Berlin - I'm leaving the American sector

The infamous gateway that links between the former East and West Berlin - The Checkpoint Charlie

Best known for its check booth and sign “You are now leaving the American sector”, this Checkpoint Charlie is a symbol of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union.

A photographer in West Berlin kicks a policeman standing across the border in East Berlin during demonstrations at Checkpoint Charlie; August 13th, 1986

There is so much history to be inhaled of this awe-inspiring city. While I was cycling along the canal, I caught a glimpse of Berlin’s diverse districts and classical buildings which still preserve it’s history written all over them. One of the popular sights is the parliament building known as The Reichstag. It is the symbolic heart of German democracy.

The Reichstag is a historic edifice in Berlin, constructed to house the Imperial Diet of the German Empire

inside of the Reichstag dome

There’s a walkway that winds all the way to the top of that dome and there is a cone of mirrors reflects natural light into the legislative chamber far below. The views from the top are certainly marvellous to behold.

Not far from The Reichstag is the infamous Holocaust Memorial, located near the buried remains of Hitler’s Bunker. The monument covers a large area and it consists of somber grey concrete slabs that was laid out in grids. As I walked down into the very centre of the memorial, enveloped by the columns, the architect who designed this memorial had certainly succeeded in leaving me in a daze, uneasy and restless at the atmosphere that seems to be lost in touch with human reason. I had to get out of there fast.

The Brandenburg Gate is one of the most iconic sights in today's vibrant Berlin

I’m back on my bike and was headed for one of the must-see national icon of Germany, The Brandenburg Gate. I sat on the beautiful Pariser Platz Boulevard, admiring the impressive Gate and the surrounding buildings. This is arguably the most recognizable monument symbol of Germany, before as a divided nation during the Cold War and after the reunified state.

West German police stand in front of the Brandenburg Gate

Bebelplatz is one of the most beautiful squares in Berlin

Located on the magnificent boulevard of Unter den Linden, Bebelplatz made history but in a rather inglorious manner. It was the site of the infamous “book burning” organised by the Nazis, in which important works of world literature, including works by authors such as Heinrich, Thomas Mann and Karl Marx were thrown into the flames.

The Gendarmenmarkt square is arguably said to be the most beautiful square in Europe

The harmonious Gendarmenmarkt consists of three landmark buildings, the French Cathedral, the German Cathedral and the Concert hall. In the middle of the square stood a statue of Friedrich Schiller, who was a famous German poet in the 19th century.

Sofia Cafe at Wrangelstrasse

I cycled by a place called, Wrangelstrasse. The area has a large Turkish community amongst artists and students and has become one of the liveliest part of the city. The locals said it is a great place to hang out with a very diverse crowd.

A real Kreuzberg ambience at Sofia Cafe with a trashy folklore interior and panorama frescoes on the walls

The hot coffee is delicious and “Le Salon aux Fleurs” the carrot cake is awesome. The indoors of this little cafe is very cozy but I found an empty table outside..and enjoy a perfect relaxing late brunch.

See you guys again soon. Till then Cheers!

@travellingartist.don