If you ever were curious or fascinated about controversial, violent yet inspiring history of 20th century (which I am), then Berlin is the most important city for you to visit during your lifetime. At least once, at least for a couple of days - do it. I’ll even be bold and claim that only in Berlin one could see such concentration of physical “reminiscences” that defined our lifes, speaking on behalf of 21st century people. Two World Wars, Cold War and economical/political events that came after - Berlin is the focal point of if not all, then most of those events.

Here is my story of traveling to the capital of Germany.

Working for some time in Germany was always a “wet dream” in my list. After living all my life in Russia and then spending more than 5 years in Canada I had a taste of both parts of the world. Both of them had their pluses and obvious minuses, from either cultural, political or economical perspective. But let’s get our focus back to the Germany - it is THE heart of Europe. The “Western Europe”, I’d rather say. Going from the after-war turmoil for over a half of a decade and then getting to the non-stop growth with dazzling achivements in society, politics and economy - that’s how I looked up at Germany when I was studying it’s recent past.

And oh-boy Berlin delivered. Not everywhere and not in each aspect, but we will talk about it. I’ve arrived in Berlin right before the New Year’s time together with my family. We had magnificent time spent together - local historical sights, local food, and ofcourse well-known German beer. Did you know that Germany has actual beer recipe controlling laws? And they also sell it in glass bottles only? City has well-encorporated infastructure for residents and tourists of all kind. Whether you prefer walking, public transport or getting around in a car - you won’t be blocked and the view is quite nice. Depends on the area, sure, but nothing too drastic.

In Berlin you see how history and monumentalism lives quite well in conjunction with everyday life of 21st century. One day you go to work in an office, then having a lunch somewhere near significant historical building, grabbing beers in the one of the super-old (like 200 years old!) local brewery and finishing off your Friday’s night at local club with raving music. I just adore such possibilities of mix-and-match when you schedule your day.

After me and my family parted ways I had a month of remote work from Berlin ahead of me. I booked an AirBNB room near grotesque Karl Marx Street, which was quite spacious and cozy for a single person. Getting food, any supplies and going around a city was not a problem at all. Subway just nearby, food store and pharmacy just around the corner, just need to walk for 5 minutes or so. I’ve never felt “stuck” in a middle of nowhere, no need for car or taxi. Get a load of that, America!

However, when working from my laptop throughout days the real German problems became surfacing - during winter it is bloody cold inside! The local heating is not doing great and I’m not too sure about reasons why, but something is wrong with the heating and energy supply, as people confirmed, throughout the entire country!

Overall, the trip to Berlin was a success - I got my US visa, my experience of living in Germany and a load of good memories and moments. I’ve even met with a brother of my good friend, who had to relocate to Germany due to war in Ukraine.

I really wish that the example of Germany and Berlin in particular will be looked at and teach all of us about how a place that once was the heart of turmoil, war and something hellish became one of the beacons of liberty, common sense and a good life!