The very heart of Berlin is the Brandenburg Gate and the surrounding square named the Pariserplatz. It was here that the center of the Berlin Wall divided the city. Returning to this opened free space was rather emotional for me (Frau D.) and hopefully the students comprehended the changes I could tell them about from personal experience in this epicenter of recent German history. Here were the no-man's land security precautions, guards shooting to kill, escape attempts, separated families, the very symbol of the divided Germany. We were able to only discuss the Checkpoint Charlie as a part of history, but I had lived this division and crossed over from one side of the Gate to the other. Here our presidents had stood and proclaimed solidarity with West Berlin's citizens. Walking through the Gate with no barriers was a rather unsettling experience.
The square is once again a lively town center and we enjoyed the many performers. Ask Andrea if you want to hear more from the band - she has their CD.
Unbelievably, we met up with tourists from the Vinton area and saw someone who worked with my husband - small world!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ0dd5wcvxc
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