Berlin

Customs / Culture
Berlin is a city that was perfectly exemplified in the movie ‘Cabaret’ set in the 1930s. Today, Berlin is an exciting metropolis with fascinating sights including its monumental boulevards, large green parks and the remnants of the Berlin Wall. The Jewish Museum is located in a stunning modern building and is, as you would expect, unbelievably moving. Berlin is also noted for its international artists, its gay clubs n bars, and vibrant music industry.


Traditions
Berlin has always been a city peopled by mavericks. Before World War II, Berlin was a city where anything went. Following the rise of Hitler and wartime bombing, much of Berlin was left in ruins to be divided up into four quarters. The Soviet Union held onto one quarter together with the east of Germany which encapsulated Berlin. The Russians, determined to capture all of Berlin, proceeded to try to starve the Germans living in the American, British and French sectors. However, the western allies airlifted food and supplies into West Berlin for over a year and although for the next forty years the city was only linked by air and a rail route to the West, the city maintained its tradition for celebrating life.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Berlin has become the capital of a united Germany and has done much to acknowledge and apologise for the atrocities perpetrated by the Nazis.

Religion
Berlin is a city where at least 60% of the residents claim to have no religious faith with the remaining 40% made up of Protestants and followers of Islam and Judaism.

Culinary Specialities
Berlin serves up a diverse menu in its restaurants. Traditional fare will include platefuls of pork, goose and fish accompanied by potatoes and other vegetables. Currywurst was created in 1949 and owing to the large numbers of Turks and Arabs living and working within the city, doner kebabs and falafels are also popular.


Lifestyle
Residents of Berlin enjoy a good life, renewed and enriched since the destruction of the Berlin Wall. The local economy is driven by the service sector, tourist industry and by the world renowned seats of learning and research institutes. Berlin is also home to various industries including pharmaceuticals, renewable energy and IT.
Berlin has evolved considerably in the last twenty years and is now a hub for young creative individuals, attracted by the city’s liberal way of life.



Sights
Berlin offers numerous historic sites and some great tourist walking and bus tours including trips to visit the remains of the Berlin Wall, Hitler’s Bunker, Checkpoint Charlie, the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate. Bike tours invariably include routes through Tiergarten Park followed by a long cool drink in a beer garden.