Berlin

If one were to call one city a chameleon, that city would have to be the great, and often tragic city of Berlin, Germany.  At one point the city was the center of the Nazi regime, then at another time the city was literally divided into two, somewhat unceremoniously and awkwardly.  Imagine if you lived among the citizens of communist East Berlin and found that one day that you could no longer visit your boyfriend, girlfriend, father, mother, sister, brother, friend or cousin.  Families and loved ones were separated by the wall.

I have literally met people, en route to different locations in europe and the world.  Upon mentioning that I am traveling to Berlin, many mention that they have not been to Germany since it was divided.  It is interesting to think that there are people who only know one side of the city I am learning to love, and may one day want to live in for a brief period of time. There are those who only think of Hitler and the Nazis when they think of Germany and there are those whose thoughts unconsciously drift to communism.

In many ways, it is important to distinguish between East Berlin and West Berlin. Yet in my opinion, one must not paint the two parts of Berlin in black and white, or "capitalism" and "communism."  Where there is knowledge of sin and how to sin, there will be corruption.  That said, East Berlin was full of corruption. Sure, the West had it's share of corruption and misdemeanors.

Perhaps my favorite part about the Berlin wall is the contrast, through art.  On the western side one saw graffiti and all sorts of colors adorning the wall.  The Eastern side, however, depicted a much more somber setting, very drab and discomforting. I do not mark one side as good or bad, yet I do believe that one should not have to fear their government and the East German police brought fear into the hearts and minds of East German citizens and the Stasi (the secret police) often coaxed and often forced citizens into becoming informants which tore families apart.

That is my two cents for tonight. :)