There was much more of Berlin to experience but I decided to venture north to Hamburg. This being Manuel’s home, I was given a proper tour in the space of a day. What a city of wealth and elegance! Hamburg boasts a beautiful harbor and is filled with canals and a mix of architecture revealing grand history in the form of large brick facades, and modernity portrayed in vast colors and shapes created by the most innovative minds. All of this viewed by my most eager and pleased eyes.
The Berlin wall divided the East and West for 28 years, from the day construction began on August 13, 1961 until it was dismantled in 1989, following several weeks of civil unrest. The fall of the Berlin wall formally concluded on October 3, 1990, paving the way for German reunification. In the years of Germany’s separation, up to 1,245 people had been killed trying to flee East Germany, which in recent years has become a place of opportunity for people from the whole of Germany. It was fascinating to walk along this historic division of freedom which forever stands to tell the story between East and West. Thomas, a talented photographer adding to the creative energy of a new Berlin, joined us on this reunification tour of the city.
I arrived in Berlin mildly rested after an all night train ride from Krakow. This inbetween time of reflection is indeed sacred. Upon arrival I met with my friend Manuel, who most graciously took on the role of tour guide. I was so pleased to learn that Marc, one of my oldest friends from the teenage years of doc martens and indie rock, was in town for several weeks. I had heard so much about the energy and movement that was filling the streets of Berlin, what an incredible art scene was thriving, how much spirit filled the newly liberated East…and in fact I was well impressed with this ‘work in progress’ that was Berlin. Much of my time was spent in Mitte, the rather chic part of East Berlin, home to many of the galleries. My days in Berlin were spent biking with Manuel from east to west and back again, Often meeting with Marc for a pint in the evening, after a hearty meal of shnitzel.
The Holocaust Monument, one of the most impressive sites in Berlin.
The architecture is truly incredible!! The structure of the Philharmonic.
Manuel, Marc and I sharing one of our many moments….
I shall soon leave this landscape behind and enter another. this time has been some of the happiest during these travels, as it was spent with family. I look forward to the chapter of friends which shall continue in the months ahead. Tonight I board a train enroute to Berlin…
One of the many delicious meals cooked by my aunt Gosia. The Polish kitchen is one of my favorites!
My mom creating a masterpiece…
Sooji and I spend an evening with Tomek, Aga and her boyfriend Peter.
Piotrek and his wife Kasia stop by with little Zosia.
Tomek and Ania walking down the aisle on September 8th, a grand wedding and family affair!
Tomek, Aga, Michał, Ewa and Julia (Magda was dearly missed!)
Aunt Zosia and Uncle Marek, mother and father of the groom
Uncle Eligiusz, Aunt Marysia, Aunt Aleksandra, my mom, Aunt Gosia and Uncle Grzesio
The Michniowski cousin clan (missing are Magda, Basia, Kordian, Stefan and Bogdan)
A happy family: Basia, Maciek, Bernard, Julia and baby Alicja