Berlin. A city, that while doused in so much history and character, had never really appealed to me as a destination stamp for my passport. I had never heard anyone say, “oh Berlin is amazing, there is so much beauty and personality to explore within that city you can’t help but fall in love,” but when a friend of mine suggested visiting Berlin I couldn’t help but became curious.

So, with slight reluctance and a great deal of curiosity I decided that Berlin was ready to be discovered.

The Brandenburg Gate is truly stunning, full of columns and an amazing architectural presence that really comes into it’s own at night when the area around the Gate is populated with tourists — many of whom enjoy horse and carriage rides around the city. A local tourist shop caught my eye and as I ventured in I was amazed at the imagery adorning the postcards for sale. Images of the Brandenburg Gate back in the day as the historical Berlin Wall, with barbed wire and armed guards, encaged it. I felt like my childhood Thundercat hero Liono with his “sight beyond sight” vision as my imagination began to run away with thoughts of how different my current surroundings used to be.

As we first caught sight of the 2,700 concrete slabs we simply stopped in our tracks to appreciate what was presented before us; we had reached the Jewish Holocaust Memorial Museum. The memorial is outstanding; you really couldn’t help but be amazed by the structure before you. As we walked amongst the vertical slabs in their grid formation, the path began to rise and fall, allowing the slabs to grow in stature and overpower us completely.

As we entered the museum and made our way around, I was overcome with emotion while reading letters by Jewish prisoners awaiting their death. Walking around the museum truly affected me and I couldn’t help but wonder why people could, or can, be so horrible to other people. We are all one race – the HUMAN RACE.

For a truly aerial view of the city we headed to the Reichstag Parliament building which houses a glass structure designed by Sir Norman Foster upon its roof. The view from up there was amazing and allowed us to completely visualize Berlin.

After a traditional currywurst lunch we found ourselves in the Mitte area of town, which is cluttered with vintage shops and uber cool cafes. The whole of the Mitte area is dressed with graffiti that is accepted as more artistic character and culture than a social nuisance, something I actually had to agree on as it did appear to add culture to this new world I was discovering.

The Eastside Gallery is a mile stretch of genuine Berlin Wall that in the words of Elton John screams “I’m Still Standing.” Walking along this piece of history and looking at the now iconic pieces of artwork that grace it was awe-inspiring; seeing the scale at which it stands truly drives home hard life must have been for those who longed for life with their separated family members on the other side.

Something I discovered towards the end of my trip was that Berlin isn’t all about its history. Venture from the beaten tourist paths and you can find cool hangouts to dance the night away, trendy cinema-style café houses where a local celebrity may grace you with their presence, and secret “so in they’re not even open yet” clothing stores.

[Photo by author]