Time for another quick summary of my last week....
Last week, I started in the East, Hungary. I moved on to the erstwhile Allied stronghold, West Germany and, then to the conflicted oasis within East Germany, Berlin. Politically, I shifted from communism to, first monarchy and then democracy, and then again into largely communist territory.
Yes, today the country is united under a democratic outlook and is the largest European economy. But, Germany still shows the impact having had the most striking political and economic upheavals in the last century.
What surprised me the most is that the most impressive areas for me were in the former 'Communist' part of the land. Btw, I learnt that not only was Germany itself divided post WW2 but the current capital, Berlin was too, indeed! And, the infamous Berlin wall refers to the one in Berlin and not the country! The irony of such a strong divide within one city well inside Eastern Germany is not lost on me but, I am wondering why the larger wall has not been given greater significance...
Anyway, in this trip, I managed, and by serendipity, to visit both the old and new capitals of the country - Bonn and Berlin. I started with Bonn, stopped by Aachen, which, is known for housing the memorial for Charmalagne in one of the most beautiful cathedrals I have ever seen! A bit in Dusseldorf, catching up with a school friend after almost a decade! And, then it was off to my favorite part of this country stop, Berlin!!!!
I love Berlin and the three days I spent here has barely scratched the surface! I will talk more about the city, sights and experiences in a detailed post soon... Meanwhile, I will leave you with a tease on more to come.. :)
I will say that, Berlin was indeed resplendent in the most gorgeous Autumn colors I have seen!!!! Trees that proudly shone in red, orange and gold all across the city and surrounding areas...
So, what's my next destination? Italy!!!!!! Specifically, Juls's little neck - Tuscany and then Perugia!! I cannot wait for the plane to land.... in Pisa!!
Ciao!