Darkness and light in Berlin, photo essay by Gianluca John Attanasio
[D]ecember is a month that makes even more fascinating and mysterious Berlin, one of the most vital, multicultural and, simultaneously, quieter capital cities in Europe.
The gray of the streets and buildings are mixed with the colors of Christmas markets, as well as with the sparkling night- lights from large squares, turned into gathering and entertainment places.
A super- multicultural city, Berlin, which has been able to rebuild its economic and social history with enormous courage and sacrifice. Crossing amazing architectural places like the Pariser Platz ( destroyed in the Second World War and restored in 1992) or its old Brandenburg Gate, well, it is an extraordinary experience, of course. However, contrary to other famous European cities, the thing that makes “alienating” the journey here, is a surreal silence’s dimension that often covers, during the day, streets and squares, galleries and monuments. It surely enables a more intimate contact with the history of the city, helping to reflect narrowly on the dramatic historical events that have transformed heart and mind of the whole German people and its outlook on life, as well.
Touristic attractions as such The Jewish Museum, The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe or the East Side Gallery (with its incredible colorful murals) force you to experience the violent dimension of Memory.
So, even dedicated shopping areas like the colorful Christmas markets at Alexanderplatz, Spandau or Potsdamer Platz show an aura of complete ‘composure’. The same one floating along the subway tracks.
And if during the day men, women and even children, with their apparently dignified and reserved attitude, seem hiding unspeakable secrets which come from afar, every night the Berlin wears funny clothes, opening the doors of its modern time.
