The City That Fueled This Cold War Kid's Imagination

Europe » Germany
July 16th 2022

Published: July 18th 2022

Like many other people my age, I grew up fearing nuclear annihilation, communism, and a host of other perceived existential threats. Of the many theatres in which the Cold War played out, no other city fueled my imagination as much as Berlin did. My imagination was further colored by an eclectic mix of films such as Cabaret, Atomic Blonde, The Bourne Supremacy, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, as well a... Read Full Entry

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Siewch

About Me: I am a native of Singapore and a professional expat. Since leaving Singapore in 1994, my life journey has taken me first to Bangkok, then to Manchester UK, and then to the United States - starting with Los Angeles, then Honolulu, then Silver Spring, MD, and then back to Honolulu. I took some time off from work between July 2017 and March 2018 to travel and reflect (check out my Midlife Crisis Flashpacking series). I'm now back in the corporate world with a renewed attitude towards life and work. I plan to take another extended trip ... full info

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Checkpoint Charlie

Syrian Food at Kruezberger Himmel

Sheep cheese wrapped in filo pastry.

Syrian Food at Kruezberger Himmel

This appetizer was made of beets.

Syrian Food at Kruezberger Himmel

Random Sights

A rather lascivious looking wurst.

Brandenburg Gate

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

US Embassy

I thought it was interesting that the US would build its embassy between the Brandenburg Gate and the Jewish Memorial. I was happy to see the Pride flag, though, as the previous Trump Administration stopped embassies from flying the flag.

Brandenburg Gate

Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism

This monolith-like structure had a small viewing window through which visitors can watch a looped video of the struggles, persecutions, and resistance of LGBT people.

Tiergarten

Jeff called this "Germanhenge".

Tiergarten

Statue of Bismarck.

Tiergarten

Jeff just had to go climb this rope structure.

Victory Column

The victory column with its golden angel, made famous by Wim Wenders' Wings of Desire.

James Simon Park

The crowds hanging out on the lawn enjoying a pleasantly cool summer evening.

View from our hotel rooftop

23rd July 2022

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

Berlin
We love Berlin... thanks for the memories.

23rd July 2022

Siewch
Siewch

It’s Worth Another Visit!
Berlin certainly was a revelation! I would love to visit again, stay longer, and get a deeper understanding of the city and its people!

25th July 2022

RENanDREW
Ren & Andrew

Hit the ground running
I'm seriously impressed with how much energy you two tackled your two days in Berlin, specially given the night spent in Heathrow on the way there! I loved that you went to the David Hasselhoff Museum, I'm so curious about his relationship with Germany, and the fact that he still pops up on ads in Australia! That man has done pretty well from two TV shows (I did love Knight Rider very much though) :)

25th July 2022

Siewch
Siewch

The Hoff
Hi Ren! Hope you're doing well! I have Atlas Obscura to thank for the random finds. We blitzed through Berlin but I knew I had a relaxing week coming up in Rijeka. Blog coming soon!

4th September 2022

alex waring
Alexander Waring

Cold War Imagination
I too grew up fearing communism and nuclear annihilation, and can understand your interest in visiting such an iconic Cold War-related city. I also love visiting places which I have imagined through various books and films. I imagine your visit to Berlin very much hit this spot. You packed so much into such a short space of time, and I enjoyed reading about it! Thanks Siewch 😊

5th September 2022

Siewch
Siewch

Cold War Imagination
Thanks Alex. We certainly packed a lot in, and I loved immersing myself in the vibe of the city. I also realized how much I miss Europe.

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The City That Fueled This Cold War Kid's Imagination

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