Erfurt, DE -- The city of Berlin has such a rich history dating back to as early as 1183, however the period I, and most Americans, am most familiar with was the 20th century. During this century Berlin saw two World Wars, political unrest, and a complete separation of the city during the Cold War. However, through this tumultuous history Berlin has become the hub for diverse culture and tourism, which is an atmosphere much different than Erfurt. Although the small city of Erfurt has become the closest thing to home here in Germany, the promise of a large bustling city was intoxicating. So naturally when I realized the time to visit Berlin had finally arrived I was very excited.
When we arrived in Berlin it was dreary and cold, a fitting atmosphere for the painful history the city had seen. At the bus station hundreds of people were rushing around and speaking different languages. Unlike Erfurt, Berlin is so full of tourists that almost everyone I interacted with immediately switched to English or initiated the conversation in English. Many of the people in Erfurt are German-born, if not Erfurt-born, and they are established in their ways, which doesn’t always include American tourists blundering their way through daily German life. While Berlin is not the first place in Europe I have visited where English was easily accepted as a form of communication, it was however, the first time in Germany that the communication accommodation occurred without some strife from my counterpart.
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An authentic Berlin
currywurst, mit pommes. |
In addition to the language accommodation there were also so many people in Berlin--far more than in Erfurt. While tourism definitely increased the number of individuals I saw during my trip there were also many people just commuting, working, eating, and living in Berlin, and many of these people were young adults. From a historical perspective, Berlin has been the center of artistic expression and underground movements like punk as well as the location of asylum for many immigrants since the 1960s. More recently Berlin has continued to be a city fueled by young people with German students coming to Berlin for university and jobs claiming it one of the most appealing cities for young people. This was still shocking because despite living 10 minutes from the Universität Erfurt there are very few young people in Erfurt.
Another distinction I made between Erfurt and Berlin, and even east and west Berlin, while exploring the city was the age of the buildings. Much of Berlin suffered serious damage after the Second World War and while many buildings were restored to match their original architecture other portions of the city are completely modern. In Erfurt there are far more buildings that have been standing for hundreds of years and there are many that only suffered minimal damage during the war. There is also a divide in the buildings of the former east and west sides of Berlin. Unlike Allied occupied West Berlin, East Berlin did not see as much repair after the war due to a poor economy in the DDR because of this there are buildings in the former East Berlin are marred with bullet holes and other damage.
The final thing that struck me as different was the culture of Berlin. In a lot of ways Berlin reminded me of New York City--crammed with tourists, eclectic styles, and construction. Unlike Erfurt there were many more modern stores, nightclubs, and restaurants, and these establishments were open later than 20:00. Again the influence of tourism may play a role in the modernization of the city, but the city itself was also so diverse both in people and sights. From the currywurst to the spikey-haired strangers sitting on the road with a “help punk get drunk” sign, Berlin was full of so many adventures, and though the trip had some hiccups it was an experience I will never forget.
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