Snapshots of Berlin

The history of Berlin over the past half a century has been a mix of turmoil and tragedy.

It has twice risen from its death bed to become a true city of the world.

Although the evidence of this torrid past abounds, the city carries itself with a sense of dignity and serenity: it is a true survivor.

If it were human, Berlin would be the war veteran with a big heart who has come back from the edge a great deal wiser, more appreciative of life.

In 1945, Berlin was reduced to rubble at the end of the Second World War as the allies bombed the Nazis into submission.

Subsequently, the Potsdam Agreement divided the city into four sectors, each of which was ruled by one of the victorious Allies - the USA, USSR, Britain and France.

Inevitably it became the frontline for the Cold War.

The city remained divided for decades with each side representing the prime, and conflicting, political ideologies of the 21st Century: capitalism and communism.

Finally in November 1989 the infamous Berlin Wall, which was built to keep the East Berliners from fleeing to the West, came tumbling down.
 
That was the rebirth of Berlin and the city almost immediately began to blossom.

Much has happened in Germany since then and Berlin remains at the centre of the growth.

The old scars are still evident in daily life and serve as a constant reminder of the bitter past, yet the atmosphere is by no means clouded by this.

In fact, quite the opposite, as Berliners are fond of using their parks, meeting and eating in the boulevards and merely enjoying the life they have today.

Although its rich history is an obvious magnet for tourists, there is another side of Berlin that is increasingly attractive to travellers - a city rich in culture, cuisine, entertainment, nightlife. A city that is simply a celebration of life.

To do Berlin justice photographically, you would need to spend weeks, even months, trying to capture its essence.

Even then, you could fail.

The pictures on these pages were shot in ONE afternoon spent trekking from one famous monument to another and offer a mere glimpse of the obvious Berlin.

Yet, that glimpse is enough to convince me to return again. Berlin has my heart.

John F. Kennedy once said "Ich bin ein Berliner" and, strange as it may seem, "I am a Berliner" too - or, at least, I felt like one that afternoon.

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