Becoming Berlin

Leaving its tragic history behind, the German capital has turned hip, creative and entrepreneurial

Above: The Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin's most recognisable sights. Built in the 18th century, today it represents a reunited Berlin, being one of the sites people rushed to after the Wall fell almost three decades ago. Left: Checkpoint Charlie,
The Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin's most recognisable sights. Built in the 18th century, today it represents a reunited Berlin, being one of the sites people rushed to after the Wall fell almost three decades ago.PHOTO: VISIT BERLIN, RACHEL AU-YONG
Above: The Brandenburg Gate is one of Berlin's most recognisable sights. Built in the 18th century, today it represents a reunited Berlin, being one of the sites people rushed to after the Wall fell almost three decades ago. Left: Checkpoint Charlie,
Museum Island, with five museums housing numerous artefacts and art pieces, including the breathtaking Ishtar Gate at Pergamon Museum.PHOTO: VISIT BERLIN, RACHEL AU-YONG
Housing Correspondent
Published: 
Oct 7, 2018, 5:00 am SGT
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It is drizzling on a June afternoon, but instead of taking cover, I am pedalling my guts out on 2km of asphalt.

Ahead of me is an indistinguishable finishing line, hard to make out as cloudy skies merge with the concrete grey strip into some almost unfathomable vanishing point.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on October 07, 2018, with the headline 'Becoming Berlin'. Print Edition | Subscribe
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