When you think of Berlin, one can either conjure up images of its dark history or the crazy alternative lifestyle and nightlife comes to mind.
During my 72 hour stay in Berlin, I must say that I experienced both the haunting past of the Holocaust, but equally enjoyed what Berlin nightlife has to offer.
On Day 1 we arrived at our hostel Plus Berlin which was lovely and very modern. For my friend Charlene, it was her first time staying in a hostel and she was somewhat apprehensive. However, on arrival she was pretty impressed. It was immaculate and the theme of the Berlin Wall can be found all over the hostel.
Our hostel was located right by the Berlin Wall which was lovely to walk by. We didn't walk the whole stretch, but the some of the artwork was truly enthralling.
One of the highlights which I found very informative was the Jewish museum.which brings you back to the Holocaust and also gives you an insight into the Jewish diaspora in different parts of the world.
I was never fond of history at school, so didn't know a lot about the Holocaust. Little did I know about the 60,000 placed in Sachshaussen Camp, when really it was made to accommodate just 10,000. Even when Jews were told to leave, many couldn't leave with none of the valuables which they had earnt. Not even wedding rings!
In schools they were often ridiculed by teachers and students alike and many had to step down from skilled professions during the Nazi era.
That's just a snippet, but a must visit for everyone visiting Berlin!
I found Sachshaussen very sombre as you'd imagine and it does take a long while to get there. But it is worth it.
Sachenhaussen bought the Holocaust to life. As you leave the station Oranienburg, you'll do the same walk to the camp that the prisoners did. We were taken to the spot beneath the trees where prisoners would shave their whole body and be given their striped uniform.
They were given numbers which helped the guards see them as animals as opposed to humans. In addition they were even made to wash in the same bath water as each other.
It was really insightful to see the conditions and hear about the treatment the Jews received. It was very reminiscent of the Killing Fields in Cambodia, for those of you have visited there.
We did this trip with a tour group which costs €15 but you are expected to have a travel card as the tour group takes public transport there.
The tour group leaves at 11am everyday at Brandenburg Gate . However, if you prefer to travel there without the tour group, you only pay €3 for the entrance. You also have the chance to buy audio guides when you are there.
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