A New World

Our host in Berlin, Anas, was 20 years old when he told his family he was leaving Syria. The likelihood too great that if he stayed he would be forced into the military to fight and likely die.

He fled to Turkey, where he spent several weeks trying to organise passage with smugglers. He had no identification, his family all refugees in Syria. He chose not to take money in fear it would be stolen.

He finally managed to board a boat to Italy, then a slow path further North into Germany. It took him two months to reach Berlin. There, he was able to confirm his refugee status, apply for education and receive assistance.

Six years later he is studying Engineering at University and working part time at a hospital, updating their emergency evacuation diagrams using AutoCad.

In two more years he will apply for German citizenship. We became emotional to see the happiness on his face as he described what it would mean to finally have a document that says who he is and where he is from.
Until then, he can not leave the country to visit his family, but he is able to stay in touch online.

We know this story is one of too many taking place across our planet.
It meant something to us both, particularly as we spent much of our time in Berlin, remembering its horrible past.
Those who fostered fear, bigotry and racism. Murdered millions, all because they were too cowardly to open their hearts and accept all.

The museums and memorials were all presented superbly. Horrifyingly honest in their re-living of what led to the creation of fear, then the attrocities and aftermath.

Most of our time was spent walking between sites, a particular favourite an old airport that had turned into an open public space. Many roller skating and skate boarding enthusiasts made good use of the tarmac, while the leisure crowd relaxed on the grass soaking in the warm sun.

A surprise delight was staying in a Turkish suburb, so we happily treated ourselves to some favourite dips, breads, olives and kebab or two.

Our time in Berlin was brief, though enjoyable. We wished Anas all the very best in his journey.
Our path takes us East into Poland.