| It is difficult to think of a modern | | | | culturally eclectic celebration is Berlin's |
| industrialized city that has been through | | | | renowned Love Parade. Initiated with a mere |
| quite as much upheaval and stress in recent | | | | 150 people in 1989 as a display of love, |
| times as Berlin. The German capital has been | | | | tolerance and an homage to electronic music, |
| undergoing a massive reunification effort and | | | | this gargantuan festival of DJs and dancers |
| cultural explosion since 1989 that has held | | | | aboard competitive floats makes its journey |
| an awe-inspired and utterly captivated | | | | down Berlin's Gro�en Stern to finally |
| audience of visitors since then. No other | | | | gather at the Victory Column where the party |
| city offers such an intimate understanding of | | | | ensues into the night. |
| the complexities and atrocities of world war | | | | |
| than once-divided Berlin. | | | | A History Not Forgotten |
| | | | |
| Despite the destruction of the Berlin Wall in | | | | Despite the exemplary movement forward by the |
| 1989, East and West Berlin are still two very | | | | citizens, including an affinity for |
| distinct regions. A stroll through Berlin's | | | | nightlife, Berliners make a special point to |
| charming streets is the best way to | | | | capture and embrace their harsh (and ancient) |
| experience the time warp from which many | | | | history. The J�disches Museum is the |
| parts of the city are slowly emerging. Berlin | | | | largest Jewish history museum in Europe.; The |
| Mitte is the central region, offering the | | | | museum not only covers the victimization of |
| most restaurants, shopping and attractions. | | | | Jews in German history, but largely |
| Everywhere in Berlin, visitors are surprised | | | | celebrates their contributions to German |
| by the expanse of green, beautiful spaces and | | | | society, art, science and technology. The |
| parkland. | | | | museum itself, designed by Daniel Libeskind, |
| | | | is a stunning example of modern minimalism. |
| Society of Expression and Celebration | | | | Also, be sure to visit the Checkpoint Charlie |
| | | | Museum, which documents the historical |
| Berlin's Cold War generation has flowered | | | | significance of the Checkpoint Tower that was |
| from suppressed beginnings into a flourishing | | | | used to patrol the �no man's land� |
| world of creative expression. A cutting-edge | | | | of the Berlin Wall between the east and west. |
| culture has boomed onto the international | | | | The museum also offers an interesting |
| stage in the form of festivals and | | | | collection of stories from escapees and those |
| celebrations after 50 years of silence. As | | | | who helped them across the border. For a more |
| the summer season wanes, Berlin hosts the | | | | extensive history, visit the Berlin |
| annual Art Forum Berlin in September and | | | | Historical Museum, which covers Berlin's |
| October, which showcases trendsetting and | | | | modest beginnings as two farm towns |
| fresh contemporary art from all over the | | | | straddling a river up to modern day with a |
| world, including Australia, Latin America and | | | | special exhibit on 20th century portraits. |
| the USA. Attendees may also participate in | | | | |
| seminars and workshops focused on the art of | | | | Traveling the Berlin of today is a journey |
| tomorrow. The Berlin International Film | | | | through time unparalleled by any other |
| Festival (Berlinale), held in February, | | | | European city. Witness the remarkable |
| rivals its Italian and French competitors | | | | hardiness and overflowing spirit of a city |
| with acclaimed submissions and coveted | | | | that is growing, changing and unifying right |
| awards. The most massively unifying and | | | | before your very eyes! |