If there was ever a year to visit the Berlin Wall 2014 is it, as it marks the 25th anniversary of its historical fall. On November 9th, there will be events held by VisitBerlin across the city to commemorate this important turn in German history. One of the main highlights will be the unveiling of a new temporary wall, which will be decorated with thousands of illuminated white balloons that can be seen from Outer Space.
As we were walking along the East Side Gallery, we came to a separation in the wall that allowed us to go around to see the other side of it. Instead of more murals there was Wall On Wall, a photo exhibition of walls that separate people worldwide. Kai Wiedenhöfer, the photographer and brilliant mastermind behind this project, wanted to show that walls cannot solve political conflicts. According to him, “walls obviously define friend and foe, inside and outside. Walls are oppressive exclusions and again and again also dictatorial confinements. In other words, walls are inhuman no matter what kind of architectural design or ideological justification is used for them.” This exhibition is an important reminder that there are still walls to this day. Below is an example of one of his photographs, which was taken at the Tijuana, Mexico/California, USA border in 2008.
The rest of the group I was with wanted to see another part of the wall, while my heart was set on seeing something across the street from it. One of of my favorite artists, Romero Britto, designed a gorgeous “Best Buddies Friendship Bear” statue and it is dedicated to the city of Berlin by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in honor of people with intellectual disabilities who inspire their communities.
Then we hopped on a bus and headed towards the Western part of Berlin. The capitol’s mayor once said, “Berlin is poor, but sexy.” I am not sure about the poor part, but I can definitely see its sex appeal!
Our late evening flight to Düsseldorf via AirBerlin had us arriving just in time for dinner and drinks.
Love it!
I actually remember that car (Trabant) in one of the pics.
That’s so awesome!
What an incredibly moving trip you’ve had, Andi. So much of historical interest and emotional impact.
Yes, moving beyond words!
Love the ‘Berlin is poor but sexy’ pic. I think I’ve missed that 🙁
It was right across the street from the train station!
Such expressive street art! And I love that you got to see a Britto work there 🙂 I can’t wait to experience Berlin–seems like such an interesting, historical, and vibrant place.
You will love it! Isn’t it awesome that they have a Britto piece? I swear Britto follows me around…or maybe I follow him? Haha!
Eastside gallery is just too cool.
SO cool!!!!
I need to visit Berlin again and try to like it more than the previous couple of times I visited! Have fun in Dusseldorf!
Berlin was definitely not my favorite city in the world, but there are so many things that you can do/see/experience there that you can’t anywhere else. Definitely give it another chance! 🙂
Wow! I just love the art- and what a place with a sense of history.
Yeah, the street art is mind-blowing!
Wow! Just breathtaking! I can just imagine being there and feeling the power of history behind the area and the wall. I’d love to visit Berlin and experience this! Gorgeous photos!
It’s such an absolutely amazing feeling to be surrounded by such intense history!!! Thank you so much for your kind words re: my pics.
Love you photos! We didn’t make it out to the East Side Gallery but enjoyed checking out parts of the wall in other areas. Such an incredible history there
Thank you sweetheart!!! I agree, such incredible history!
I really love the street art you posted. It really makes me wanna see Germany too. The history and the food! I love sausages! If I ever got the chance to see Germany, I would also visit the East Side Gallery. Really beautiful pictures! Cheers and safe travels!
Thanks a million! Yeah, I’m a HUGE fan of street art and some of the best in the world is in Germany.
You are really living the life. If I could also live out my love for traveling I would do it in a heartbeat. Cheers to art and travel! 🙂
I feel very lucky to be able to travel, trust me I count my blessings daily! 🙂 Cheers to art and travel!
I’m in love with all of the beautiful street art!
daisy
Me too! 🙂
That’s one of my favorite things about traveling, too! Love the feeling that anything is within my reach, that I can be anywhere in a matter of hours.
Anyway, this post makes me want to go back to Germany so badly!!
Absolutely, couldn’t agree with you more! I hope you can make it back to Germany soon!!!
Oh the murals are spectacular! Love the vibe of this city!
Yeah, Berlin is SO cool!
All of the art/graffiti is incredible!
It takes your breath away in person!
Amazing, incredibly photos as usual, Andi! I was in Berlin last May and I instantly fell in love with it. I cannot wait to go back! What an amazing city, it just stole my heart. Thank you for capturing the wall so beautifully and sharing it with us!
Awww and thank you for such an awesome comment! I’m delighted that you loved my photos so much!!! I hope you can return to your beloved Berlin soon my dear!