The Berlin Wall

The World's Too Small For Walls

I didn't expect to fall in love with Berlin, but that's exactly what happened.

Berlin is a beautiful city built on history and transformation. You cannot go anywhere in the city without stumbling across a piece to remind you of their dark past and their hopeful future. There are plaques within the sidewalk in rememberance of those ripped from their homes and persecuted to a concentration camp. I would be strolling along the street, walking to get my morning coffee, and look down to see the names of an entire family striped from their home. It would take the breathe out of my lungs and put life into perspective.

As we all did, I learned about the Berlin Wall in school. But like most things, I didn't understand the gravity of it until I was alongside it. Until I felt it and the saddness still soaked in the wall. Until I saw the markers of those killed on the spot simply for trying to reunite with their loved ones or refuge to a better life. I simply didn't understand.

We started our trip down history lane near Bonanza Coffee Heroes. Around the corner from the coffee shop are signs and markers discussing the events that lead up to and during the build of the Berlin Wall. Personal stories and photographs of those who were there are included. There are stories of horror and deep sadness, but also ones of perseverance and hope.

We simply followed these markers towards actual remnents of the wall on Bernauer Straße. Along the way there is a beautiful art piece symbolizing the wall which I found quite moving. For me, the piece reflects the need to remember the wall, but in a way that allows the sunshine to shine through the large slats to symbolize recongnition, growth, and promise.

Continuing past the art piece and towards the wall itself stands statues, more informaitonal plaques, the Church of Reconciliation, and many people stopping to read and reflect. Although frigidly cold, there were masses of people. I found it comforting to see how mnay people were stopping to actually absorb the information and show respect for where they were at.

The wall itself was stark, contrasting to the bright setting sun reflecting on the new highrise builds in the distance. On one side of the wall is simply a sidewalk to walk along next to an everyday street. On the other side is a large grassy area where people were spread out taking it all in. We saw some tears and some smiles as people took in the Berlin Wall in their own way.

We took in the wall with a sunset glow background, sharing quiet moments to reflect and talking about the impact the wall has had on Berlin. If I had to come up with one word to describe our Berlin Wall experience, and Berlin as a whole, it would be HOPE. Berlin does not shy away from their dark past. They embrace it as a part of their history to not be repeated, something to learn from. Berlin is now a thriving and beautiful city filled with a bright future ahead.