#brandenberg gate

A combination of gritty and beautiful, Berlin is one of Europe's most exciting cities. In these days of globalisation, it has a refreshingly alternative edge. Here is how to make the most of two days in this extraordinary city!

Why Go? Berlin is known for its incredible Street Art

Berlin is a both gritty and beautiful in equal measures. While other major western cities have become homogenized and lost their individuality, Berlinhas retained its radical edge. It still has a plethora of underground bars and clubs. The street art and graffiti is striking, vibrant and abundant. The vibe is slightly edgy, but…

Lessons of the Berlin Wall

Berlin Wall on Nov. 9, 1989, prior to its physical demolition. (Wikipedia)

Yesterday was the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Many lessons have been learned, but this post will not, of course, comment on its geopolitical takeaways. Instead, and briefly, I hope a useful parallel can be drawn between the swift end of the Cold War and the possibility of such an end to the style wars…

WJWE Travels: Nosh Berlin!

I went to Germany to talk Jew food with Nosh Berlin! Pretty cool, right? Nosh Berlin is the brainchild of my new BBFs, bagel-queen Laurel of Fine Bagels and super sweet food writer Liv. A little in their own words: “Nosh Berlin is Berlin’s first ever Jewish food week. Drawing locally and from abroad, it will be a wonderful week of Jewish cooking from across Berlin and across the diaspora. Taking…

Brandenburg Gate

           A symbol of peace and unity, the Brandenburg Gate stands tall in Berlin, Germany. Originally, the gate was commissioned by Emperor William II and was named Friedenstor. Being built from sandstone in 1799-1791, there are six Doric columns supporting the 11 meter-deep transverse beam that divides the gate into five passages. In 1793, Johann Gottfried designed a quadriga as a four-horse chariot driven by a winged goddess of peace, it points to the center of the city was placed on the gate. In 1806, an iron cross and eagle were added to the laurel wreath as a symbol of victory after Napoleon’s at the Battle of Waterloo the quadriga was successfully recovered. Since 2002, the gate has been closed from traffic including buses and taxis.

BERLIN