Cologne and New Year's Eve in Berlin

We traveled down the road to the city of Cologne. This city was larger, but just as beautiful as Bonn. We first visited the cathedral, again, always one of my favorite sights in any city. What amazed me most about this cathedral was the fact that it was not irreparably damaged during the bombings of World War II. Another interesting aspect about the interior of the cathedral is that parts of its design reflect different styles and trends of different eras. This differs from what I saw in many of the cathedrals in Spain in which the original style of the interior was mostly maintained to reflect the era in which it was created. Our amazing tour guide led us then to a Roman art museum where we viewed intricate glass and jewelry works from the period as well as other large roman art works found in the area. We then ended our tour at the old/new town hall of Cologne.

Later in the day we visited the ELDE House. I have never been to a museum similar to this one. Museum exhibits are most brought to life when contained within a related historical building such as the ELDE House. The ELDE House is named after the original builder who was a jeweler and businessman that had to give up the space before building was completed. The space was taken over as the Gestapo Offices in the 30's and also housed a prison to hold people for interrogations. Walking through the prison and barracks was a difficult, but moving experience. No matter how hard I work to understand the suffering of the individuals housed in such a place I know that it is beyond unimaginable. More unthinkable is how people might come to believe the ideology of the Nazi regime. I've always believed that human beings act on one of two emotions, love or fear, and the damage of the Nazi time in power in the 30's and 40's is evidence of just how dangerous actions of fear can be.

On a much lighter note, it's 2012! And best of all, we got to welcome it in right here in Berlin. We went to the celebration at the Brandenburg Gate, and everyone had a wonderful time. There were limitless options of food and drink and entertaining performers as well as entertaining people. All and all it was a beautiful and joyful celebration and i can't think of a better way to meet 2012.

Looking forward to what's ahead in Berlin!