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