There is no getting around the fact that Berlin evokes feelings of ambivalence — you can’t ignore (nor do they) its history.
Case in point, my hotel is very close to a site called the “Topography of Terror.” It was a place where prisoners were taken, the headquarters of the Gestapo. It was mostly destroyed during and after the war.
In its place, they have built a stark, mostly glass, building which houses hanging boards that take you through the history of Nazi Germany. Certainly, it helps answer for me how the German people could have gone along with Hitler and his evil crew. It is free and open pretty much all day. Inside, in the corner, is a little place to get coffee, water, snacks.
I have found that I go there for a break from my wanderings. I bear witness to the placards. And I have a cup of cappuccino. I read about despicable human acts. And I eat a muesli bar.
Is this okay, I wonder?
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