Exploring in Berlin and rest of Germany
Back in Berlin again, 20 years after the fall of the wall. For travelers, 2009 and 2010 present a unique opportunity to join in Germany's festivities, to dabble in history, talk to folks who lived it, see where and how they lived before and after the borders opened in 1989.
Right, what's left of the Berlin Wall today
Berlin
Coffee at Brandenburg Gate In the mornings before 9, especially in the slow winter season, you may have it all to yourself -- the icon that drew Napoleon to steal a piece for France, that stirred the Nazis and became a symbol of worldwide hatred, that sat atop a wall through most of the cold war, and gleams today in a peaceful morning sun. From Molyneaux's Travel Maven blog
Poking about pieces of the old Berlin Wall
Eastern Germany
Guns, dogs, and fear along the old Iron Curtain For today's young travelers who zip around Europe, where borders of countries sometimes seem irrelevant, Germany in the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s may be difficult to comprehend. Two countries. Two sets of rules. Armed guards. Killings.
When East met West on peaceful soil in 1989 Twenty years ago, rural East Germany looked as if someone had turned off the color television set and fired up an old black and white model. Farms and houses were gray, covered with soot from coal used as heating fuel. In many villages, shop windows were empty. When the walls came down, residents on both sides rejoiced.
Lies and dreams east of the old Iron Curtain Behind old enemy lines, Germans have stories to tell. Delightful cities of music and religious history, such as Eisenach and Leipzig, offer also a journey through the old East German world of hidden bunkers, secret police and a life so fearful that citizens didn't dare let their children talk at school about family time at home.
Above, Wartburg Castle in Eisenach, where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German.
Proof of the dreaded secret police of Leipzig Folks who live in Leipzig, Germany, are proud of the museum dedicated to the horrors of the old East German secret police, the Stasi. Truth gains value after you live in a world of lies for four decades.
Revolution in Leipzig with candles and prayers Leipzig remembers 1989, when soldiers were ready for everything, but not that people would come with candles and prayers.
Planning a trip
German web sites, tourism offices, are a good place to start
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