Topographie des Terrors and Checkpoint Charlie

Today we visited Topographie des Terrors (Topography of Terror) Documentation Center located at the former Gestapo headquarters (from 1933 to 1945). Not much remains of the original building. It was a sombering experience. The older kids had talked about going to visit a nearby concentration camp, but I didn't think it was suitable for Dean and Freya and it was a bit difficult to get to so we went here instead. After seeing the photographs and reading the stories in these exhibits, I think going to visit a camp would be too overwhelming. This was enough for me for now. Maybe if we come back someday, we can go to one.
Checkpoint Charlie was in the vicinity so we walked by there too. We didn't know the historical significance before seeing it, so it was a bit underwhelming. I have since learned that it was the most well-known crossing point between east and west Berlin and became a symbol for the Cold War. The Western side of the checkpoint was purposely small and easily moveable to show that the Wall was not to be permament, while the Eastern side of the checkpoint was full of armed guards, watch towers, cement and barriers. It was also the site of a standoff between US and Soviet tanks in 1961.

a few of the many political prisoners held at the headquarters

remaining walls from the original building, with the Berlin Wall in the background

remains of the main gate through which all the prisoners had to pass

Checkpoint Charlie (named by the Americans)
just a little hut and a pile of sandbags

portion of the wall 

Section of a souvenir shop containing a large collection of items with East German's Ampelmann (little traffic light man), created in 1961 just after the wall was built in response to high rate of traffic fatalities. It was a very carefully developed design that came from a traffic psychologist and was supposed to encourage pedestrians to be more obedient, as the characters appeared more likeable and trustworthy. Their thicker bodies also allow more green or red light to be seen. You can even buy Ampelmann pasta.