Berlin, Germany

This was one city that's been through a lot. It faced fascism, communism and sudden capitalism - all within 60 years. It has therefore turned out to be one of the most interesting cities I have visited. LOTS of pictures - mother of all posts. Things I did not know about Berlin (and Germany in general):

- Berlin is bankrupt and unemployment is around 25% - this gave rise to a HUGE punk and alternative scene which a select group of us got to see c/o Alternative Berlin. This was not without its risks, but we treaded lightly :). Some amazing pieces of public art - some commissioned, most not.

- Most people hate the Love Parade - not because of what it represents, but because of the ecological damage from millions of people's garbage!

- The Last Cathedral is owned by Rammstein!!

- About 50% of Germany's Jews escaped - one of the highest percentages considering it was ground zero.

- On that subject, I did not realize how open and honest they are with their past sins *cough* Japan *cough*. I was quite moved by both the Jewish Memorial (which really symbolized, once again, the cold efficiency of it all by the use of grey concrete) and the new Jewish Museum. I was at first skeptical of the 'modern art' approach, but it worked, even down to the sloped floors.