Rich History in Berlin
Rich history… these are the first words that come to mind when I think about Berlin. I was so interested in how much history is on display from this city in everyday spaces and museums. I loved how the city did not try to hide events of the holocaust or World War II but rather seeks to put it fully on display to make sure that folks never forget the horrendous events and make sure that it never happens again.
Learning about the Berlin Wall and being able to see and touch it in person was a very chilling experience. I could not truly grapple with how recent these events were and how life varied dramatically from then to now.
During our time in Berlin we did a lot of different tours and museums but one guided tour we had was particularly memorable for because of the detail we received. We saw a memorial that included time stamps of how some events unfolded on the day that the Berlin Wall fell. Understanding what that experience must have been like for some many East Germans was truly special. I am grateful to have learned more about what life was like during the Cold War at the DDR museum. The DDR museum showed a bit more about the ways in which life in east Germany was actually happening, from domestic life, cars, to military, we learned so much.
Lastly, our time in the Bundestag was memorable. Being able to watch the debate was interesting. Although I wish my German was better so I’d be able to fully comprehend the conversation, I still got a lot out of seeing democracy in action. I was left feeling more interested in how German politics compares to US Politics in terms of efficiency and polarization. I think there are actually a lot of similarities when thinking about the rise of Germany’s Far right party, the AfD, and some political factions in the US.
Although, I was sad to see the trip end so soon, I’m really glad that our last stop was in Berlin. Berlin to me encompassed the crux of it all in Germany. It had the culture, the rich history, the walkability, and so much more. I will cherish the memories made on this program and all the knowledge that I gained learning about sustainability.
