What an adventure it has been. Berlin is a large change from Leipzig. We are in the large city, with a history as expansive but quite different. Much of the city (especially East) has been built in the last 10-15 years because of the immense bombings of mainly 1944 and 1945 during WWII. It's remarkable how the city has been designed to resemble the old architecture and design juxtaposed with modern day design. In addition, the memorials, and tracks of the wars make a walk through this city a remarkable experience.
Photo: the Spree which runs through Central Berlin (parts used to run directly under the death strip of the wall and was a means of attempted escape for a few)
Photo: commemorating the speech given by US President Ronald Regan in 1967 urging for the wall to come down, which it did not until 2 years later in November 1989.
Last night we attended the Berlin Philharmonic. This was a dream come true. I cannot count how many years I have watched YouTube videos and recordings of this phenomenal orchestra and dreamed of one day seeing them in person. Upon arriving, and walking into the hall I felt a rush of excitement walking in the footsteps of so many world class musicians. When we found our seats, I had a mini-heart attack. We sat "podium seating" behind the orchestra facing Christian Theileman conducting. We were on stage with one of the world's greatest orchestras. Then it began. I cannot adequately describe such a performance with words. The musicality, technicality and organization of the orchestra was superb. Watching them perform was almost a dance in how smoothly they moved together, a movie without words in watching the faces of the musicians as the music changed character and the beautiful connection and passion leaving the conductor's baton. There were several points I was so overcome with the beauty of it all I was almost brought to tears and others when I could not stop smiling. It was an incredibly moving experience that I will forever cherish. After the performance a woman who had been sitting across the bench from me said to me, "you had a really great time didn't you? It was a joy watching you." I guess my excitement was clear. This has been my favorite performance and part of the trip thus far. It will be difficult to find another experience so splendid.
My senses continued to be awakened and emotions heightened today, but in a quite different manner. We first went on a walking be tour of Berlin, seeing various powerful aspects of history, including the holocaust memorial and the remains of the Berlin Wall. Then we attended the Nazi Museum. Wow. Photographs, documents, quotes and stories of the Nazi party members, holocaust victims and survivors and others awaited. An incredible exhibit. Many points made me want to cry over the horrific historic events that suddenly became more real, but still so challenging to grasp before my eyes. This period in history has always grasped my attention, but I feel as much as I study it, I cannot find anwsers or peace with how such atrocities and violence can occur. How people can band and support such a violent cause, and how there was no power strong enough to cease the violence and horror. Nonetheless, I feel it is a very revealing part of history to learn about and understand to the best of our ability, for it did not just affect one population, or reveal the evil of another: it reveals the utter, simplistic core of humanity. The Nazi leaders and child victims alike were all human, something that I believe is very difficult to accept. But I am a strong believer that not only do the victims deserve our respect and understanding but also that the only way to keep from repeating history is to learn from the past. In my own humble, and certainly not all knowledgeable opinion, this is what we must do. Remember and mourn, but also learn and accept.
Photo: the famous Rosenstraße memorial.
Photo: Remains of the Berlin Wall preserved inside a building and decorated with artwork.
Photo: the remaining few kilometers of the wall, preserved in origianal form.
This may easily have been the most remarkable week of my life thus far, I eagerly await the continued adventures ahead in new cities, new performances and experiences.
The wanderlust has hit me hard. I want to see everything I can. I am constantly in wonder of this expansive, confusing and beautiful world we live in.
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