Daily Archives: 8 November, 2019

Tomorrow is a big and emotional day in Berlin: the fall of the Berlin Wall in 9th of November 1989. I was in Berlin a few years ago (see my instagrams) and I have very strong memories from that journey. I spent quite a lot of time in the historical area of Berlin. Like Checkpoint Charlie, dividing east from west. When I reflect, I mostly remember that it felt so close in time, and that several countries were involved. This was not only a German issue. It was like staying close to World War II.

To know history is rather important because you can better understand what happens in the world today. A battle in the past can get emotional, even thought it is a long time ago, and generate new conflicts today as well as in the future. Old wounds are not easy to heal. Like the shootings in Sarajevo that was the start of World War I. Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife Sophie were assassinated by Bosnian Serbs. Subsequently, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia which led to instability and war between most European countries, later also involving Russia.

History is by no doubt interesting. I am now off for two weeks, and I will spend some time studying history and languages. Trade is interesting, and trade wars have occurred during centuries. But trade may also generate peace. Like the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) after World War II. These weeks I will learn more about the Hansa trade union in the Baltic sea, that started in the 11th century. Of course I will spend a lot of time with sweetie and cutie. They need a lot of attention. As always.