Berlin, DE — On November 9, 1989 the Berlin Wall fell. After more than 28 years, East Germans were reunited with their families in the west and the world was changed forever. I’ve joined thousands of people on the streets of Berlin to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the fall of the wall. I’m tired from a long flight and going from 85 degree weather in Southern California to 32 degrees is a shock to my system. I’ve never enjoyed big crowds of people, but tonight this crowd has energized me.

Lighted balloons have been installed where the wall once stood.  I walk the path for several kilometers. I can hear conversations in many languages: German, French, Italian, English and Spanish. Families take group photos, sing songs and share bottles of champagne, wine and beer. It’s time to party like it’s 1989. Unlike the U.S. there are no vendors selling t shirts, tacos and other tacky items.

A group of teenage girls raises a banner that reads: “Europeans Under One Sky.” These girls weren’t even born when the wall divided their city, yet they already seem wise beyond their years.

Finally, just before 8:00 pm, the balloons are released symbolizing the fall of the wall. People cheer and fireworks go off. Tonight I feel honored and privileged to be in Berlin. I’m a part of history.

Getting here: I used all of my American Airlines miles to fly on its One World Alliance partner Air Berlin, Germany’s second largest carrier. While not up to the high standards of major Asian carriers like Singapore and JAL. I was impressed with their service and would fly with them again. The two meals they served were actually pretty good and the best thing about German carriers–beer is free!

Hotel: I scored a good deal at the Hotel Berlin Mitte. This area is in the former East Germany, so in 1989 I would’ve been behind the wall trying to get out. I would’ve probably been watched by The Ministry for State Security, the hated East German Stasi. I think the building I’m in used to be one of those ugly, drab East German apartments, but has since been converted into a small hotel. My room is basic, bed and shower, but is in a quiet neighborhood and has everything I need. The manager is really friendly and helpful.

Welcome Card: Buy a Berlin Welcome Card when you get here. You can use it to ride the bus and subways and it gets you discounts at museums, major attractions and some restaurants. Well worth it.

Walking tour: When ever I travel to a new place, I always like to take a walking tour to become more familiar. You can always find companies that do that on Trip Advisor. I booked my tours with Original Berlin Walks.

https://www.berlinwalks.de/public/index/publictour/id/Discover

And yes it’s cold here, but would you rather come here in the summer and deal with all the large crowds and high prices?