The Belgian culture has many holidays throughout the year and Jamie and I like to take full advantage. Several weeks back, with an open Monday on the schedule, Jamie and I decided to go on a weekend trip to Berlin, Germany. Since we hate leaving the dogs, we decided to take them as well. So, all four of us piled in to the Benz with as little luggage and dog bones as possible and set the GPS on Berlin.
What a surprise? Berlin is an amazing city with an obvious abundance in culture, as well as music & arts. In other words, I was in Heaven.
Our main goals for the trip were the obvious ones. We wanted to see Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall remains and as many museums as possible. Berlin history and/or tourism is much more current than we are accustomed to in Europe. The Berlin wall came down in both Jamie and my lifetime and our parents grew up during the bulk of the Cold War era. This made Berlin all the more special as we learned about its history. Still, almost a month after our visit, I find myself anxious to learn more about German history and their people.
The trip took an unexpected turn when we happened to run across an art show while searching for food. Jamie and I have a weakness for art. Not only do we love the look, but we love the fact that one day our home will be filled with such amazing culture from all over the world. Needless to say, we weren't there long before I had to make a run to the ATM machine.
Jamie and I met a young artist that printed panoramic photography on canvas board. One of his prints we found quite interesting as it showed a panoramic view of what appeared to be a metro stop. The walls were covered with graffiti and posters, giving the art piece a stereotypical Berlin feel. We not only bought the piece, but we had to visit the place where he took the photo. He shared with us the details and we journeyed to Tacheles, a place where squatters create art. I felt like we were entering a war zone as the artist said Tacheles is kind of "screwed" up (he didn't say screwed). Also, an individual whom we asked for directions asked us why we wanted to go there. It was fuel to the fire.
I could provide you with a history of Tacheles, but it would be a long write-up. Rather, I encourage you to check out You Tube videos on Tacheles as well as Wikipedia articles. For now, just know that Tacheles is a refuge for the poor to create and display their art. It is located in the Jewish community of Berlin and began days after the Berlin Wall fell down. It has become home to many squatters and has created a lot of positive and negative buzz for the city. The only negative we saw in Tacheles was in the people who viewed it as a negative to their city. Jamie and I thought it was amazing! It is edgy, it is sketchy, it is weird, it is smelly. There are so many ways to describe it, but the best is by simply saying it is one of the single greatest collections of pure art in the world. After all, a true artist is one that can make something out of nothing.
Jamie and I also bought a 3-piece portrait of the Berlin Wall. It is a unique print and we can't wait to display it in our home.
One final compliment I would like to give Berlin is that the people are great! We found Berliners to be very friendly and helping, which is not always consistent in Europe. Furthermore, I have not met a German yet who does not know fantastic English.
Thanks to the Berliners for welcoming Jamie, Chuck, Queenie & myself with open arms. We will be back!
What a surprise? Berlin is an amazing city with an obvious abundance in culture, as well as music & arts. In other words, I was in Heaven.
Our main goals for the trip were the obvious ones. We wanted to see Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall remains and as many museums as possible. Berlin history and/or tourism is much more current than we are accustomed to in Europe. The Berlin wall came down in both Jamie and my lifetime and our parents grew up during the bulk of the Cold War era. This made Berlin all the more special as we learned about its history. Still, almost a month after our visit, I find myself anxious to learn more about German history and their people.
The trip took an unexpected turn when we happened to run across an art show while searching for food. Jamie and I have a weakness for art. Not only do we love the look, but we love the fact that one day our home will be filled with such amazing culture from all over the world. Needless to say, we weren't there long before I had to make a run to the ATM machine.
Jamie and I met a young artist that printed panoramic photography on canvas board. One of his prints we found quite interesting as it showed a panoramic view of what appeared to be a metro stop. The walls were covered with graffiti and posters, giving the art piece a stereotypical Berlin feel. We not only bought the piece, but we had to visit the place where he took the photo. He shared with us the details and we journeyed to Tacheles, a place where squatters create art. I felt like we were entering a war zone as the artist said Tacheles is kind of "screwed" up (he didn't say screwed). Also, an individual whom we asked for directions asked us why we wanted to go there. It was fuel to the fire.
I could provide you with a history of Tacheles, but it would be a long write-up. Rather, I encourage you to check out You Tube videos on Tacheles as well as Wikipedia articles. For now, just know that Tacheles is a refuge for the poor to create and display their art. It is located in the Jewish community of Berlin and began days after the Berlin Wall fell down. It has become home to many squatters and has created a lot of positive and negative buzz for the city. The only negative we saw in Tacheles was in the people who viewed it as a negative to their city. Jamie and I thought it was amazing! It is edgy, it is sketchy, it is weird, it is smelly. There are so many ways to describe it, but the best is by simply saying it is one of the single greatest collections of pure art in the world. After all, a true artist is one that can make something out of nothing.
Jamie and I also bought a 3-piece portrait of the Berlin Wall. It is a unique print and we can't wait to display it in our home.
One final compliment I would like to give Berlin is that the people are great! We found Berliners to be very friendly and helping, which is not always consistent in Europe. Furthermore, I have not met a German yet who does not know fantastic English.
Thanks to the Berliners for welcoming Jamie, Chuck, Queenie & myself with open arms. We will be back!
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