Berlin New Years Eve

At about 10:30 PM, Tom, Rafael and I ventured out to see the excitement. We walked about 3 blocks to Victory Square. This was the main square in Berlin where the Nazis staged their public presentations (read: propaganda) in the 30's & 40's. That thought sat at the front of my mind as I watched the light show surrounded by thousands of people. It is interesting to note that there was a big discussion in Berlin about the light show and how people voted down the first concept because they felt it resembled the Third Reich rallies.

The light show began and my focus was brought back to the moment. It was impressive. People were energetic, warm and friendly. Silly us had forgotten to bring our champagne (read: American) so people were sharing theirs throughout the two hours we were there. The scary part of the whole scene were the fireworks going off above (literally) our heads. Unlike the US where it is illegal, it certainly isn't here. Of the 129 reported "incidents" on the radio, 125 were fireworks related injuries. Unbelievable! So, the New Year was rung in without a hitch. Hugs, kisses and a feeling of being very much alive filled us.

We walked back to Irena & Rafael's house at about 1:00 amid more fireworks going off around us and stayed up drinking champagne and watching CNN.

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