Berlin

The world could learn a lot from Berlin, it certainly could take note of the beer and currywurst, it could copy the design of the Reichstag, it could learn a thing or two about making cars. Most of all though the world could learn about how to deal with some of the darker parts of it's history. I've never been to a city that has been so honest about it's gloomy past, it's refreshing. There is no shadowing over the atrocities of Nazi Germany or the divide of Berlin. Actually, it highlights what it is has learned from those times, the Reichstag design is solid proof of that.
I wish more cities and countries were like this. I'm British-Portuguese so I know full well how to gloss over the darker parts of our history and having spent time in Japan this must seem a completely novel concept to them.

Straight from the off there are reasons to appreciate Berlin. The Brandenburg gate masterpiece was built as a Prussian monument of peace and was taken by the invading Napoleon, only to be recaptured by Prussia in 1814. They added a Iron Cross and placed it back above the aptly named Paris Square (they later placed the French Embassey in the glare of the statute, who said Germans didn't have a sense of humour). I went on a free walking tour, which although isn't usually my thing was extremely good. I fully recommend it. We saw where Hitler killed himself (now a car park) and saw the main sights of Berlin.

We went to the Jewish memorial which is dead center in Berlin. It's very well designed and although no actual meaning was meant by the design I felt that each block represented a family that was unique it's own way but was systemically killed by the ruling Nazi party (hence the grid like way the blocks are situated). The museum below was although slightly depressing was a useful reminded of the history that took place not just in Berlin but all over central Europe.

We build up images in our mind of what certain things should like and sometimes are shocked by the reality. The Berlin Wall was one case in point. I was slightly underwhelmed by it. I think in my mind I had though up this giant impenetrable wall that was not only a curse but a feat of engineering. The truth though is that it was rather thin and with the help of a friend I could of gone over it. The reality does seem more logical than my imagination.

I could go on about the sights and history of Berlin but that would be unfair because Berlin was an awesome city to live in. There isn't the pretentious arty feel that Paris portrays or the Latin flair in Madrid. There was a slightly anarchist, who cares kind of feeling. The bars will win no style awards but yet you can feel comfortable and relaxed in them all. Germans are more like England than any other European nation is. There is a take it or leave it feel to the city that I like. I went drinking with Jeremy and Jessica almost every night and it was good to put the world to right over several beers. One beer in particular stuck in my memory for all the wrong reasons. I've never been tipsy after one pint but this was strong.

All in all Berlin was the kind of city I would like to live in for a while and will certainly go back to.