Travel
to Berlin: A Cultural Evolution
It is
difficult to think of a modern industrialized city that has been through
quite as much upheaval and stress in recent times as Berlin. The German
capital has been undergoing a massive reunification effort and cultural
explosion since 1989 that has held an awe-inspired and utterly captivated
audience of visitors since then. No other city offers such an intimate
understanding of the complexities and atrocities of world war than
once-divided Berlin.
Despite
the destruction of the Berlin Wall in 1989, East and West Berlin are still
two very distinct regions. A stroll through Berlin's charming streets is
the best way to experience the time warp from which many parts of the
city are slowly emerging. Berlin Mitte is the central region, offering
the most restaurants, shopping and attractions. Everywhere in Berlin,
visitors are surprised by the expanse of green, beautiful spaces and
parkland.
|
Society of Expression and
Celebration
Berlin's
Cold War generation has flowered from suppressed beginnings into a
flourishing world of creative expression. A cutting-edge culture has
boomed onto the international stage in the form of festivals and
celebrations after 50 years of silence. As the summer season wanes,
Berlin hosts the annual Art Forum Berlin in September and October,
which showcases trendsetting and fresh contemporary art from all over
the world, including Australia, Latin America and the USA. Attendees
may also participate in seminars and workshops focused on the art of
tomorrow. The Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), held in
February, rivals its Italian and French competitors with acclaimed submissions
and coveted awards. The most massively unifying and culturally eclectic
celebration is Berlin's renowned Love Parade. Initiated with a mere 150
people in 1989 as a display of love, tolerance and an homage to
electronic music, this gargantuan festival of DJs and dancers aboard
competitive floats makes its journey down Berlin's Großen Stern to
finally gather at the Victory Column where the party ensues into the
night.
|
Buy
at AllPosters.com
|
A
History Not Forgotten
Despite
the exemplary movement forward by the citizens, including an affinity for
nightlife, Berliners make a special point to capture and embrace their
harsh (and ancient) history. The Jüdisches Museum is the largest Jewish
history museum in Europe.; The museum not only covers the victimization
of Jews in German history, but largely celebrates their contributions to
German society, art, science and technology. The museum itself, designed
by Daniel Libeskind, is a stunning example of modern minimalism. Also, be
sure to visit the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, which documents the
historical significance of the Checkpoint Tower that was used to patrol
the "no man's land" of the Berlin Wall between the east and
west. The museum also offers an interesting collection of stories from
escapees and those who helped them across the border. For a more
extensive history, visit the Berlin Historical Museum, which covers
Berlin's modest beginnings as two farm towns straddling a river up to
modern day with a special exhibit on 20th century portraits.
Traveling
the Berlin of today is a journey through time unparalleled by any other
European city. Witness the remarkable hardiness and overflowing spirit of
a city that is growing, changing and unifying right before your very
eyes!
Top
By Frank Johnson For more
information on international travel and discount airfare to Berlin, visit
www.cfares.com.
|
