(Just click on the photo to make it bigger)
A memorial dedicated to the Jews who died in the Holocaust. Apparently the number of blocks is NOT significant at all, it had to do with logistics and limited space. The blocks are all the same thickness and width, but they vary by their heights, angle and slope. This has been intepreted to represent the Jews, all uniform in human nature, but unique in their individual identities. The artist said they could only use his design if there were no labels as to what this was, so there is an underground information center. The sculptures are each covered in an anti-graffiti coating to help preserve them and maintain the integrity of the memorial.
There are memorials in the city of all groups targeted by Hitler and the German Natzis, including the Handicapped (apparently they were believed to be a burden to society and were driven around in buses - the driver had a separate compartment with fresh air, but all the passengers in the main cabin had the exhaust redirected back and they would drive around until they died), Gays & Lesbians, etc).
This is the international train station - can get you to Paris, Rome, etc.
This is the news tower - there are two restaurants inside also, including one rotating restaurant (like a SkyBar I suppose). They recently had a special Web site where people could submit love letters, and last week the tower was covered with love letters - here's a better close-up of that:
Einstein statue outside Humbolt University.
A side view of the longest strip of wall still standing. You can see that it really wasn't very thick (not surprising considering it went up in a day). Also, I believe this is the third or fourth generation of the wall - it did start out with wire on the top, but they found that the smooth rounded tops has the same effect of keeping people out, as you couldn't find anything to grip your fingers into.
Note: in some areas the wall is in really bad shape. Apparently for 5euro, you could chisel away your own souveniers back after the wall came down - and many people wanted to participate.
In 1990, artists from all over the world were invited to come paint murals on the Berlin wall's longest remaining section with the goal of creating a visual translation of new Berlin. As mentioned, there is a huge graffiti problem in the city, so many of them were recreated or restored in 2001 - present, which is why you may be able to notice 2 dates on them.
I guess this would be most similar to Reliant Stadium in Houston - it's a very new indoor entertainment venue - they even mentioned handball as one of the events, so I guess that is big here? O2 is a big mobile service provider.
Hitler Eagle - this used to have a swastika beneath but of course it was removed. This is over at the old airport I believe - which is now vacant and they don't know what to do with it, so it's currently just being maintained.
This is a head of a Hitler Eagle that American troops took, but returned to Berlin after the war as they thought it belonged in the city.
Typical look of the city streets - there's a lot of mixed-used properties with shops on street level and apartments/offices above. The buildings are amazing because of the leve of detail - modern day design has nothing on them! One problem in the city is the graffiti, which is EVERYWHERE.
Isn't this cute? Little outdoor restaurant.
KaDeWe - one of the largest department stores. It has a big food selection on the 6th floor too (haven't been yet as most things are closed on Sunday), but apparently there are over 1500 cheeses, and other great food items!
I haven't eaten here, but some classmates did and they said it's far more upscale than our mcdonalds - they said it would be a quick sit-down meal in the US ("America") rather than just fast-food.
This is the entrance to one of the Zoos (again, there are 2 because East and West Germany each had their own). There is a POLAR BEAR, Knupp, there too, so I want to go see him!
This airplane is very symbolic - it represents American forces, and they call it the "Candy Bomber." The candy bombers came twice each week, and they even dropped off packages of candy and gum, hence the nickname.
GORGEOUS.
I love all the history! That was one of my favorite parts of France. A lot of it's sad, but I think it's something we should all see, lest we forget the past.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see more of your pictures! Did you go into the McDonalds? They're all so different. The ones in Paris had fancier desserts and beverages, and in Switzerland you got charged for ketchup packets. :)