BERLIN TOOUCHED MY HEART..

this is the Berlin wall
since i was in grade school, i was always fascinated about Berlin, its past glory as imperial capital of prussia, world war 2 images, the Kristal nights, pogroms of Jews, burning of Reichstag's, Tempehof, berlinblockade, airlift, 4 powers,
i never thought i could take home a chip of the Berlin wall in 1996.

here we stayed at Forum hotel alexanderplatz, in the eastern section of the city, when we were at Berlin i is 6 years after unification, i could still feel the gloomy side of the east and the glamor the American sector

Berlin is the capital city and one of sixteen states of Germany. With a population of 3.4 million within its city limits, Berlin is Germany's largest city. It is the second most populous city and the eighth most populous urban area in the European Union.[2] Located in northeastern Germany, it is the center of the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan area, comprising 5 million people from over 190 nations.[3]

First documented in the thirteenth century, Berlin was successively the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia (1701–1918), the German Empire (1871–1918), the Weimar Republic (1919–1933) and the Third Reich (1933–1945).[4] After World War II, the city was divided; East Berlin became the capital of East Germany while West Berlin became a Western exclave, surrounded by the Berlin Wall (1961–1989).[5] Following German reunification in 1990, the city regained its status as the capital of all Germany hosting 147 foreign embassies.[6][7]

Berlin is a major center of culture, politics, media, and science in Europe.[8][9] Its economy is primarily based on the service sector, encompassing a diverse range of creative industries, media corporations, environmental services, congress and convention venues. The city serves as a continental hub for air and rail transport,[10][11] and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the EU.[12] Other industries include traffic engineering, optoelectronics, IT, pharmaceuticals, biomedical engineering, and biotechnology.

The metropolis is home to world-renowned universities, research institutes, sporting events, orchestras, museums and personalities.[13] Berlin's urban landscape and historical legacy has made it a popular setting for international film productions.[14] The city is recognized for its festivals, diverse architecture, nightlife, contemporary arts, extensive public transportation networks and a high quality of living.[15] Berlin has evolved into a global focal point for young individuals and artists attracted by a liberal lifestyle and modern zeitgeist.[16]