A walk in what once was the German Democratic Republic (DDR), the eastern part of Berlin.

Marx, Engels, and friend. Notice the polished hands and knees—of the statues— where many have sat for their portrait.

Marx, Engels, and friend. Notice the polished hands and knees—of the statues— where many have sat for their portrait.

Martin Luther. Marien Church in the background, dating to 1270.

Martin Luther. Marien Church in the background, dating to 1270.

Neptune fountain at Alexanderplatz.

Neptune fountain at Alexanderplatz.

Beer garden. Galeria Kaufhof in the background. “In Communist times the Kaufhof Department Store was the ultimate shopping Mecca  . . . “

Beer garden. Galeria Kaufhof in the background. “In Communist times the Kaufhof Department Store was the ultimate shopping Mecca . . . “

Potato pancakes, almost as good as Ingrid’s.

Potato pancakes, almost as good as Ingrid’s.

Once futuristic world time clock (built 1969)

Once futuristic world time clock (built 1969)

Tourist on the Spree.

Tourist on the Spree.

McDonald’s in the subway.

McDonald’s in the subway.