Berlin, Deutschland

2008, 4.5 Berlin, Germany

I spent my day in Berlin on a walking tour hosted by The Original Insiders Tour that was well worth the time and money. Berlin has a fascinating history, about which I learned all kinds of information and stories as I explored the city.

My Berlin experience began with a short ride on the S train (which was free with my rail pass--very convenient) to the Zoo Garden where I had breakfast and then met up with my tour. The name of the tour was the "Original Famous Walk" which is a general Berlin tour and covered a vast array of interesting historical sights and landmarks. Because there were so many sights along the way, I will touch on some highlights of the tour:

-Unter den Linden: the avenue of old Berlin
-Babelplatz: sight of the first major Nazi book-burning in May 1933
-Humboldt University: Einstein taught here, Marx developed many of his ideas there, and alma mater of 29 Nobel Prize winners

-Museumsinsel (Museum Island)
-Neue Synagogue

-Fernsehturm (TV Tower): an architectural structure with an interesting story—it was built by the communist East government to show their power and advanced technological abilities during the Cold War in 1969. At the time, it was the second tallest structure in Europe, the tallest was in Moscow-it was built second, but they did not want to out-do the building constructed by their Soviet superiors in Moscow

-Siegessäule: a golden angel built to commemorate 19th-century Prussian military victories

-Hitler's Bunker: a parking lot now sits at the location, a legend and map stand off to one side showing the layout of the bunker, this is the location where Hitler is said to have committed suicide by ingesting cyanide. The parking lot is an attempt at covering up the history there, possibly to prevent neo-Nazis from creating a memorial site.


-Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche or Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. This is a church that was bombed during WWII and remains standing as a reminder of the destruction of war and as a symbol of Berlin's determination to rebuild itself after the war had ended. Just next to this church stands a new hexagonal shaped tower that was erected in 1961.


-The Royal Cathedral on Museum Island

-Checkpoint Charlie--the United States Army post after WWII during the Cold War

The Berlin Wall
-The Berlin Wall and East Side Gallery: the wall was built by the Communist German government in response to the 'brain drain' that was happening, meaning the well-educated, skilled, and professionals were moving from East to West Germany as a result of the Cold War and its effects. A wall was never part of the original plans when borders were drawn. Troops put up a barbed wire fence surrounding the entirety of the area within several hours of one night—the first physical border put into place. Later, the permanent wall structure was erected.


-Black and white photo of the Berlin Wall in front of a building that served as Nazi Headquarters during WWII and was later used during the Cold War

-Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas (Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe or the Holocaust Memorial)

The Brandenburg Gate
-Brandenburg Gate Area: Brandenburg Tor (City gates). Nearby is also Hotel Adlon Kempinski, a very famous hotel where celebrities and powerful politicians, including the US President has stayed before (also the hotel where Michael Jackson held his baby up over the balcony in 2002).


Reichstag building, the home of German Parliament
-Richstaggedbäude (Parliament Building) and the Wall Victims Memorial: commemorates the 191 people who tried to cross from the East to the West side of the Berlin wall

Berlin was one of the most interesting places I visited. I find history and politics extremely intriguing and it was amazing to have the opportunity to explore the city of Berlin where so much important history has happened, learn more about it, and see firsthand where so many important historical events occurred. I would love to go back sometime and even do the same tour again, as well as learn more about other aspects of the city. Being I only had an afternoon there, I missed out on a lot of the other wonderful aspects of the modern culture. I hope to make it back to Berlin someday and spend more time there.

Finally Here, Day One

Travel went very well. I left Minnesota yesterday (Wednesday, September 12) at 4:05 pm, connected in Chicago (O'Hare Intl.). The layover, only 35 minutes, was not a problem, contrary to what I had feared. I was lucky!

From there, I boarded another plane (a big 777 with 9 seats in a row--biggest I've ever flown in!) and headed to Heathrow Airport in London, England. The flight was about 7 hours, though with the time change, I arrived in London at 7:20 am (six hour time change from Minnesota to London). After arrival, I waited in line with many, many other people from all over the world to pass through Immigration (about an hour and a half to two hours, yuck!). But, eventually, I got my passport stamped (with the correct one, yay!) and I was on my way.

From the airport, I found a taxi to take to my hostel (if anyone travels to Central London from Heathrow Airport, find a different way than a taxi--it was a pleasant ride and convenient with heavy luggage, but VERY expensive). Though an expensive ride, it was cool to get to see some of London, and I made it safe and sound without any issues. I was welcomed into the hostel and checked in without any trouble. I also checked out some of the neighborhood, bought a phone, went to Boots (like a Walgreens) and got a few things, went to the BUNAC Office (where I will have orientation), and then headed back to the hostel.

The BUNAC Hostel is dorm-style living and there is a pretty tight-knit community that lives here. Some of the people have been living here for several months, some a few weeks, others just a few days or arrived today. The group dynamics are interesting to observe (the social worker in me, of course). The people here seem easy-going and the hostel is fairly comfortable so far. TV is actually very similar to home--Scrubs was just on and now we're watching The Simpsons. Most of the people here are from the U.S. and Canada, so maybe that's why.Tonight I've got studying to do with the UK Acts and Laws regarding social work practice. I have an interview tomorrow at 1:30 pm with the Surrey County Council for a qualified social worker position. Surrey is outside of London, so will have to navigate the public transportation system tomorrow (thankfully, Kate gave me directions and some tips on how to use it!). So, after studying, I'm going to go to bed EARLY! I'm pretty tired with having only had a couple hours of uncomfortable sleep on the plane this morning.

All in all, I am doing very well and am happy to be here (though I already miss people from home a bit--wish you were here!). The weather is pretty comfortable and I love hearing everyone's British accents!

So, my adventure begins...but really, I have been planning this trip for over a year and have wanted to travel/live in Europe for several years. In this time, so many people have helped me to prepare for this--friends, family, co-workers, supervisors, and professors. Without all of the listening, discussions, feedback and other support from all of you, I would not be here in London right now, beginning to fulfill my dream. I hope you know that I am so thankful to have you in my life and I appreciate your support more than I can express. I will do my best to make the most of my experience and share it with all of you.

Much Love,

Heidi

A week from today

I will be moving to London, England.

I feel mixed feelings about this. Excitement. Apprehension.

This morning, as I was organizing my things and trying to prepare for the journey, it hit me. I am moving to England. In a week. Can I do this? Can I move away from everything familiar and comfortable--my family, friends, and the comforts of home?

I guess there's only one way to find out.