Berlin; Hot Rods & Russian Hats

In the aftermath of WW2 Germany was segregated into four areas based on the four major allied governments who had prevailed. The three westerns segments (US/France/UK) fell into disagreement with the Eastern segment (USSR) surrounding the rebuilding of Germany and the assets to be removed from the country in payment for the costs of the prior war.


This came to a head with the eastern (USSR) side of the country becoming the "German Democratic Republic" and the west the "Federal Republic of Germany" (considerably more capitalist).

The standard of living thrived in the western segments and many East Germans emigrated westwards; ~200,000 people annually for 4 years in the early 1950s. This came to a head and in the late 1950s the borders were progressively tightened; culminating in the complete closure in 1961 and the building of a wall.

The wall stood for around 30 years as a permanent divide between the two halves of Germany and today all that remains are small segments and this section.

One of the most notable checkpoints for crossing the border between the two countries (whilst open) was Chechpoint Charlie - the site is kept as a tourist attraction with a nearby museum to the people of East Germany and stories of those who escaped.

All throughout Berlin you can also buy all sorts of soviet era Militaria - sadly these were added to the list of souvenirs I dont have room for!

One of the enduring symbols of the Soviet era East Germany is the Trabant car; built with the same ideals as the VW beetle (small, efficient, everyday car) it was designed to fit four adults and luggage. It however was powered by an inefficient two stroke engine and whilst over 3 MILLION were produced, had no substantial design upgrades for 30 years. At the fall of the wall many East Germans spread into the west with the Trabi's and it is an enduring symbol of the divided country. ​

The best way (in my humble opinion) to see Berlin is from one of these mini-hot rods; due to a seeming loophole in German auto legislation these are completely legal and incredibly fun. Whilst they look like small cars they are single gear go karts and are amazing to drive.

Also a must see in Berlin is the Brandenburg Gate; this historically marked the route out of Berlin. The monument was used as a symbol of national pride in WW2.

However by the end of WW2 the city had sustained much damage as the last stronghold and features prominently in photos of the Nazi surrender.

The gate however has been repaired!

Goodnight from Berlin!