Welcome to Music Notes - a weekly travel diary of things to see and do in one of the World's great cities - We add a little Chartblue twist and ensure we give a little musical slant to the info. At Chartblue we believe that by exposing ourselves and each other to other cultures and experiences in the only way we can overcome racism and hate. So travel safely and take a moment to stop and enjoy the music!
City: Berlin, Germany
| Population | 4,940,000 |
| Elevation | 35m or 115ft. above sea level |
| Established | 13th Century |
| Time Zone | GMT + 1hr(s) |
Popular Tourist Attractions:
Potsdamer Platz
Formerly Europe's largest
deserted wasteland, today the Platz celebrates a united Germany and has become a
centre for commerce, shopping and entertainment since the fall of the wall in
1989.
www.potsdamer-platz.net
Brandenburg Gate
Germany's most
recognizable symbol steeped in rich and fascinating history
www.brandenburgtor.com
Kulturforum
Formerly the heart of one
of Berlin's most loathing slums, today it celebrated open spaces in large urban
cores and houses one of the greatest art museums in Europe!
www.smb.spk-berlin.de/ort/k.html
Fernsehturm
Built during communist
times, today the tower which some consider an eyesore offers unbeatable views of
the city and the revolving Telecafe 207m in the sky.
www.berlinerfernsehturm.de
Musical Connections:
Hometown
to:
- Carl Philipp Emanuel
Bach
- Graun Brothers
- Richard Strauss
- Arnold Schoenberg
- Felix Mendelssohn
- Marlene Dietrich
Fun Facts:
- Berlin hosted
the 1936 Olympics and the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final
- Because of heavy damage to the city during Second World War bombing raids, and
development campaigns in the 1950's and 60's to create main
thoroughfares and business districts today Berlin is left with an
eclectic mix of architecture - both old and new.
- Berlin has 18 sister cities around the world which include places ad diverse
as Istanbul, Beijing, Los Angeles and Windhoek, Namibia.
- 60% of the population of Berlin identify themselves as subscribing to "No
Religion" in particular.
- The largest ethnic communities in Berlin from outside Germany are people of
Turkish, Polish, Serbian and Lebanese decent.
- MTV Europe, Universal Music Group and The European Film Academy are based in
Berlin
- Berlin has established itself as a centre for youth and popular culture. Since
2003 it hosts the annual Popkomm Convention - Europe's largest music
industry convention. In 2005, Berlin was designated a UNESCO City
of Design.
- David Bowie was quoted as describing Berlin as "the greatest cultural
extravaganza one could imagine" while on a visit in the 1970's.
