Good afternoon everyone! I hope you’re all staying safe in the midst of all the craziness going on in the world! These circumstances have taught me better than ever to be thankful for everything I have and to not take this life for granted. Although I’m not afflicted by this disease, it all goes to show us how quickly and greatly our lives can be altered. However, with this being a travel blog, it also gives credence to the fact that Rebecca and I want to see everywhere as soon as possible, because none of us know when our time will come, or when our opportunity to see some awesome places will pass. This should renew our vigor to pursue the rest of the world! With that being said, I’d like to dive into the best places I want to visit when our family visits the economic power of the EU, Germany! (More specifically, Berlin!)
First: The Brandenburg Gate
As we’ve all clearly come to know, I’m a huge history buff, and the Brandenburg will satisfy that craving immediately upon arrival to Berlin. Built in 1788, the Gate now signifies peace and unity in Europe. When the gate was originally built, only the royal family was allowed to actually pass through it (along with one other family, Pfuel, which you’re welcome to look more into. Too long for this article!). In the 20th century, the Nazis used this gate as a symbol for their party. At the end of WWII, people could freely travel through this gate until 1961, when the Berlin was underwent construction. When the wall was knocked down in 1989, travel was restored and this is when the Gate undertook the symbol of peace and unity in Germany. Many websites I’ve visited have named the Brandenburg Gate as the number one place to visit while in Berlin, and that’s most certainly what I’ll do!
Next: Jewish Museum Berlin
First and foremost, this building is one of the coolest buildings I’ve ever seen. Check my Instagram for a picture of it! I thought this museum would be an awesome experience because of the long struggles undertaken by Jewish Germans. This is also the largest Jewish museum in Europe. While this building is much more modern than anything I’ve suggested so far on this blog, the story about how it got here is quite remarkable. The original Jewish Museum in Berlin was built in 1933, but was seized a few years later by Nazi Gestapo. In the late 1980s, the idea for a design of a new museum came to life, and after holding an anonymous competition for the rights to design the building, it was reconstructed in 1999 and opened refilled with inventory in 2001. The museum has been under controversy lately, however. I don’t want to get into the specifics on here so as not to offend any readers based on their perspective, but it’s definitely worthy of some research if you care to dive a bit deeper into that.
Last: German Museum of Technology
I don’t think a trip to Germany would be complete without acknowledging and admiring their unbelievable technological and industrial work over the past few decades. Germany is the number one exporter of cars in the world by a very wide margin, and their vehicles are widely accepted as the most reliable (I’m sure there are those that disagree, but…oh well!). From planetware.com, the museum has several vehicles and air crafts that are on display, and they also have steam engines dating back to the late 1800s.
I think the most exciting part of the visit to Germany would be the fact that I’ve loved every German dish/beer that I’ve ever tasted! Needless to say, there would be an enormous amount of eating involved on this trip! Sauerbraten, Bratwurst, Schnitzel, Spatzle, you name it, I want it all! I know this wasn’t to most extensive post I’ve had so far, and I must admit, it’s totally my fault. I know much more about Western Europe than I do Eastern Europe, and that’s just because I’m more familiar with the culture. Doing research on this post has made me want to get into Eastern Europe much more, and I fully intend to do so. Don’t be surprised if you see a few more Eastern European cities this week 🙂
Blessings,
Madison
fosterfamtravels.com 