I was walking along streets I had never imagined I would see, surrounded by architecture so grand it made me pause, and monuments so meaningful they pulled me into silent reflection.

Berlin and Dresden

During my holiday, I had the chance to visit two cities in Germany, Berlin and Dresden. Each offered its own unique beauty and powerful stories.

In Berlin, one of the most striking moments was standing at the Jewish Memorial. Walking between the grey concrete blocks, I felt a heavy silence settle over me. It’s a place that doesn’t speak, but it says everything. It reminded me of the importance of memory, human dignity, and how silence can be one of the loudest ways to commemorate the Holocaust. Not far from there, I visited the Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery. To see parts of the Wall still standing once a symbol of division now covered in art, peace messages, and hope, was moving. It reminded me how brokenness can be turned into beauty.

I also explored the German Parliament, a place where modern democracy meets historic symbolism. The sight of the glass dome above the chamber stood as a transparent invitation for accountability and participation. Alexanderplatz was another vibrant stop full of life, local food, and modern energy. Just next to it stood the majestic TV Tower, one of the tallest structures in Europe. Its height and structure fascinated me. And of course, passing through Berlin Central Station such a massive, efficient, and stunning train station felt like entering a city within a city.

Then came Dresden. I stood before the statue of Martin Luther, in front of the beautifully reconstructed Frauenkirche. It was like stepping into a living chapter of church history. I passed around the Transportation Museum, which opened my eyes to how mobility shaped the city’s progress, and I also spent time in the city library so peaceful, and full of knowledge and insight.

Dresden also introduced me to August der Starke, a historic ruler of both Saxony and Poland. His legacy lives on through the impressive architecture, royal residences, and beautifully maintained gardens. From museums to cathedrals, every step in Dresden felt like a walk-through culture, power, and spirituality. Each corner of the city whispered stories from centuries past.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who made this unforgettable journey possible. Special thanks to Jeanine, who guided me so kindly through Berlin, and to Vanessa and Manuel, who welcomed me with warmth in Dresden. My heartfelt appreciation also goes to my host father, Pastor Albi Roebke, for connecting me with Jeanine, for following up on all my travels and for his continuous support. I also thank UEM for creating such meaningful connections through the South-North and North-South volunteer programs. Vanessa, who is soon heading to Indonesia, is a true example of that bridge of global connections. She took time to be with me in Dresden and helped me to see its beauty and history.

This journey wasn’t just about seeing places. It was about experiencing the stories that shaped them. I came back with a deep sense of connection, not only to history, but also to the call to peace, faith, and unity. I now carry this inspiration forward with gratitude for what I saw, and with hope for what these stories continue to teach us all.

HINWEIS
Jeremie Niyiguha aus Ruanda arbeitet seit April ein Jahr lang als Freiwilliger im Evangelischen Kirchenkreis An Sieg und Rhein mit. Von Zeit zu Zeit beschreibt er ganz persönliche Eindrücke und Erlebnisse.
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