Berlin

There were many things about Germany that surprised me. The friendliness of the people. How the countryside looked just like the southeastern part of Pennsylvania, where I’m from. The way in which every city seemed a place unto itself, each so different from all the others we visited.

Berlin was the most strikingly different city. I’ve never been anywhere like it, not in Germany or anywhere else. My boyfriend called is a modern-day Paris, and I think he’s right. The city has great and terrible histories – the marks are everywhere. Buildings are riddled with bullet holes. Triumphant gates and columns. Small golden squares sit deep in the sidewalk, remembering those who were taken from their homes. A modern building hugs and supports a destroyed church. In fact, modern buildings seem to hug and support the whole city. There are so few historic buildings left, especially downtown. The city seems to be endlessly being restored and rebuilt, and it gleams with the bright reflection of glass and color. Bouyant structures are everywhere.

The beautiful, hyper-modern train station.

A bridge connects two government buildings, high above the street.

One of the gorgeous government buildings along the river Spree.

One of a string of courtyards in East Berlin surrounded by beautiful buildings with tile facades.

Taking a boat tour on the river Spree was one of the highlights of our trip, and was a fantastic way to see the city.

Another government building, right near the Reichstag.

I was lucky enough to be able to spend two weeks in Germany in late August this year. I was told, many times over, that I would love it there, but I really had no concept of how much I would enjoy it. The countryside reminded me of my home in Pennsylvania, and the cities jarred me out of my staid way of life in Boston. Hannover and Berlin were especially enjoyable, as I found great comfort, challenge, and surprise in both places.

I would love to fill this space with dozens of photos from the trip, but I’ve limited myself to two images per city as a glimpse of what we saw and did. If you’d like information on any of the places I visited, just let me know!