Presence of the past

The most interesting thing about Berlin is its still very present past. The wall came down over twenty years ago (I was 5 years old then), but the differences between east and west are still visible. The contrast in architecture is hard to miss, and bombed out churches and abandoned buildings are more common than I would have expected.

The graffiti is also fascinating.  It dominates the streetscape. But it doesn't detract from the city's beauty; it adds to it. It's invigorating. And to me, it's Berlin.