Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany by both area and population. It has roughly 3.7 million people, which makes it the second most populous city of the European Union after London. It is one of 3 independent cities in Germany. It has a rich history, both good and bad.
In the 13th century, it gained importance as an junction between 2 historic trade routes. In World War II, it was subject to 363 air raids, which destroyed most of the city and forced its citizens to flee. After the war, it was split into East and West Berlin, each a separate city in East and West Germany. West Berlin and Germany was the United States and Allied forces side, and the East side was owned by the Soviet Union, and was divided by the Berlin Wall.
Its current economy is based on high tech firms and the service sector, encompassing a diverse range of creative industries, notably with several disciplines of engineering. It is also a popular tourist destination.
From my own personal experience in the city, it’s busy. We are right in the thick of the city, and looking out the windows I can see lines of restaurants, several story buildings, busy roads and sidewalks, and streetcar rails. I went out for a short walk around to check things out and the plaza area nearby was bustling.
Some other information about Berlin that I really like has to do with the Berlin Marathon. It is hailed as the fastest world-record-eligible marathon course, as the world record has been set there 8 separate times on the men’s side and 3 times on the women’s side. The current world record of 2:01:39 currently stands on the course as of 2018.
Thank you for enlightening us of the great cities & countries that you have visited & run in. We feel like we are almost there. Please keep sharing the sights & sounds of Europe with us. Love, Your grandparents, Fred & Pat McWain, Michigan///yes there is snow.