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As
with most great cities and nations whether they shit on their own doorstep
or take their aspirations abroad the power hungry normally try to achieve
gain at the loss of another. But you see not everyone abides by the common
notion. I would like to make my introduction to this city begin with the
erection of the Berlin wall, for it was then this city as it is now in
these times, began. On the morning of the 13 July 1961 the World awoke
to the Iron Curtain, and Berlin became the centre point of the cold war.
So now the powers that were could turn the shit sideways in on every citizen
of this planet once more. Nuclear warheads were being waved around and
why? Well why not, that's what they made them for! One of the tactics
to entice young people from the Western regions of the BRD was to drop
the draft, so any lads who didn't wish to join the army in such troubled
times could head to the city and be free. Talk about frying pans and fires.
So who doesn't wish to join the army? Yes normal people! The West side
of Berlin became packed with fit energetic young men and the young women
that attracts, lets not forget this was the 60's and things didn't slow
down.
Then on the evening of the 9th November 1989 the curtain opened and the
curious and somewhat 'backward' folk from DDR (the now former East) stepped
into the frame and the free Westerners wandered in the wasteland that
together they would mould into the most exciting city in Europe. Of course
there were integration problems but luckily they had a language and a
concrete wall in common.
The politicians and the city emplaced a bureaucratic system which some
would call lethargic and a bit too German. However where there is a will
there is a way, and no amount of moaning and bitching ever got anything
done. The boat began to be rowed in the same current; progress on all
levels became inevitable. It is simply a case of one knowing what one
wants and applying the correct procedures to realise it. When one doesn't
waste time barking up the wrong tree, then one may spend ones time on
better things. There lies the secret of this city, its liberal laws, attitudes
and approach. As long as things are done properly then anything's possible
and here in Berlin that's exactly what's been happening for the last 14years.
And I love it.
Welcome and come on in Berlin
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