Stempel


The inside of the Tränenpalast was actually dismantled a few months after the fall of the wall. In fact, until just a few years ago, the building was privately owned and was used as a concert venue. I suppose the city realized the importance of the building and bought it back. I'm glad they did because the exhibits are really interesting.

This is the "private cabinet" you would have to pass through in order to leave the DDR. The border guards were highly trained in facial recognition techniques. In old German passports, the photo was always taken at an angle so that one ear was visible. Apparently ears are a very good way of identifying person. In a video interview, one of the former guards reveals some of the methods used to determine whether the person in a passport photo is really the person standing in front of him. It's all quite interesting, I am just waiting for some out of town visitors so I can go back! 

11 comments:

  1. i'd be sweating my way through it - even if i WAS the person in the visa. :)

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  2. We in the USA take too much for granted. I probably would never have traveled in those days if I lived in either side of Berlin.

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  3. This is really fascinating. I look forward to seeing more.

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  4. Even preserved like this, the room has an oppressive kind of quality.

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  5. I would find it difficult living under those conditions. I guess I have have been spoiled with freedom all of my life.

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    1. I am glad I have been spoiled with freedom.

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  6. how interesting and i like the shot!

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  7. Aw, the police state has its ways! Just ask our NSA! Don't wait for visitors. Do what you want when you want if you can without hurting anyone. Life's too short to wait for visitors! :)

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  8. Sounds like an interesting place! I like Lowell's comment - words we should all take to heart.

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  9. Fascinating sounding place!

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