We got back to Berlin in time for the big soccer match between Germany and Turkey. Turkey is the largest immigrant population here, and it was almost like an in-country rivalry. The girls of RIAS found a great location by Potsdamer Place, an outdoor cafe with bigscreen tv. A few minutes into the soccer game, the line of people behind us watching and cheering was ten deep. Turkey fans got kind of rowdy, but they lost and there were no "incidents." It was a great cultural experience.
Thursday we went to Templehof Airport in Berlin, where American pilots known as the "Candybombers" helped save the lives of West Berliners in 1948. After the Soviets blockaded the western part of the city and cut off power, people were starving. American pilots flew in food and supplies and dropped candy to the German kids. They became known as the Candybombers, and the Berlin Airlift ranks among America's great foreign relations achievements. Our guys basically kept the West Berliners eating, allowing them to resist Communism and maintain their freedom. Our airport tour guide was 10 years old when the Berlin Airlift began and recalls chasing after the candy. "I had never tasted chocolate," he said. "It was exciting."
Our trip is nearly over and it's going to be sad to say goodbye to some of the journalists I've met from across the country. You really get to know a person when you travel together.
No comments:
Post a Comment