BERLIN FOR INSIDERS
Berlin is one of the most remarkable and fascinating
cities in Europe. Although local radio stations are praising it
as the most exciting city in Europe, Berlin in a 2003 survey slipped
slightly to rank 20, left behind by Barcelona, ranking at top
position, and London (position 7).
No wonder Berlin has changed its face
since reunification in 1989. Not always to the best, it must be
admitted. The authors of this site all have been born in Berlin.
They know their way around and through the jungle of Berlin. They
also know why:
Berlin was a metropolis through the century. Its history recalls
the history of Europe.
It will be remembered for some crucial years in European and Jewish
history, too: the cold war - the airlift, etc. In recent years
Berlin has changed from a lively "island", which it
was under allied occupation to a city on its own.
Berlin mostly was based on the culture, arts and entertainment brought to the city by the allied. But Berlin once was a metropolis on its own. In the 30s it was Europe's entertainment and - hard to believe - fashion city number one.
Today Berlin suffers from being the capitol again. This time the fact seems to slow down the process of developing Berlin.
Berlin is still very exciting where you
have the clashed of culture. Where Berlin is international. The
Embassies and their teams bring "fresh wind" to the
city. Enlarge the band from French, American, British and Russian.
It is an "all around the world" cultural mix. You feel
more world flavour than even in Vienna. But it is recently facing
immense financial problems.
Art wise Berlin is struggling; it has
lost some of its richness. Many theatres in the west have been
closed due to public failures, lack of funding and mismanagement
(Theatre in Germany is completely funded by public sources).
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WEST ONE NEWS Team |
