On Friday, we took a train to Cologne. The first major structure I saw was the Cologne Cathedral. Even from the train station, the beauty of the cathedral was obvious and overwhelming as soon as we stepped outside. The inside was just as impressive. Since I’m not a religious person, I am always impressed by how much effort, time and wealth people are willing to put into something that is based completely on faith and a willingness to believe. Since it took over 600 years to build the cathedral, there are characteristics from different eras of architecture and design. For example, the some of the stones were brought in from the hills around Bonn hundreds of years ago, and one window was designed with a computer. In Cologne, we also went to the EL-DE Haus where the Gestapo held prisoners. Seeing the cells that held so many prisoners and what they wrote on the walls was a chilling experience. Even though we learn of how the “inferior people” were treated in history classes, seeing the places in person and hearing the stories refreshes the sickening feelings.
Saturday, we made our way to Berlin, and in the evening, we went to the Party Mile between the Brandenburg Gate and Victory Column. This was my first party of this sort and since it was outside and it reminded me of watching all of the seemingly crazy people standing in Times Square in New York City on TV. We arrived fairly early, so we were able to get walk around and find food, but as it got closer to midnight, I definitely believed the reports that over one million people attend the festivities. The bands played American songs almost as much as German songs, which was amusing. On the way back to the hotel, people were setting off their own fireworks. Some like to throw firecrackers at people’s feet, including mine. I almost died. Overall it was a great experience, though I don’t know how I’d feel if it was any colder….
No comments:
Post a Comment