Berlin: 11th to 14th

Berlin is a city containing some amazing history. Nevertheless it appears that the war resulted in most of the buildings being destroyed, and then recreated in the 60s, hence the very modern and somewhat boring architecture.

(Modern v's old)

(Berlin welcome bear)

(future husbands house ;)

(Berlin Wall)

We decided on our first day to go to the Oranienburg concentration camp which was one of the first detention facilities established by the Nazis when they gained power in 1933.

It held the Nazis' political opponents from the Berlin region. It was established in the center of the town of Oranienburg when the SA took over a disused factory (possibly a brewery). Passers-by were able to see inside the prison. Prisoners were marched through the town to perform forced labor on behalf of the local council. The prison was taken over by the SS in July 1934, when the SA was suppressed by the regime. It was closed and subsequently replaced in the area by Sachsenhausen concentration camp. It really was a moving yet saddening experience and to think that so many people lost their lives in such horrendous circumstances. It makes you realize how valuable human life is and how devastating discrimination can be.

The camp was secure and there were few successful escapes. The perimeter consisted of a three metre high stone wall on the outside. Within that there was a space which was patrolled by guards and dogs; it was bordered on the inside by a lethal electric fence; inside that was a gravel "death strip" forbidden to the prisoners. Any prisoner venturing onto the "death strip" would be shot by the guards without warning. Rewards such as extra leave were offered to guards who successfully shot and killed any prisoner who entered onto the death zone

(cremation chamber)

On the front entrance gates to Sachsenhausen is the infamous slogan Arbeit Macht Frei (German: "Work will set you free"). About 200,000 people passed through Sachsenhausen between 1936 and 1945. Some 30,000 inmates died there from exhaustion, disease, malnutrition or pneumonia from the freezing winter cold. Many were executed or died as the result of brutal medical experimentation.

(Entrance Gates)

 

Only one word can describe this…CRAZY. How could it have happened? To this day I will never know. By looking at the pictures just imagine how it would have been in winter! soooooooo cold.

With a few hours spare in the afternoon we went to make ourselves happier by traveling to a far away designer outlet. It had some really cool deals in which Joel was the only one to take advantage of. Funny that…Sarah and I decided to save our money for the boutique shops in Florence!

The last couple of days in Berlin were really a flop. The two main activities we planned on doing, didn’t end up happening due to unforeseen circumstances. We toured around the city on foot and by bus to see the various monuments. I would have to say I was not overly excited by this city. I’m not sure if it was because it was very cold and constantly snowing, but it just lacked the thrilling vibe that some of the other city’s have had. The main highlight was going to the Ranones museum hehe (pic for kiren lol :) very cool cafe and lots to see.

One of the main highlights we encountered was eating dinner at Brokers Bier Börse. Overlooking the Spree, this drinking hall can´t help making money. Its concept is loosely based on a stock exchange where demand determines the price of the drinks. In reality, the owners' demand for better returns appears to have more of an influence. Prices are displayed on electronic scoreboards mounted high on the walls and every once in a while a bell is rung to signify that all drinks are cut price (actually the recommended retail price in the first place). At this point, the "punters", comprising of tourists and locals, will break their necks in order to get to the bar. Since everyone else is so preoccupied, this would, presumably, be the best time to produce the drinks you have smuggled in your bag. Nevertheless we had a fun evening trying to get the best value for our money, and got to meet some local Berlin Students who joined our table. They were good value and we had a great evening chatting about many random things!