If there is a country that has confronted its history as honestly and as real as it is, it is Germany. This is also, for me, what makes the German people distinct and brave—they have a clear idea of their own identity. In a sense, I can say that they have accepted their historical past, and they are ready to move on.

In my encounter with a German professor, his introduction to our class was, "If you want to learn like Germans, try to understand this analogy." His anecdote began with, “It is like putting a knife into your heart and pushing the knife until you are bleeding. Feel the pain, learn from it, and then take the knife out and breathe.” From this introduction, I understood the principle that you need to be uncomfortable when embracing the truth because the reality is painful, but you grow and learn from it.

Living and studying in Germany for almost nine months made me understand how tough German culture and society are. Their faces do not show many emotions, and at the same time, when you talk with them, they are direct, honest, and not much for ceremony. They speak their minds and are open about what they think should be known or discussed.

I am glad that I had the chance to observe such a strong culture, and for me, one of the cities that truly embodies this culture is Berlin. If you have been to Berlin, there are three places that surely will serve as landmarks for any tourist to understand Germany's divided past, which ultimately shaped the nation. These three phases of history are highly observable in the historical landmarks of Berlin, especially if you are a tourist.

The Nazi era

To truly make sense of this difficult time in German history, of course, you must be fascinated by reading about or even watching movies on the Nazi era. When you are in Berlin, there are group tours about it that will take you to these places, and what stood out for me was the Holocaust Memorial. This memorial spans a significant area near the Reichstag. It is profoundly moving as you walk through the memorial, which deeply stirs your emotional and psychological senses. This place was incredibly enlightening.

Although I had studied the Holocaust extensively, my understanding deepened significantly by visiting here. It wasn't just about the historical events; it was about the individuals who experienced them. This place personalises the victims' experiences, offering profound insight into the horror of it all. There are authentic letters from that era and real-life stories that bring the past to life. It is, for me, a reconciliation of Germany with the victims of these horrific events and how their memories, as humans, helped shape Germany as a nation today.

By visiting the Holocaust Memorial, you will be able to walk and remember the roughly 6 million Jews who were killed in the Holocaust. As you walk, the ground goes up and down, which gives you a sense of how life is designed—full of ups and downs. The feeling inside the memorial park is unique because it also forces you to come to terms with your own mortality. This is meant to make you recognise that you will not be alive forever. Certainly, this place will make you reflect on your own mortality, the importance of coexistence, and the need to honour those who came before you and the struggles they faced, as well as how they overcame these human struggles.

East and West Germany

As a tourist, if you see the Brandenburg Gate, you should know that it was situated in the no-man's land between East and West Germany during the Cold War. This renowned monument, constructed during the 18th-century rule of Friedrich Wilhelm II, has long symbolised Berlin, representing both the city's division and eventual reunification. For those who may not know much about Germany, it was divided for a long time into two different countries, oriented by contrasting political ideals—communism and democracy. The Berlin Wall separated them.

On the other side of this ancient and majestic monument, steeped in historical significance, are many other historic structures in Berlin. Standing tall and proud, the statues at the Brandenburg Gate symbolise the strength and resilience of the German people. They represent hope and freedom, serving as a reminder that no matter what challenges life presents, we can overcome them. It also tells you that there are no walls that cannot be broken. Humans are meant to be connected, not to build walls.

We can learn a lot from this monument, especially from the people who come from different parts of the world, all willing to understand the difficult past of how the German people from the West and the East were divided and later came together. They created this monument as a symbol of reunification. The resolution of such a conflict offers valuable lessons for every country, showing that even a country as strong as Germany can rebuild itself after something as significant as the fall of the Berlin Wall. Setting aside the drama of their past, they learned from it and focused on moving forward. This is also a reminder that no conflict lasts forever, not even for the strongest nations like Germany.

Present-day Germany

To truly appreciate present-day Germany, you must visit the Bundestag, the German Parliament. The glass dome, once a source of significant controversy, has become one of the building's major attractions. Now an iconic symbol of Berlin, it draws thousands of tourists each year. The dome showcases the originality and beauty of the construction, offering stunning views from within. It represents the building's green essence. Known as "the trunk," this elongated structure is lined with 360 mirrors that direct natural light into the plenary room. Additionally, the dome serves as a heat recovery system, utilising evacuated air from the plenary room to warm the rest of the building.

This makes Germany a country that clearly supports a green economy and pursues sustainability for everyone who lives on this planet. As a country, Germany has a strong advocacy for sustainability and for taking care of our planet. The Bundestag is located north of the Brandenburg Gate, and this building is home to the German Parliament. It also served as the seat of the Weimar Republic government until the Nazis took control in 1933. Visiting the German Parliament allows you to understand that Germany has a rich parliamentary history that is among the strongest in the world. If you get inside the building, as I did, you will appreciate that it is not easy for a parliamentarian to sit in their chair, as each seat has its own "DNA," meaning you're not allowed to sit in the chair of another representative.

It is interesting, but it is also a reminder that each German parliamentarian is responsible for their own power and how they are going to exercise it. When we visited a room showcasing the history of Germany's best parliamentarians, it was a dream come true for me to see the photo of Angela Merkel, who taught us the values and power of how a woman like her can shake the world. She also taught us about simplicity and how a politician with much power can live and coexist with other simple human beings.

These places in Germany are not just tourist destinations; they will deeply challenge your values as a human being. Key questions like: "How long should I live?" and "What kind of life will I live that will have something to share with the world when I leave?" Berlin will make you think about your own humanity and that of others. For me, this is truly the power of the Germans. When you get to know them, you will feel that they do not need to exert much influence on others. They just need to be there. Be present. Then you will feel who they are and what values underlie this country.