Too Many Fake Soldiers

German politicians are upset by all the fake soldiers hanging around the Brandenburg Gate. The fake soldiers are there trying to make a buck from the tourists, who want their picture taken with someone in a Cold War-era uniform. But the politicians are worried that the Brandenburg gate is deteriorating into a miniature Disneyland and may go the route of Checkpoint Charlie which has become "a tacky tourist trap unworthy of its historical significance." I was in Berlin just a few months ago, and I can definitely confirm that appraisal of Checkpoint Charlie. [Spiegel]

Military Places

Posted on Thu Apr 16, 2009


Comments

If they do turn it into a Cold War-themed amusement park, I nominate "Checkpoint Charlie" as the mascot. Now all we have to do is design the big-headed costume.
Posted by Cranky Media Guy  on  Fri Apr 17, 2009  at  02:11 AM
When I went to the Brandenburg Gate I remember seeing street artists painted to look like statues of soldiers. You could get your picture taken with them in exchange for a Euro. We were also supposed to go to Checkpoint Charlie, but our schedule was off and we never made it. I do remember seeing lots of gift shops around Checkpoint Charlie.
Posted by Jackie  on  Sat Apr 18, 2009  at  06:27 PM
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