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The division of BERLIN into zones of occupation in 1945, although seemingly arbitrary, followed exisiting local government boundaries,
and the dual profile which emerged was by no means solely a product of the Cold War. Even to this day you can tell where the bleak East Berlin existed and where the exciting building boom occurred in the West.
Because of the decades of division, the reunited city found itself with two of almost everything, but the rationalization process has already reduced
the duplication quite markedly, and will eliminate it almost entirely over the course of the next decade.
Although never a conventionally beautiful city, Berlin has much fine architecture, as well as an extraordinary spread of
museums which collectively rank among the very richest on the planet. It also has a wide range of bars and restaurants, a vibrant nightlife and strong traditions in the performing arts.
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