Checkpoint Charlie exhibit. At that stage we were then told to go out and explore Berlin in small groups. I recall being very nervous as I was in a foreign land that does not primarily speak English. I was worried about first and foremost getting lost. However, being allowed to explore Berlin on our own ended up being one of the best parts of the trip as it gave me the confidence I needed to understand that I am far more independent than I ever thought possible.

The first thing that we did on our first few minutes alone in Berlin was get some lunch. This was the first of many times that I would eat a Bratwurst. Shortly after a delicious meal where I asked for a knife yet got fresh squeezed orange juice instead we headed for the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. The museum was incredible as it shed insight into how people escaped from oppression to freedom. One of the coolest ways that I remember was that a woman hid by cutting out portions of two surf boards. Men, women, and children of all ages were seeking freedom. It was interesting to read the lengths that people will go when facing such horrific circumstances. Moreover, it was interesting to read all that people would do for others even though they know horrible things could in fact happen to them for trying to help. 

After the museum and growing quite tired we decided to take a boat tour which proved to be extremely relaxing. It was very nice as we got to see many different parts of the city. The architecture of the city was extremely beautiful! After the boat tour the sun began to set and so did we.