Published 2012-12-05T11:58:50Z”/>

Gina Tigri

<p class=”MsoNormal”>Going to Berlin with my friend Shannon was the best decision I’ve made all semester. I loved it. The city is beautiful and it overflows with interesting and relevant history.

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<p class=”MsoNormal”>The first day we arrived, it was late in the evening and pretty dark out so we didn’t have any major plans. We decided to just wander around a bit and get a feel for the city. Before we knew it, we stumbled upon the gorgeous Brandenburg Gate. Our little walk was a great introduction to the city.

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<p class=”MsoNormal”><em>Brandenburg Gate</em>

The next day we went on a walking tour. It was one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had.

I am a total history nerd and this four hour tour consisted of pure history.The tour was fascinating. Because Berlin was central during World War II and the Cold War, there are a lot of significant places in the city.

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<p class=”MsoNormal”><em>Berlin Wall</em>

<p class=”MsoNormal”>On the walking tour we saw the place <span class=”entrytext”>where Hitler committed suicide, the Berlin Wall, an old Nazi headquarters building, the site where 20,000 books were burned outside of Humboldt University, the Jewish Memorial and a war memorial.</span>

<p class=”MsoNormal”><span class=”entrytext”> <img alt=”image” src=”http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mecqbvsQUw1rqtcam.jpg” /></span>

<p class=”MsoNormal”><span class=”entrytext”><em>Jewish Memorial</em></span>

<p class=”MsoNormal”><span class=”entrytext”>We also went and saw a museum called Topographie des Terrors which is a photo exhibition documenting the Nazi regime from beginning to end. It was very emotional seeing pictures of the victims oppressed by the Nazis but uplifting to see the photos from when the concentration camps were liberated at the end of the exhibit. It was also satisfying to learn about the Nazis who were punished in the end and know that justice had been done.</span>

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<p class=”MsoNormal”><span class=”entrytext”>On one of the funny side-notes of the tour, we got to see Hotel Adlon, the place where Michael Jackson dangled his baby off the balcony. Despite the fact that it was a very cold day to be walking around outside for four hours, it was a great tour and an amazing experience.</span>

<p class=”MsoNormal”><span class=”entrytext”> <img alt=”image” src=”http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mecqg9b5c81rqtcam.jpg” /></span>

<p class=”MsoNormal”><span class=”entrytext”><em>Hotel Adlon</em>

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<p class=”MsoNormal”><span class=”entrytext”>One thing I learned on this tour that really stood out to me was how Germany is ashamed of its past and is determined not to hide it. The German children learn about their country’s past from an early age, even visiting the nearby concentration camps. I really admire the fact that the country is working to face its problems and acknowledge previous atrocities.</span>

<span class=”entrytext”><img alt=”image” src=”http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mecqdgFsvb1rqtcam.jpg” /></span>

<span class=”entrytext”><em>War Memorial</em>

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<p class=”MsoNormal”><span class=”entrytext”>The second day was spent exploring the Berlin Christmas festival. Apparently it is a famous tradition in Europe, and I could see why. The streets were filled with booths selling everything from bratwurst and beer, to gingerbread and other</span> <span class=”entrytext”>sweets, and all kinds of Christmas gifts. There were ice skating rinks and fire pits to sit around, and happy music filling the air. Being there was a moment of pure joy and happiness that I haven’t had in a long time.</span>

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<p class=”MsoNormal”><span class=”entrytext”><em>Delicious German treats</em>

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<p class=”MsoNormal”><span class=”entrytext”>All of the people working at the booths were cheery and genuinely nice. The streets were lined with Christmas lights and it was impossible not to get into the holiday spirit. Shannon and I took our time, trying some authentic German food and shopping in the market for hours. It was a great way to spend our last day in Berlin.</span>

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<p class=”MsoNormal”><span class=”entrytext”>I truly loved this city.</span>

<p class=”MsoNormal”><span class=”entrytext”>I am completely in love with Italy but I definitely have to say that outside of Italia, Berlin is my favorite place in Europe. I am determined to go back to visit sometime soon.</span>

<p class=”MsoNormal”><span class=”entrytext”>This was my last trip of the semester, and I can’t imagine a better way to end my travels than with Berlin. The next three weeks will be spent soaking up the beauty of life in Viterbo.</span>

<p class=”MsoNormal”><span class=”entrytext”>Arrivederci tutti, a presto.</span>