Part 1: Arrival and First Impressions
Cloudy skies welcomed us as we landed at Tegel Airport in Berlin. From there, we took a bus to the Bahnhof Zoo—immediately recalling the book We Children from Bahnhof Zoo.
After that we took the other bus line, than short walk and we finally arrived at the hotel.
Hotel Interior,
personal photos made made by Samsung s8
The hotel was a modern building, covered in marble with quite comfortable rooms. After a short rest, I took a walk in the city.
Potsdamer Platz: A Symbol of Transformation
Potsdamer Platz, which in the 1990s was the biggest building site in Europe, was now standing right before my eyes in full glory. Towering buildings, such as those owned by multinational companies like Sony, were manifestations of modern Berlin. In the center of the square, pieces of the Berlin Wall remained, indicating the divided city.
Remains of the Berlin Wall
Personal photos made made by Samsung s8
Sony Center
Personal photos made made by Samsung s8
Lego Giraffe at Potsdamer Platz,
personal photos
From there, I walked along Ebertstraße toward Brandenburg Gate, stopping halfway at the Holocaust Memorial.
The 2,711 cold concrete blocks unyielding formed a strange but profound atmosphere. It was a walk among the numerous tombs in a large graveyard of memories.
Holocaust Memorial
Finally, I reached the Brandenburg Gate, one of the most famous landmarks, inspired by the Propylaea in Athens. Built at the end of the 18th century, it once stood for division but now signifies unity and peace.
Brandenburg Gate
Personal photos
As the day wore on, I returned to the hotel to get ready for business meetings the next day.