A Cold War Reverie: Rediscovering Berlin and Budapest’s Nostalgic Charms

I grew up in the 70s, at the height of the Cold War. As a child, I was oblivious to the implications of living under the Iron Curtain. I apologise in advance to those who endured the hardships of that era. For me, travelling to countries behind the Iron Curtain sounded like embarking on an adventure and playing spy games. It was during my teenage years that I became determined to visit Berlin. Although my history teacher almost took us on a trip that never materialised, I set foot in the ex-Eastern Bloc in the 1992 revolution after the Berlin Wall fell. My first visit into this fascinating world was a trip to Prague and Bratislava in the summer of 1993, where locals found my obsession with the Cold War perplexing. It was clear that I was living in some Cold War movie fantasy. Finally, in 1994, I made my way to Berlin for the first time, and little did I know that the city, would forever hold a special place in my heart.

The moment I stepped into Berlin, the nostalgia of the Cold War washed over me. It felt like traversing time itself, with each step evoking images of East Berlin’s landscapes: from Prentzlauer Berg to Frierichshain and even the old Tempelhof Airport. In fact, my first landing in Berlin was at Tempelhof, a magnificent art deco structure. Arriving at this airport set the tone for my entire visit.

Upon arriving, I immediately set out to chase the remnants of the Berlin Wall, a powerful symbol of the city’s turbulent history. Once a desolate no-man’s-land, Potsdamer Platz was undergoing extensive construction, hinting at the transformation ahead. Berlin presented a fascinating blend of contrasting narratives: reminders of the Cold War era juxtaposed against the emergence of a vibrant and modern cityscape. Compared to East Berlin, West Berlin inherited a reputation of the much gloomier side of capitalism with the film “Christiane F.,” showcasing West Berlin in the 80s, riddled with drug use and prostitution. One couldn’t help but question the reasons behind West Berlin’s tarnished reputation. Was it simply Russian propaganda?

On my recent visit to Berlin, over 15 years since my last, I discovered an entirely different city—a metropolis that had evolved beyond recognition.

Berlin had shed its former divisions and embraced a unified identity. The Brandenburg Gate, once a symbol of separation, now stood proudly as a testament to Germany’s reunification. Bustling streets and vibrant neighbourhoods revealed a city that had reinvented itself while preserving traces of its historical significance. As I explored the city, I stumbled upon what was left of the Berlin Wall, now transformed into an open-air gallery known as the East Side Gallery. The vibrant murals adorning its concrete segments beautifully captured the spirit of hope and freedom that marked the end of an era. Though I wondered why so little of the wall remained, I understood the population’s desire to move forward.

Wandering through the transformed Berlin, I marvelled at the unimaginable change that had taken place. I couldn’t recollect the Potsdamer Platz under the construction replaced with sparkles of neon lights and skyscrapers. I stayed in In Berlin in an Airbnb on the East side near Alexander Platz, in a building that had survived the war, with its high ceilings and large windows. Along the Karl Marx Allee, some buildings harked back to the Soviet era.

Getting around Berlin was a breeze, thanks to the U-Bahn and S-Bahn. I spent countless hours traversing the city, discovering new places such as the Reichstag and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. I felt like a true Berliner, getting lost in Prenzlauer Berg. I was deeply moved visitingThe Topography of Terror museum. I can’t imagine what it must have felt living under such terror.

Every city I visit in Europe has its unique allure, inspiring me to create photographic works of art. Berlin was no exception. During my stay, I connected with Alana, a painter and fashion designer who helped bring my vision to life. The cold and grey weather set the perfect backdrop. We decided on a black-and-white vintage-style photoshoot on Museum Island, where the architectural style complemented the story I wanted to convey. The result was a film noir cinematic experience, with Alana captivating in her Christian Dior vintage outfit. The three days in Berlin flew by, leaving behind lasting memories.

Leaving Berlin behind, I embarked on a journey to Budapest—a city renowned for its rich history and grand architecture. While one can take a train from Berlin to Budapest, I opted for a quick flight of under an hour. For me, Budapest evoked memories of the Austro-Hungarian Empire rather than the Cold War.

The grandeur of the Hungarian Parliament Building, with its intricate architecture and commanding presence, spoke of a bygone era. I stayed in an Airbnb flat in the Kazinczy neighbourhood, housed within a historical building. The courtyard exuded the charm of a 1950s movie set and reminded me of scenes from old Paris.

A stone’s throw away from the flat, I discovered bustling bars where dilapidated buildings had been transformed into vibrant social hubs. These bars emanated the energy of both locals and tourists, embodying the unique blend of nostalgia and modernity that characterises Budapest.

Budapest boasts many historical sites that have witnessed centuries of ebb and flow. The majestic Buda Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the Danube, offered panoramic views of the city and a captivating glimpse into Hungary’s empire past. Walking across the iconic Chain Bridge, a symbol of Budapest’s unification, I marvelled at the stunning architecture that adorned the riverbanks. As I crossed the bridge, it felt like I was traversing through time, with the historic Buda Castle on one side and the modern and vibrant Pest side on the other. This juxtaposition encapsulates Budapest’s journey through the ages. Exploring the labyrinthine streets of the Castle District, I arrived at Matthias Church, a breathtaking Gothic masterpiece that symbolised the city’s resilience.

The highlight of my visit was the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, a relic from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Stepping into the bathhouse felt like entering an old theatre, with changing rooms that resembled a Wes Anderson movie set. I promised myself that one day I would return to capture a photo shoot in this 1900 changing cabins.

Beyond their surface appeal, Berlin and Budapest’s captivating ambience lies in the spirit of resilience and transformation that permeates these cities. Both have faced numerous challenges throughout their histories, from the ravages of war to the divisions of the Cold War. However, they have reinvented themselves, emerging as vibrant cultural hubs that seamlessly blend the old with the new. This spirit of resilience is palpable in the lively nightlife scene, the thriving arts and music scenes, and the innovative culinary offerings that abound.

As you continue your exploration of Berlin and Budapest, I encourage you to immerse yourself in the captivating ambience surrounding you fully. Allow yourself to be transported to a bygone era where history and culture intertwine. Take the time to wander through the streets, get lost in the maze of narrow alleys, and stumble upon hidden gems that reveal the true essence of these remarkable cities. The captivating ambience of Berlin and Budapest awaits; all you have to do is embrace it and allow yourself to be swept away. Let the magic of these cities inspire you to create extraordinary moments and memories that will last a lifetime.