#Potsdam Square

[sigalrm]

Berlinale-Bär by Pascal Volk

[newyorkthegoldenage]

Servicemen in Times Square happily reading the extra editions announcing that Japan's Domei News Agency had reported that Japan was ready to accept unconditional surrender under the Potsdam conference terms if Emperor Hirohito could retain his prerogatives, August 10, 1945. The surrender didn't actually happen until a few days later.

Photo: Harry Harris for the AP

[thepastisalreadywritten]

On 6 August 1945, during World War II (1939-45), an American B-29 bomber dropped the world’s first deployed atomic bomb over the Japanese city of Hiroshima.

The explosion immediately killed an estimated 80,000 people; tens of thousands more would later die of radiation exposure.

Three days later, a second B-29 dropped another A-bomb on Nagasaki, killing an estimated 40,000 people.

Japan’s Emperor Hirohito announced his country’s unconditional surrender in World War II in a radio address on August 15, citing the devastating power of “a new and most cruel bomb.”

The Manhattan Project

Even before the outbreak of war in 1939, a group of American scientists — many of them refugees from fascist regimes in Europe — became concerned with nuclear weapons research being conducted in Nazi Germany.

In 1940, the U.S. government began funding its own atomic weapons development program, which came under the joint responsibility of the Office of Scientific Research and Development and the War Department after the U.S. entry into World War II.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was tasked with spearheading the construction of the vast facilities necessary for the top-secret program, codenamed “The Manhattan Project” (for the engineering corps’ Manhattan district).

Over the next several years, the program’s scientists worked on producing the key materials for nuclear fission — uranium-235 and plutonium (Pu-239).

They sent them to Los Alamos, New Mexico, where a team led by J. Robert Oppenheimer worked to turn these materials into a workable atomic bomb.

Early on the morning of 16 July 1945, the Manhattan Project held its first successful test of an atomic device — a plutonium bomb — at the Trinity test site at Alamogordo, New Mexico.

No Surrender for the Japanese

By the time of the Trinity test, the Allied powers had already defeated Germany in Europe.

Japan, however, vowed to fight to the bitter end in the Pacific, despite clear indications (as early as 1944) that they had little chance of winning.

In fact, between mid-April 1945 (when President Harry Truman took office) and mid-July, Japanese forces inflicted Allied casualties totaling nearly half those suffered in three full years of war in the Pacific, proving that Japan had become even more deadly when faced with defeat.

In late July, Japan’s militarist government rejected the Allied demand for surrender put forth in the Potsdam Declaration, which threatened the Japanese with “prompt and utter destruction�� if they refused.

General Douglas MacArthur and other top military commanders favored continuing the conventional bombing of Japan already in effect and following up with a massive invasion, codenamed “Operation Downfall.”

They advised Truman that such an invasion would result in U.S. casualties of up to 1 million.

In order to avoid such a high casualty rate, Truman decided – over the moral reservations of Secretary of War Henry Stimson, General Dwight Eisenhower and a number of the Manhattan Project scientists – to use the atomic bomb in the hopes of bringing the war to a quick end.

Proponents of the A-bomb — such as James Byrnes, Truman’s secretary of state — believed that its devastating power would not only end the war but also put the U.S. in a dominant position to determine the course of the postwar world.

'Little Boy' and 'Fat Man' Are Dropped

Hiroshima, a manufacturing center of some 350,000 people located about 500 miles from Tokyo, was selected as the first target.

After arriving at the U.S. base on the Pacific island of Tinian, the more than 9,000-pound uranium-235 bomb was loaded aboard a modified B-29 bomber christened Enola Gay (after the mother of its pilot, Colonel Paul Tibbets).

The plane dropped the bomb — known as “Little Boy” — by parachute at 8:15 in the morning.

It exploded 2,000 feet above Hiroshima in a blast equal to 12-15,000 tons of TNT, destroying five square miles of the city.

Hiroshima’s devastation failed to elicit immediate Japanese surrender, however, and on August 9, Major Charles Sweeney flew another B-29 bomber, Bockscar, from Tinian.

Thick clouds over the primary target, the city of Kokura, drove Sweeney to a secondary target, Nagasaki, where the plutonium bomb “Fat Man” was dropped at 11:02 that morning.

More powerful than the one used at Hiroshima, the bomb weighed nearly 10,000 pounds and was built to produce a 22-kiloton blast.

The topography of Nagasaki, which was nestled in narrow valleys between mountains, reduced the bomb’s effect, limiting the destruction to 2.6 square miles.

Aftermath of the Bombing

At noon on 15 August 1945 (Japanese time), Emperor Hirohito announced his country’s surrender in a radio broadcast.

The news spread quickly.

“Victory in Japan” or “V-J Day” celebrations broke out across the United States and other Allied nations.

The formal surrender agreement was signed on September 2, aboard the U.S. battleship Missouri, anchored in Tokyo Bay.

Because of the extent of the devastation and chaos — including the fact that much of the two cities' infrastructure was wiped out — exact death tolls from the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki remain unknown.

However, it's estimated roughly 70,000 to 135,000 people died in Hiroshima and 60,000 to 80,000 people died in Nagasaki, both from acute exposure to the blasts and from long-term side effects of radiation.

[stillnaomi]

In 1917, during WW1:

The most outstanding representative of this trend [true internationalists] in Germany is the Spartacus group or the Internationale group, to which Karl Liebknecht belongs. Karl Liebknecht is a most celebrated representative of this trend and of the new, and genuine, proletarian International.

Karl Liebknecht called upon the workers and soldiers of Germany to turn their guns against their own government. Karl Liebknecht did that openly from the rostrum of parliament (the Reichstag). He then went to a demonstration in Potsdamer Platz, one of the largest public squares in Berlin, with illegally printed leaflets proclaiming the slogan “Down with the Government!” He was arrested and sentenced to hard labour. He is now serving his term in a German convict prison, like hundreds, if not thousands, of other true German socialists who have been imprisoned for their anti-war activities.

The Tasks of the Proletariat in Our Revolution by Lenin

the enemy is at home, even when "your" country is at war with other capitalist powers. even when those powers invade "your" country or threaten to. you are a proletarian and your enemy is the bourgeoisie and its allies

[itsyveinthesky]

A few more cherry blossom pics.

These shoot took place at the TV Asahi Kirschblütenallee in Teltow, Brandenburg at the border to Berlin.

Among the Japanese population, the end of the German division was received with great interest. The TV station TV Asahi therefore called on its viewers to participate in a fundraising campaign. The goal was to raise money for the planting of Japanese flowering cherries. These trees are intended to bring "peace and tranquility to people's hearts." The donation fund collected more than 140 million yen (the equivalent of about one million euros), which was used to finance the trees.

The trees were planted in Berlin and Brandenburg at places that played a special role during the division of Germany. For example, the first trees were planted at the Glienicke Bridge between Berlin and Potsdam.  The last trees were handed over to the public on November 9, 2010, in the presence of the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit, at the Square of November 9, 1989, at the former Bornholmer Strasse border crossing.

The Sakura campaign planted 10,000 Japanese cherries in Berlin and Brandenburg between 1990 and 2010.

[underthewingsofthblackeagle]

Foto: Panorama Helsinki / Finland - Cathedral and Place of the Parliament (by   tap5a)

“We only do this for Fergus!”  is a short Outlander Fan Fiction story and my contribution to the  Outlander Prompt Exchange (Prompt 3: Fake Relationship AU: Jamie Fraser  wants to formally adopt his foster son Fergus, but his application will  probably not be approved… unless he is married and/or in a committed  relationship. Enter one Claire Elizabeth Beauchamp (Randall?) to this  story) @outlanderpromptexchange  

Chapter 18: Visit to the Wartburg (III)

         Now the castle guide led the small group into the Pallas and explained that it originally came from the middle of the 12th century. Dendrochronological examinations had shown that the beams of the basement could be dated to 1157/1158. When Mr Klaußner tried to explain what "dendrochronological examinations" were, Fergus beat him to it: "That is the study of the age of trees. You examine the wood of houses or furniture and then you can find out how old they are."           "Exactly!" replied Klaußner and continued with praise, "You sure know your stuff, Fergus!"          Jamie and Claire gave each other another knowing look, then Jamie said, "History is his hobby. We live in Potsdam and there ... you can find historical buildings, monuments... and castles, knights, princesses are of course particularly exciting. But Fergus is also interested in how to find out about all these things ..." Klaußner nodded in agreement, then pointed again to the Pallas and explained that the exterior showed borrowings from Roman palace buildings. The palace of the Wartburg is the only princely palace that has survived from that period of architecture. In the years from 1847 to 1870, it was comprehensively restored by order of Grand Duke Carl Alexander of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, who had recognised the importance of the building.

Pallas * Picture by Metilsteiner - Eigenes Werk, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10368103

         The small group now entered the lowest of the three floors, the partial basement in the south of the castle. There they first went into the former armoury and then into the former horse stables. Via a stone staircase in the middle of the building, they reached the ground floor of the palace. Fergus, who was following Mr Klaußner on foot, could no longer escape his amazement when they then entered the square knights' hall. Claire watched him and thought that you could literally see what images were playing in his mind's eye. She was sure he saw knights in their armour and beautiful princesses embroidering or playing music. Then they reached the so-called dining room, but this they only passed through. When shortly afterwards they entered the bower of St Elizabeth, Fergus' eyes widened again. For the room had been completely relined with glass mosaics in the neo-Byzantine style by order and at the expense of Emperor Wilhelm II between 1902 and 1906 and transported the visitors into a fairytale world.

Elisabethenkemenate - Ceiling - Picture by Vera Belka - Eigenes Werk, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73234203

Elisabethenkemenate - Ceiling, fireplace and interior - Picture by Von Holger Uwe Schmitt - Eigenes Werk, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75603013          "The bower," said Klaußner, "has demonstrably borne the name Elisabethenkemenate since 1669. At the centre of the mosaic from the 20th century is the so-called Elisabeth cycle with nine depictions from the life of St. Elisabeth. The depictions also illustrate the descent of the House of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach from the family of the Landgraves of Thuringia."          Fergus could hardly get enough of it and Jamie and Claire were also impressed by the room's mosaics. But at some point they also had to leave this fairytale room. Fergus, it was clear, would have liked to stay longer. They climbed a staircase to the second floor and entered the castle's own chapel. The castle guide mentioned that, according to legend, Martin Luther had also preached here, but that this could not yet be historically confirmed. The Singers' Hall adjoined the chapel. Klaußner referred to the frescoes executed by Moritz von Schwinds and explained that these took up the legend of the Singers' War.

Singers' Hall on the 1st floor of Pallas. The singers' arbour.* Picture by Jörg Blobelt - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=116834397

         "Singers' war?" asked Fergus in amazement, "What is that? Why do singers fight in wars?"          The castle guide smiled, "The Singers' War, also called the Wartburg War, was a contest between minnesingers, It is said to have taken place at Wartburg Castle in 1207. Do you know, Fergus, what minstrels were?"

         The boy nodded, then said, "They were men like these today ... they sing schmaltz like that."          Again Jamie and Claire had to pull themselves together not to laugh out loud.          "Exactly," replied Klaußner, who was also visibly trying not to laugh. And these ... crooners have fought a contest here at the Wartburg. We are told about this contest in a large collection of poems. We have various medieval writings about it. But since the Middle Ages it has also been disputed whether this contest was a mere legend or an actual event. Thuringian historians such as Dietrich von Apolda and Johannes Rothe from the 14th and 15th centuries respectively assumed that the poems referred to an actual historical event. It was not until the 19th century that Johann Rinne claimed that the events never took place. The poems of the Singer's War form an important collection of Middle High German literature and give us an important insight into the literary heyday at the court of Count Hermann I in the early 13th century. Both historical (Wolfram von Eschenbach and Walther von der Vogelweide) and fictional (Klingsor von Ungarn and Heinrich von Ofterdingen) minstrels are said to have taken part in the contest. We do not possess an original of the songs of the Wartburg War, but they have come down to us in various versions in the great song manuscripts of the late Middle Ages, the Codex Manesse, the Jenaer Liederhandschrift and the Kolmarer Liederhandschrift. In 1858 Karl Simrock translated and published a collection of these songs."

Singer´s hall in the Pallas of the Wartburg * Picture by Holger Uwe Schmitt - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75978574          "What are these poems about?" asked Fergus, who clearly still didn't have much of an idea of a singer's war.

         "Well, the oldest poems, dating from the 13th century, describe the prince's praise and the riddle game. The Fürstenlob was a contest between six singers: Heinrich von Ofterdingen, Walther von der Vogelweide, Biterolf, Reinmar von Zweter, Wolfram von Eschenbach and Heinrich Schreiber. The six singers were presented to the Count and Countess of Thuringia to determine who knew best how to sing the praises of a prince. Heinrich von Ofterdingen was the most eloquent, but attracted the envy of the other minstrels, who used a ruse to condemn him to death. But Heinrich received the protection of Countess Sophia and a one-year reprieve, during which he went to Hungary and asked the sorcerer Klingsor for help. According to the legend, Heinrich and Klingsor then returned to Thuringia to resume the contest. What happens next is told in the second poem, the so-called riddle play. In it, we are told of the poetic duel between Wolfram von Eschenbach and the Hungarian sorcerer Klingsor. Wolfram proved himself capable and eloquent, and when Klingsor tired, he summoned a spirit to continue the duel. When Wolfram began to sing of the Christian mysteries, the spirit was unable to respond. So Henry of Ofterdingen and Klingsor lost the duel. Many people found the story so exciting that it was adapted again and again in other texts or songs over many centuries. Today I guess you would call that a medieval form of fan fiction." "Fan fiction?" Fergu's face was one question.          "That's what it's called when people just keep writing or rewriting a story if they think the story or the main characters are great, in other words, they're 'fans'."

         Fergus nodded, but Claire could tell by the look on his face that more questions had sprung up in his mind. She - or Jamie - would have many a question to answer later in the day or on the drive back. Of that she was sure.          "There was re-writing and re-poetry on the Wartburg War right into the 15th century. The Lohengrin novel, which was later also set to music by Richard Wagner, is just one example of this."

         Mr Klaußner led the small group further and explained that the 13 romantic depictions they saw had been designed by Moritz von Schwinds in 1855. They saw images of the works of mercy of St. Elisabeth, the fairytale legends and miracles of the saints. In the Landgrave's Room, they then looked at paintings of the founding legend of Wartburg Castle and other legends connected with Thuringia.

The Elisabeth Gallery at Wartburg Castle * Picture by Holger Uwe Schmitt - Eigenes Werk, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=75570703

Wartburg Palas, frescoes by Schwind (cycle of paintings on Saint Elisabeth) - Louis the Saint takes leave of his wife Elisabeth, 1227 * Picture by Moritz von Schwind - Wartburgjahrbuch 6. Heft, Eisenach 1928, Die Schwindschen Wartburgfresken, Bildtafeln; (Reprint) Photographische Aufnahmen und Bearbeitung durch Carl Zeiß Jena, Lithographische Bearbeitung durch Albert Frisch Berlin W35, Faksimiledruck bei Frommansche Buchdruckerei Jena., Gemeinfrei, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38597486

         On the third floor, they were surprised once again when they entered the 40-metre-long banqueting hall. This had been added to the original structure later, after the Wartburg had become the residence of the Ludovingians. This large hall was used by the rulers of Thuringia as a place for festivities and meetings, and its furnishings were accordingly magnificent in the Middle Ages. Even then, three fireplaces heated the room and the richly decorated capitals are still supported by columns made of polished sintered limestone, a material that formed in the Roman water pipes and was considered a particularly precious material. The castle guide told us that today the hall was used for numerous concerts and other events."

Wartburg banqueting hall by Vera Belka - Eigenes Werk, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73263449

Wartburg banqueting hall * Picture by J.-H. Janßen - Eigenes Werk, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51083578 (You see the described benches on the right and left walls.)

         Then Klaußner pointed to the walls and the gable construction. Claire, Jamie and Fergus raised their heads and looked at the landgrave ancestors and the wooden sculptures on the east side, which depicted the triumph of Christianity over paganism. Then they stopped at a wooden bench richly decorated with carvings. On it they saw eagles, lions, dragons, snakes, dogs and even squirrels and lizards. There was also a dog, and it was a dachshund."

         Fergus looked at the animal and looked questioningly at Klaußner.

         "Yes, yes, dachshunds have been faithful companions of humans for a very long time. The first written evidence of the breeding of Dachshunds dates back to the 16th century. But the precursors of our present-day dachshunds go back to the 2nd century and can be found among the Celts. The dog was even said to be able to heal wounds with its tongue. The fact that a wild cat appears on the second side rest was surely the intention of the carver, for as the saying goes, ''To be like a dog and a cat'' As with the large wooden sculptures, the symbolism in the smaller depictions and carvings was taken from manuscripts in which actual and mythological animals had been described and their characteristics interpreted in Christian terms."

         Fergus was intrigued and reached out to touch one of the dogs depicted, but then withdrew it.

          "Don't worry, Fergus, you can touch the bench. Just be gentle with it," Klaußner encouraged him.          The boy smiled at him, then his fingers gently stroked the figures depicted. He remained standing by the bench as Claire and Jamie slowly walked on with Klaußner. The latter took the opportunity to address 'the couple' Fraser in admiration:

         "Your son is really a special child," said the castle guide, "So interested and thoughtful. That is really quite remarkable for a child his age."          Klaußner's words touched a special side of Jamie's heart. He couldn't help himself, put his arm around Claire and with a face beaming with pride, said in a whisper:

         "Fergus is an orphan and has no relatives left. I met him during a stay in France and took over his foster care. He is a wonderful child. From time to time he is as cheeky as a little fox or raccoon, but that is nothing special at this age. We realised early on that he is interested in many things and we encourage his thirst for knowledge as best we can. We want to give him the best possible foundations for the rest of his life and we're also trying to adopt him."

         With his last sentences, Jamie had - consciously or unconsciously? - pulled Claire even closer to him and Claire, who in turn had put an arm around Jamie, had no problem snuggling into his embrace.          Klaußner smiled and said softly, "I wish you and also Fergus success in this with all my heart. This talented child should definitely encouraged to go for all he can archive."          Now Fergus rejoined them and the castle guide led them back to the exit of the hall. As they looked back once more, he said:

         "In its long history, this room has witnessed a multitude of significant events. In 1817, more than 500 students from various fraternities gathered here and demanded that the ruling German princes create a united Germany. The gathering has gone down in history as the Wartburg Festival and even then the students carried a black, red and gold flag, which is our national flag again today. But when the students gathered here, the room was by no means as splendid as it had been in the time of the landgraves. The centuries had taken their toll on it. But just fifty years later, the simple, flat-roofed room had become the representative banqueting hall of the Wartburg that we see today. The composer Franz Liszt then performed his oratorio 'The Legend of Saint Elisabeth' here to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the foundation of the castle. So, now let's go to the last section of the castle and then finish the tour."

Flag of the Original Fraternity (1816) * Picture by Wolfgang Sauber - Eigenes Werk, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51794131

         The small group followed the castle guide until they finally came through the western gallery, the Margarethengang, to the Vogtei. There Klaußner led them into the well-known Luther Room.          Here they stood in the room where the reformer Martin Luther, under the name 'Junker Jörg', had found shelter from his enemies and persecutors from 4 May 1521 to 1 March 1522.          What happened in this chamber, according to Klaußner, changed Germany more than wars and other deeds of powerful princes. During the time he spent in this chamber, Luther translated the New Testament of the Bible from Greek into German. In only eleven weeks, he wrote down a translation that soon found a ready market. He used a language that people understood. Klaußner explained that there had already been some Bible translations into German before Luther. But Luther had a special talent that enabled him to translate the Bible not only accurately but also understandably. Luther later said that he had 'looked the people in the mouth'. The printing press, which had been invented a few years earlier, helped to spread the work and make Martin Luther known. His work was to have a great impact on the German language. It unified it and made it a means by which the different regions of German-speaking people understood each other better. To this day, Luther's translation of the Bible continues to shape the German language as we speak it today. The Reformer initiated phrases such as 'casting pearls before swine', 'a book with seven seals', 'gritting one's teeth', 'blurting something out', 'groping in the dark', 'one heart and one soul', 'building on sand', 'wolf in sheep's clothing' and 'the great unknown', which we still often use today. He also invented the word 'mystery', which did not exist until then.          But Martin Luther was not first concerned with language, but with a new understanding of a truly Christian life. He was born in Eisleben in 1483, entered a monastery in Erfurt as a monk and eventually became a professor of theology. He suffered for a long time from his conscience and from the question of whether God could love him. By studying the Bible, especially by reading the letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Romans, he realised: a person lives by God's grace alone, by God's love, which wants to forgive and help him. His faith is also a gift from God. It should not be guided by human teachings, but by the Word of God. That is why Luther also fought the sale of indulgences in his writings, which was very widespread at the time. According to the doctrine of indulgences, a person only went to heaven after death if he had bought a remission of his sin penalties on earth in exchange for money and prayers. But according to Luther, not a single word about this was found in the Bible. Neither Jesus Christ nor his apostles had taught such a thing.          The posting of 95 theses, which Luther brought forward against these and other teachings of the Pope, at the Castle Church of Wittenberg on 31 October 1517 is considered the beginning of the Reformation. After Luther defended his teachings before Emperor Charles V and now faced persecution and his execution by powers loyal to the Pope and Emperor, he was hidden in Wartburg Castle by his sovereign, the Saxon Elector Frederick."

Luther Room at the Wartburg * Picture by Hans Weingartz - Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23236869

One of the origional exemplars of the September Testament, title page (Württemberg State Library, shelfmark: Bb deutsch 152201)

         Fergus nodded eagerly, then said, "Yes, that's what we heard at school and that's why I wanted to come here."          "I think that's very good, Fergus. You should always make up your own mind about things that interest you" said the castle guide, patting him on the back in praise.

         Claire and Jamie exchanged knowing glances when they saw the glow on Fergus' face.          Then Mr Klaußner led them back to the castle courtyard, where he addressed them once more:

         "Finally, I have a question for everyone: do you actually know where you are standing here? Well, you will say, yes, of course, in the courtyard of Wartburg Castle. That's right, but that's not all."          Then it shot out of Fergus: "We are standing here in the centre of the whole of Germany. Well, not exactly. The geographical centre is at a farm near Eisenach. That's 10 kilometres from the castle. But they declared Wartburg Castle to be the centre of Germany. That's what we learned at school."          The adults looked at the boy in amazement. Mr Klaußner was the first to recover his speech:

         "Exactly. Many tourists visit Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, which has also become an icon through its use by Disney World. But most of these people don't know that King Ludwig II built his castle on the model of Wartburg Castle. But most tourists who go to Bavaria don't know that King Ludwig II built his Neuschwanstein Castle as a kind of new Wartburg. There are countless echoes of this model in his castle. For example, there is a replica of the Singers' Hall in Neu Schwanstein.          But Neu Schwanstein was not chosen to be the center of Germany. The Wartburg was chosen, because the Wartburg is such' an important symbol for the unity of Germany. A Catholic saint lived here and the Protestant reformer. His translation of the Bible led to a unified language in the country and many centuries later the students here demanded the unification of all the German territories to one Germany under a black-red-gold flag, as it is still the symbol of our country today. We can be very grateful that our country has been one country again since despite its chequered and difficult history. And even though we may have many different opinions and speak different dialects, we all belong together, from the North Sea and the Baltic to the Alps and from the Rhine to the Oder and Neisse. Even if our ancestors may have come from another country. And together we can try anew every day to do the best for the good of all."          Fergus beamed. But then his stomach spoke up with a clearly audible growl.          "Well," said the castle guide, "I hear the young knight is hungry. Is it now perhaps time for a little meal at the gadem?"          Fergus nodded and looked to Fraser. The latter nodded to him as well and said:"Why don't you and Claire go ahead, Fergus, and reserve a table for us. I'll join you in a minute."          Claire, who had understood that Jamie still wanted to speak to Mr Klaußner, took Fergus' hand and said: "Come on Fergus, not that all the tables are suddenly taken. Let's get a good table. Goodbye and thank you, Mr Klaußner."          But Fergus made off once more, went to Herr Klaußner and shook hands with the castle guide:          "Thank you Herr Klaußner, I have learnt a lot from you today."          "I'm glad to hear that Fergus, keep up the investigative spirit!"            As he said goodbye to the castle guide, Claire grabbed his hand again and then pulled him away towards the Gadem. Jamie stayed behind with Mr Klaußner for a brief exchange of thoughts. Then he gave him his business card and also said goodbye.

[whereintheworldismack]

Today mom took the day off (it was Sunday) and we went back to Potsdam. Mom wanted to see the historic part of the city. That meant we got to ride in the car again. I think my seat back home may actually be bigger, but I can see mom easier in this car.

Our first stop was The Old Market Square, where we saw St Nicolas’ church. It was built in the 1830s but the dome was added in the 1840s. it does not look quite so much as a cube anymore. Another building in the square is the Old City Hall which among other things, was used as a jail for over 100 years. We also walked thru the City Palace and looked at the Gate of Fortune which is now part of the city Palace.

After that we walked to the St Peter and Paul which was built into the 1860s even though it was designed in the byzantine & Romanesque style.

Next we went to the Dutch quarter for lunch. The buildings were built in the mid 1700s to house artisans brought to the city as it was expanding. On our way to the Brandenburg gate we passed a pump that was like the ones we see on the streets of berlin – so mom had to take another picture – she is always taking pictures of pumps.

Our last stop was the Protestant church of peace. It was designed to look like an Italian medieval monastery. The tower was under renovation, so the pictures were not as impressive as mom had hoped they would be.

Our plan was to head to a park on an island in the river on our way back to the car. But I was so tired, we had to stop for a break on the way back. It must have been a long break, because we ended up going straight to the car and headed home. When we got home, I went straight to bed, I even skipped dinner – I am still sleeping, so I must have been really really tired.

[sadhu88]

The Personal Agenda I (Part 1)

Hello, all! I thought I'd share this with you. I have had a plan for my life since about the year 2006, which I developed after I graduated from Harvard University in 2005 (class of 2002). I used to call it The Plan then I called it The Agenda/The Agenda I, and now it is called The Personal Agenda I. So far, I have developed two Personal Agendas - The Personal Agenda I and The Personal Agenda II. I am actually immortal (I have the genes for it), even though I am trying to achieve immortality. In fact, all that talk of anti-aging and immortality you see out there? That's because of me. So, the personal agendas are what to do with my life. I'm not sure if I'll ever stop creating them. So far, the stuff to do in each agenda lasts a long time. The documents are not perfect. They are still a work in progress. But, I have refined them over and over again throughout the years, culimating in these masterpieces. Here is part one of The Personal Agenda I, for your viewing pleasure:

The Agenda 1

1)  Keep my benefits; Have my apartment at Midtown Apartments; live there until I make a move to Burlington, VT; do the following while living at Midtown Apartments:  give Bowdoin College $3 trillion; spend three weeks @: 

2750 Little Annie 2750 Little Annie Aspen, Colorado, 81611 United States

From <https://www.gifthero.com/items/a9aa8690-8cc9-4ad4-9c0a-5efae83d2410>

(buy and spend this time there); donate to all the world’s museums enough to keep them going during re-coded time (how much? $800 trillion each); give $500 million to PCS Music Friends; give $500 billion to World Medical Relief, donate $500 billion to The Africa-America Institute; donate $500 billion to Anera; go to https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/52288428?adults=1&category_tag=Tag%3A8661&children=0&infants=0&search_mode=flex_destinations_search&check_in=2023-01-15&check_out=2023-01-20&federated_search_id=2861a038-d552-4fd2-8183-205f336825d2&source_impression_id=p3_1683415977_V8O9VD1Y0nouODQ1 for two weeks and do the activities that accompany this AirBnB, kept by a Superhost; buy this property:  https://www.sothebysrealty.com/eng/sales/detail/180-l-2112-yrmqhc/ibiza-bi-07839 and set up staff houses for and get up and running and set up a centralized executive staff office to run this, as planned (see notes); buy this:  https://www.luxuryrealestate.com/residential/1804934#1 and set up staff houses for and get up and running (run through central, executive staff office); donateto the world’s businesses as much as I thihnk they need to survivethrive according to which businesses I think should survive re-coded time for the planet; it’s not like if I want to replace them with my own businesses or other people’s businesses, that I can’t trump them simply with the amount of money; move to Burlington, VT; do The Natural Hygiene Routine:  Terressentials shampoo for body wash

Terressentials shampoo and conditioner for shampoo/conditioner; buy 101 houses all over the world and staff with staff employed at local office spaces, with separate office space for a professional kitchen -- Seattle, Portland, Olympia, WA, Lake Tahoe, Berkeley, Marin County, Haight-Ashbury, L.A., La Jolla, Albuquerque, Aspen, Santa Fe, Miami, Asheville, NC; Dulles Square, Washington, D.C.; Georgetown, D.C., Middleburg, VA; Ithaca, NY; Russell, NY; Ogdensburg,

NY; Potsdam, NY; Canton, NY; NYC Greenwich Village; NYC Manhattan; Bisbee, Montana; Vancouver, Canada; Burlington, VT; Cambridge, MA Brattle Street; Boston, MA; Provincetown, MA;

Paris, France; Monaco; Southern France; Tuscan countryside, Italy; Ibiza, Spain; Barcelona, Spain; South

Africa; Chartres, France; Nogent-le-Rotrou, France; Berlin, Germany; Geneva, Switzerland; Black Forest,

Germany; Swiss Alps, Switzerland; Budapest; Dublin; Edinburgh; London; Wales; Buenos Aires; Costa

Rica; Brazil; Montreal, Canada; Ottawa, Canada; Acapulco, Mexico; Maui, Hawaii; Honolulu, Hawaii;

Mauritius; the Bahamas; Turks & Caicos; private island in The Carribean; private island in the Greek

Isles; Athens, Greece; Tokyo, Japan; Sydney, Australia; Melbourne, Australia; Auckland, NZ;

Queenstown, NZ; Hong Kong; Phuket, Thailand; Taipei, Taiwan; Vienna, Austria; Andorra; Prague;

Poland; Amsterdam, Sweden, Portugal, Moscow, Finland, the British Virgin Islands; the English

countryside; Chile; Panama, Uruguay, Peru, Croatia; Israel; the United Arab Emirates; the Hamptons; the

Phillipines; Malibu; Vail, CO; Kyoto, Japan; Brussels, Belgium, Provence, France; Bordeaux, France;

Loire Valley, France; castle in France; penthouse in Manhatttan; and a castle in the Irish countryside; get a passport from and citizenship with every country in the world through Tools for Freedom; get translators for each house, as needed... a staff of them for me when I’m there... have staff, otherwise, be bilingual (as needed; e.g. don’t need bilingual staff in Ireland); private jet – Boeing the best on the market for international travel – interior customized according to my specifications with all the amenities possible that want; hire aviation expert to take care of my private plane;do ayahuasca in Italy; do San Pedro in Peru; do iboga root in Costa Rica x 1; do magic mushrooms where legal x 1; smoke marijuana where legal x 1; smoke hash where legal x 1; eat pot and hash edibles where legal x 1; try natural DMT where legal x 1; smoke salvia divinorum -- check; drink kava kava in the South Pacific x 25;

take peyote where legal x 3; get a megayacht, biggest available and customized to my specifications; Design The big Houses in their entirety before building; after this, build all The Big Houses I plan to build, depending on how many amenities I can put on each property (I.e. -- not all of it? --> build it elsewhere); Buy all the yoga books on the market; Have a high-end wardrobe; Smoke two bowls of tobacco to recover from hunger (2/2 -- check) -- check; Smoke 500 bowls of tobacco to catch up on sleeping (400/500 -- check); Keep family heirlooms; keep a receipt file of all the info/receipt(s)/warranty info that a purchase comes with; eat 6 meals/day; try eating 6 feasts/day in Burlington x 2 days (just have the spread; have the feast; the point is the feast; I don’t have to eat or drink it all); actually, change all my 6 meals/day to feasts and leave most of it (fill up the table); drink all day long in Burlington 5x - alcohol optional; eat and drink all day long in Burlington 3x; feast (both food and drinks) all day long once in Burlington 3x; 100 tsp. Of Azomite mineral powder to catch up on sleep (21/100 -- check); provide 6 feasts a day, catered, for all my staff members’ meals while working (switch up the catering as staff gets sick of/have another staff prepare it/give restaurant food and drinks; this is for all my staff); feast all day long and all night for 3 days once can afford it at Midtown; smoke 300 bowls of marijuana to catch up on sleep (0/300 --check), 500 bowls of marijuana to catch up on exercise, 10,000 bowls of marijuana to catch up on meditation, 10,000 bowls of marijuana to catch up on food, 4 million bowls of marijuana to catch up on oxygen, 4 million bowls of marijuana to catch up on swimming, 5 million bowls of marijuana to catch up on de-stressing, and 4 million bowls of marijuana to catch up on mountain climbing; also, using a watch, canoeing, and paddling; basically everything -- total:  500 billion and 300 to catch up on psychedelics; use personalized Bics -- Che picture, Timothy Leary picture, Bob Marley picture, etc.; Pay for anti-virus software for my computers and run; make all my houses have communal spaces or, at least, houses with guest bedrooms and/or room for other people; have bungalows in locations where can have bungalows + to this plan -- explore amenities/ideas for; do some famous things online -- advertise my books and my playlists on social media, publish The Budget, The Plan, other documents?

Full-body lotion

Do the Dishes

Do Laundry

Make money online

Do The Schedule once totally through

Watch 5 movies

Watch 5 documentaries

Watch live TV for 5 hours

Surf Infowars

Listen to the radio for 5 hours

Read 100 books and mark as read in my notes

Make a list for keeping track of the books I’ve read and the movies I’ve seen and the documentaries I’ve seen

Watch 100 documentaries/movies on Gaia.com

Watch 5 full TV series on Gaia.com

Watch 5 full TV series

Watch 5 episodes of TV shows on Hulu

Watch 5 full sporting events -- boxing, U.F.C., other interesting sports

Do every leisure activity item 5x over

Catch up on my online video games

Shop for 25 hours

Do Habit Tracker completely for 1 day

Familiarize myself completely with my apps

Make 2 music playlists and share

Catch up on social media

Look at the latest trends

Look at what’s new in 2021, including new movies and documentaries and music

Check out the award show winners for the past 5 years

Look at the trends for 2021

Celebrate the pagan holidays for 2021 - check

Look up the remaining day celebrations and holidays for every country for 2021 - check

Look up the remaining day celebrations and holidays for every country for 2023

Surf White House, NY state, and North Country news

Surf international news

Research Che Guevara and look up his shopping stuff, and Crazy Horse, and Camilo Cienfuegos, and Timothy Leary

Go on Amazon for 5 hours

Go through my bookmarks for 5 hours

Look for a sleep diary app

Look for an eating diary app Keep a receipt file of all the info/receipt(s)/warranty info that a purchase comes with; eat 24 meals/day; feast for 20 days; eat 6 feasts/day for 6 days in Burlington; eat 10 feasts/day for 2 days in Burlington, 2 separate days apart from each other; eat all day long in Burlington 5x; use financial planning and financial advice and financial advisers and stock investing advisers and mutual fund advisers and have an accountant; drink all day long in Burlington 5x; eat and drink all day long in Burlington 3x; feast (both food and drinks) all day long once in Burlington 3x; eat and drink all day long like a party in Burlington 3x; throw a solo party and eat and drink all day long 3x in Burlington; feast all day long and all night for 3 days once can afford it at Midtown; smoke 3000 bowls of marijuana to catch up on sleep, 500 bowls of marijuana to catch up on exercise, 10,000 bowls of marijuana to catch up on meditation, 10,000 bowls of marijuana to catch up on food, and 5 million bowls of marijuana to catch up on de-stressing, and 4 million bowls of marijuana to catch up on oxygen, and 4 million bowls of marijuana to catch up on oxygen, and 4 million bowls of marijuana to catch up on swimming, and 4 million bowls of marijuana to catch up on mountain climbing; total:  300 million; also, using a watch, canoeing, and paddling; basically everything -- 500 billion -- and 300 to catch up on psychedelics (goes before in the list); get 2 private planes -- best; station a private plane in every “1st-world” country in the world; brush my teeth, use mouthwash, take a shower, floss my teeth, use feminine soap, and use a tongue scraper as desire; look up Orbi Analytics; look up places online to study and get degrees and take courses -- e.g. A.S.U. online; eat all day long; make Real Estate Options -- the product; use natural pens with eco-ink; use unbleached, biodynamic paper made from the best wood for paper-making; have an indoor and outdoor, oxygenated pool and indoor and outdoor hot tubs at each of my houses, as possible; do the rotational diet thing I designed:  The Carnivore Diet, The Wise Traditions Diet, etc.; move to the Burlington area and buy multiple houses in the area and an apartment and a loft and a log cabin in the woods and some land for forest bathing (?) w/ a fire pit/pagan circles and land with a private beach and room for rituals and pagan ceremonies and a fire pit; get all the premium, computer upgrades stuff

I hope you enjoyed this. This agenda is very long, so there will be many posts to follow!

[amselchen2]

almost winter @ Potsdam Square, Berlin by Marco Murata Via Flickr:

[edithhaimbergernotebook]

Cement and Sugar: Architecton & Architecture at the Berlin International Film Festival

At a lively press conference in Berlin on the morning of Monday, February 19, 2024, the makers of the documentary film Architecton faced questions from international media. Architecton is in competition for this year's Golden Bear award for best film.

Image: The Berlin International Film Festival's red carpet, at the Berlinale Palast, on February 17, 2024. Photograph by me. License: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DEED)

Architecton Itself

Viktor Kossakovsky's film explores the international popularity, but also the pitfalls, of concrete and its component cement as building materials.

These pitfalls were vividly evident when earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria one year ago, reducing buildings to rubble.

In contrast, according to publicity materials, the film takes the viewer to ancient sites like Baalbek that used techniques, for example of stonework, that are irreproducible in modern architecture.

These ancient buildings have lasted millennia, their craftsmanship sublime.

Image: Libanon, Baalbek: Tempel; Detailansicht Kapitell. Photographed by Annemarie Schwarzenbach (1908-1942) in the 1930s. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

What did ancient architects and construction workers know that we don't?

*

Evgueni Galperine composed the music for the film. The Leipzig & Berlin-based producer of documentary films Heino Deckert is the producer. Italian architect and designer Michele de Lucci is the main protagonist. All three were available for questions in the Berlinale Palast.

It is not only Deckert who has ties to Germany. Michele de Lucci may be well known for co-designing the Tolomeo lamp in the late 1980s for the Italian firm Artemide. But he has also done projects in Germany, like his interior designs for the Deutsche Bahn in the late 1990s.

In the end, Kossakovsky held forth the most in the group. Wearing a discreetly sized Berlinale pin, in the colours of Ukraine's flag, on a grey suit, he took the moderator's hints to keep his answers short smilingly.

He talked enthusiastically about living in Berlin a few years ago.

The Grounds of the Former Tempelhof Airport

Kossakovsky praised Berlin's former airfield Tempelhofer Feld as a refuge during his stay, which coincided with Covid lockdowns.

"It was amazing to see that in the middle of Europe, in the middle of Berlin, there is empty space. And knowing the history of this place, Berliners stood up and said: No, don't put any buildings, don't put any skyscrapers, don't put any shopping malls, don't put any fitness centres. Keep it alive. [...] It's a unique place — unique for everyone"

Pressure to build more housing is intense in Berlin's overheated real estate market. The city government is making motions to reopen the question of building apartment buildings on parts of the field.

"I know that behind every politician there are developers, construction people, and they probably will convince us. But please stay strong."

-Viktor Kossakovsky, Berlin film festival press conference on February 19, 2024

Potsdamer Platz

He also criticized the architecture at Potsdamer Platz.

Residential buildings from the pre-war years in Berlin generally reach 7 levels including the ground floor at most. The Brandenburg Gate and the buildings surrounding it are even lower.

So Potsdamer Platz's skyscrapers, built in feverish haste after Germany was reunified in 1989, are described by some Berliners as a misguided attempt to inject slivers of New York City into the landscape.

Kossakovsky described the square as empty "three hundred days a year" — except during the Berlinale in February and the Christmas market in November to December.

Image: Potsdamer Platz, looking down the building valley of Alte Potsdamer Straße, on October 22, 2023. Photograph by the author. All rights reserved.

Concrete as the Modern Go-To

Next, Kossakovsky addressed the Holocaust Memorial in the city centre of Berlin. Stelae (blocks) built of concrete on an undulating ground, construction was finished in 2004. Not yet 20 years later, a large part of it is now crumbling, surrounded by metal security fencing that is an eyesore.

To the film director, in antithesis to the expected role of a memorial to last a long time, the Holocaust memorial exemplifies the short lifespan of modern concrete.

The ancient Romans made concrete in durable materials and techniques that were finally understood in 2017 and 2023 respectively. But the current lifespan of concrete is more like 80 years, he argues.

Fact Check? A construction draughtsman whom this author asked for comment took a different perspective. 40 years may be the standard estimate of durability for concrete (and incidentally also brick) buildings in German planning. But buildings will not inevitably crumble at that point. The draughtsman made the analogy that these estimates are like setting a best-before date for salt. If salt is adulterated with other substances that spoil quickly, a best-before date will make sense. But it's not fair to assume that salt will be adulterated. If modern concrete is properly poured and maintained, it could last for a thousand years.

At the same time, Viktor Kossakovsky sees Berlin's architectural landscape as a paradigm for the future of architecture around the world.

Berlin's hastily built residential buildings of the 1950s and 60s, which he characterized as sometimes "ugly," nevertheless reflected a serious purpose: the urgent need to shelter the city's population after the last weeks of World War II left the landscape shattered.

As real estate development is not keeping pace with the projected growth of the world's population, it is likely that around the world we will see much more ad hoc planning. A mixture of "beautiful" and "ugly" areas, like the mixture in Berlin, will become common.

'Harm Architecture'

But, looking beyond Berlin entirely to the world at large, not all shoddy constructions are the result of desperation.

In the last question of the press conference, a reporter asked why the documentary film had failed to name classism and colonialism as the root causes of architecture that harms or even kills residents.

Kossakovsky insisted that the root cause of 'harm architecture' is broader: the human urge to kill. Cannibalism may have finally disappeared this century, a step forward for humanity: but the slaughter of animals, fish, and fellow humans persists.

Message of the Film

The film director may have spoken dismissively of cement and concrete as the foundation of an "insane pandemic of boring architecture."

But the problems go beyond aesthetics and even longevity or quality. The environmental footprint of these building materials is colossal.

Jonathan Watts wrote for the Guardian five years ago that "All the plastic produced over the past 60 years amounts to 8bn tonnes. The cement industry pumps out more than that every two years."

He added, "Concrete is a thirsty behemoth, sucking up almost a 10th of the world’s industrial water use."

Each year, more than 4 billion tonnes of cement are produced, accounting for around 8 per cent of global CO2 emissions.

-Johanna Lehne and Felix Preston in the Executive Summary, "Making Concrete Change: Innovation in Low-carbon Cement and Concrete." Chatham House, 2018. Link (pdf)

Concrete cannot be the answer, as a building material, to housing the world's population of billions.

To end with the words of Viktor Kassakovsky:

"We have to face reality: sugar, cement — they are two drugs of our century."

===

Three Berlinale screenings of Architecton have sold out, but as of midnight on February 20, tickets were still available for 9:15 a.m. on February 21. The film is 98 minutes long.

The first 7 ratings are in on IMDb, for a score of 7.0.

Press conference in full: Berlinale Live 2024: Press Conference "Architecton"

Due diligence/disclaimer: I have not watched the film itself before writing this post.

The post has been amended on March 11, 2024, to reflect that the fencing around Berlin's Holocaust memorial is not a construction fence.

[sigalrm]

The Playce - EG by Pascal Volk

[michaelcosio]

Young Nazis - Fight In Street (1938)

Unused / unissued material - no paperwork - dates unclear or unknown

Germany.

Young nazi boys - Hitler Youth - march along a road singing a song and carrying packs.

CU road sign "Strausberg - Kreis Oberbarnim . Reg-Bez. Potsdam."

The marching boys break into double time and jog along the road.

The boys run across a town square.

Two groups of boys - all in uniform - play a game which involves pushing their way through the ranks of their opposing team. Its obviously meant to build up aggression.

Dupe Neg in UN 56 S FILM ID:564.1

[mysticcollector-things]

TOP 5 Places to Stay in Berlin

Berlin, the capital of Germany, is known for its rich history, contemporary art and picturesque parks. This city offers many unique places for recreation and entertainment. Let's dive into the world of the best places to stay in this unique city. Check out our guides at the https://guides2travel.com/ for more info.

Brandenburg Gate

The Brandenburg Gate is not just an architectural marvel, but also a symbol of unity and peace. Built in the 18th century, they have survived many historical events, witnessing both tragic and joyful moments in German history. This place is ideal for history and architecture lovers.

Around the gate there are many cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy traditional German cuisine or just drink a cup of coffee while admiring the historical monument. In the evening, the gates are illuminated, creating an incredibly beautiful and romantic atmosphere.

Museum Island

Museum Island is a unique collection of world museums located in the heart of Berlin. There's something for everyone here, from Ancient Egypt in the New Museum to European painting in the Old National Gallery. Museum Island is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, indicating its unique cultural value.

As you walk around the island, you can also enjoy views of the Spree River and the architecture of the surrounding buildings. This destination is ideal for art and history lovers, as well as those seeking tranquility and inspiration among cultural treasures.

Tiergarten Park

Tiergarten Park is the green heart of Berlin and an ideal place for relaxation and nature walks. Here you can have a picnic, ride a bike or just stroll along the picturesque alleys. The park is known for its ancient trees, ponds and green lawns, creating a sense of privacy among the bustle of the city.

Tiergarten is also home to the Berlin Zoological Garden, one of the oldest and most diverse zoos in the world. A visit to the zoo is a great idea for a family vacation or just for those who love animals.

Potsdamer Platz

Potsdamer Platz is a modern and dynamic place, famous for its high-rise buildings, cinemas and shopping centers. This square is a symbol of the rebirth of Berlin after the fall of the Berlin Wall. It is home to many cultural institutions, offices and entertainment venues, making it an important destination for business and leisure.

Potsdamer Platz is constantly hosting various events and festivals, making it an ideal destination for those who want to experience the pulsating rhythm of modern city life. The restaurants and cafes here cater to all tastes, offering both local and international cuisine.

Eastern Gallery

The Eastern Gallery is one of the most famous and significant street art sites in the world. Situated on a remaining section of the Berlin Wall, this gallery is a true open-air museum. It features works by artists from around the world, each of which tells its own story and reflects the historical significance of the wall.

A visit to the Oriental Gallery is not only an opportunity to see outstanding works of street art, but also to immerse yourself in Germany's recent history. This place is especially popular among young people and art lovers, and is one of the most photographed attractions in Berlin.

Each of these places offers a unique experience and allows you to see Berlin from different perspectives. From historical monuments to modern entertainment venues, Berlin is sure to offer something interesting for every visitor.

[rickshawapp]

Enjoy your 3-hour bike tour in Berlin, taking in this remarkable city's rich history, fascinating landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere!

Description of a 3-hour Explore of Berlin's Historical Highlights, iconic landmarks, and points of interest as you pedal or ride in the Rickshaw.

We provide comfortable rickshaws with skilled and safe drivers for participants who prefer to avoid biking.

Berlin By bike tour and Rickshaw program. 

Duration: 3 hours

Through the Tiergarten Park, we, in the direction of Victory Column, Bellevue, and Haus der Kultureren der Werlt, appreciate the surroundings and prepare for the adventure's next leg, Among River Spree.

Chancellery Berlin and Reichstag and Government Area: Continue the tour by picturing Chancellery Berlin, the official residence of the German Chancellor, and the Reichstag and Government Area. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the history and significance of these sites.

Brandenburger Tor and Unter den Linden: Pedal your bike or enjoy a rickshaw ride to the famous Brandenburger Tor, a symbol of Berlin and a significant historical monument. From there, explore the grand boulevard of Unter den Linden, lined with notable buildings and landmarks.

Bebelplatz (Square of Book Burning): Stop at Bebelplatz, known as the Square of Book Burning, where the Nazi regime burned books by Jewish and non-Aryan authors in 1933. Learn about the historical significance of this site and its impact on intellectual freedom.

Museum Island: Visit Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its exceptional ensemble of museums, including the Pergamon Museum, Bode Museum, and Neues Museum. Picture and inform you of this island's architectural beauty and cultural treasures.

Alexanderplatz and Gendarmenmarkt Berlin: Continue your bike tour or rickshaw ride to Alexanderplatz, a bustling square and transportation hub. Then, head to Gendarmenmarkt Berlin, one of the most beautiful squares in the city, flanked by impressive architectural landmarks.

Checkpoint Charlie and Holocaust Memorial: Explore Checkpoint Charlie, a former border crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. Learn about its historical significance and the divided city.

Ministerium Airforce Hitler and the Topography of Terror provide insights into the crimes committed during the Nazi regime and the Berlin Wall. 

Next, visit the poignant Holocaust Memorial, dedicated to the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

 Pass by historically significant locations such as the Führerbunker (parking place), 

Potsdamer Platz and Tiergarten Berlin: Pedal or enjoy a rickshaw ride to Potsdamer Platz, a vibrant square with significant urban development. From there, venture into the expansive Tiergarten, Berlin's central park, known for its tranquil paths and beautiful landscapes.

Tiergarten Berlin: Immerse yourself in the beauty of Tiergarten, a vast urban park filled with lush greenery, serene lakes, and picturesque pathways. Enjoy a leisurely ride or a relaxing rickshaw journey through this tranquil oasis.

Remember, this is a tour in small groups, private Tours designed to your wishes and interests are on Request possible.

[onarangel]

1900 Berlin Potsdamerplatz

by Heidi De Leeuw

Super high resolution , beautifully retouched and restored, from a vintage postcard. Potsdamer Platz (literally Potsdam Square) is an important public square and traffic intersection in the centre of Berlin, Germany, lying about 1 km south of the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag (German Parliament Building), and close to the southeast corner of the Tiergarten park. It is named after the city of Potsdam, some 25 km (16 mi) to the south west, and marks the point where the old road from Potsdam passed through the city wall of Berlin at the Potsdam Gate.