Berlin Germany
Berlin has again become the capital of all of Germany, and today the former Eastern parts of Berlin are an important part of what you can experience. Forget Kudamm and go to Prenzlauer Berg in the evening.
Brandenburger Tor or The Brandenburg Gate was the symbol of the divided Berlin. The Wall passed right in front of it and let West Berliners look but not touch.
The Reichstagsgebäude, which today houses the Bundestag or parliament of the united Germany, has had a glass dome added to its roof, with a valking spiral inside which lets you enjoy the view.
The Berliner Mauer or Berlin Wall is the most obvious symbol of the oppression of the East German people for decades. Today it's only left in museum sections - this one a bit South of Potzdamer Platz. It is fenced off because a lot of people have been selling pieces of the Berlin Wall to the highest bidders, and rumour has it that enough concrete fragments have been sold to make up three Berlin Walls.
The Checkpoint Charlie was the main crossing point between West and East Germany during the Berlin division. Today it is a tourist sight with the Mauer Museum next door.
The Gedächtniskirche or "Lipstick and powderbox" is an unusual church. During World War II the church was bombed and burned, and after the war it was decided to let the old building stand and build a modern church room and belltower next to it. The inside of the church room has a fascinating blue light in it from the light that comes through the glass panels.
The TV Tower was built in East Berlin during the division. However, the East Germans put straight glass panes in the ball, and when the evening sun hit it, it was reflected back as a cross, making people talk about it as being an East German church.
Potsdamer Platz was a horrible place to come during the division - it was a no man's land with the wall crossing it and viewer platforms on the Western side. Today it has become the location of German headquarters of large companies like Sony Center and Deutsche Bundsbahn. The former East Berlin has added a number of good Middle American and Russian restaurants to what you can enjoy in Berlin - often at very reasonable prices.
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