What a week!
The Ascension (holiday common in Germany and other parts of Europe) was this past Thursday, everyone had off. Not only was that day a holiday and a break from work, it just so happened to be the same day our former President Barack Obama came to speak here in Berlin. It was a panel discussion which included Obama and Angela Merkel, discussing topics surrounding liberal global democratic politics. Though it was hard not to continue sleeping in on my day off, I decided to attempt to go see the discussion.
I arrived a little after the discussion had begun, but as soon as I exited the U-Bahn stop I could see the stage set up right below the Brandenburg Gate. I was amazed by the spot I could have as it did not seem so crowded. That excitement quickly diminished when I realized I was at the back of the stage… And everywhere I turned I saw road barriers to contain/organize the crowd, making it seem impossible to reach the other side of the gate. I was determined to see Obama at this point, so I got information on how to approach the other side. I walked as fast as I could to the entrance I was directed to (probably under a half-mile away) just to find out it was closed. I could see the stage close in the distance, and hear light echoes of the panel’s discussion. I still had about an hour until the discussion ended so I continued to find another entrance. Turns out I had to walk a good amount around the Tiergraten (big park) to find the entrance that actually seemed hopeful. I waited in a bit of a line, went through security, then preceded through the park. At this point I could hear Obama’s voice more clearly, the volume continually increasing with every step closer. After walking through the park for a bit, I finally approached an opening. I turned to see a tremendous amount of people, as well as Obama on the big screens surrounding the crowd. I thought to myself, well I have made it this far why not try and get a bit closer?
I thought to myself, well I have made it this far why not try and get a bit closer?
Before:
After:
