Category: Germany

Over the weekend, I went on a walking tour with Refugee Voices Tours Berlin, led by a man from Syria with refugee status in Germany. During the tour, we visited a series of historical sites in Berlin. At each landmark, our guide would first briefly describe the German history related to the spot, and then draw parallels to similar types of events in Syria, from government-led massacres in the 1980s up through its present-day, devastating civil war.

We visited a number of sites, including the best known crossing point of the Berlin wall and the site of former Nazi central institutions. Learning about Syria at these sites grounded the point: no society is immune to political violence, turbulence, and fear. Offering shelter, and being sheltered, is an ongoing cycle in which we swap roles depending on the current state of the world. Continue reading “No Society Is Immune”

On the way home from school on Friday, Theo fell off of a wall. (No, not that wall.) Luckily, even though he ended up with some scratches and bruises, he’s fine.

I was originally going to include “capital of street art” in the title of this post, but it seems many, many cities claim that title. Regardless, I will say that street art in Berlin is ubiquitous… and makes wandering through the city even more fascinating.

   Continue reading “Berlin Street Art”

We spent a day Dresden with an awesome colleague of Brian. The agenda was very four-year-old friendly; we spent the first part of the day touring Dresden largely via fountain, followed by lunch, ice cream, a train ride, and dinner that was delivered via rollercoaster.

Continue reading “Dresden via Fountain”

Mauer park (literally, “wall park”) is located in part of the former death strip of the Berlin Wall that divided the East and West. Now, it’s a lovely open space, home to a famous flea market and weekly karaoke.

I have to say, that this policy from the park website seems very in-line with what I know of Berlin:

The wall near the swings is part of the former Hinterlandmauer of the Berlin Wall that separated Berlin. It is an official monument.

Creative engagement with our history, however, fits well with the spirit of Mauerpark: therefore, graffiti from the side of the park is permitted.

Please remember: Spray cans belong with the hazardous waste! So spray first, then clean up!

I paraphrase: History is important, but it’s also something we are grappling with – and making – today. But seriously. Don’t put the spray cans in the wrong bin.