SUNDAY MEMORIES
Judy Wills
Berlin-Part 1
We were able to visit Berlin several times while we lived in Germany – during each of our tours of duty in Germany. We marveled at what we saw, each time we visited. I remember (but not exactly when) I was describing being in Berlin and how much we enjoyed it, to the lady doing my hair. I believe she was a German girl, working in the American beauty shop on base. Her response surprised me, in that she said she didn’t think she could live in Berlin, since it was so “closed in” with the wall surrounding it. And that thought surprised me! I told her that Berlin was beautiful and felt quite “open” and not closed in at all! But she was firm in her belief. I was sorry I was unable to convince her. The very air in Berlin feels like “hope” and freedom.
Our first visit was when my Mother came to Germany for a two-week visit in May, 1969. We stayed in the hotel near Tempelhof Airport.
1969 – Tempelhof Airport. U.S. Air Forces – Tempelhof Central Airport
We were curious to see some sort of monument in front of the hotel, and later learned that it was a memorial to the Berlin Airlift. And not only that, but it happened to be the 20th anniversary of the airlift. The airlift, resulting from the Soviet blockade of the city in 1948, is quite a story unto itself. I will not retell that story here, but would encourage my readers to Google “Berlin Airlift” and read about it there. It was a major event in the Cold War, and Tempelhof was a major part of the story.
1969 – The Berlin Airlift Memorial monument. Judy in bright pink, Mother in blue.
We took a bus tour – to see the high points of the city, before we struck out on our own. The Berlin Wall was up by that time, and we were unable to see the East side of Berlin, as it was controlled by the Soviet Union. The difference between East and West Berlin was startling. West Berlin was a modern, beautiful city, while the East side looked like a war zone still. Amazing!
1969 – Looking into East Berlin from Checkpoint Charlie
One thing, especially, that fascinated me, was the ruins of Kaiser Wilhelm Kirche – right next to the new, beautiful Kirche. I don’t have pictures of the new church during that time, so I don’t remember whether or not we went into the new church that visit. But we did during our visit with our daughters in 1983. It’s really beautiful.
Credit Google Search and art-days.com
It is along one of the main streets of West Berlin, Kurfurstendam, affectionately known as Ku’dam.
1969 – Looking down the Ku’dam at the old and new church
I had wondered why the ruins of the church were left there in the middle of the town. I was told that the German people wanted it left – as a reminder of what war had done to their country – twice! And to never instigate war again. It is a vivid reminder!
The original Kaiser Wilhelm Kirche
Credit Google Search and Culture of Readers Journey – Edublogs
But there are some wonderful things to see there, as well. We went to the Charlottenburg Palace.
1969 – The Charlottenburg Palace
1969 – The Charlottenburg Palace manicured grounds
In addition to all the “royal” stuff one might expect to see, we saw the original bust of Nefertiti in the museum. There is much speculation as to why she is in Germany and not Egypt, but that’s another story, too.
1969 – the original Nefertiti bust
Walking along a lovely city street, we came upon an old hand-watering pump. Apparently it is free water to any and all, and it looked like it was used by many to wash their cars there! We showed it to our girls in our 1983 visit, as well. Little things like that fascinate me!
1969 – the old hand-watering pump
1983 – the same pump. Karen, Judy and Janet
~~~~~~~~~~To Be Continued~~~~~~~~~~
Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .
Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.
After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.
Old Things R New 
Very nice
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