Vatican City: Walled Within

Enclave within the city of Rome, with an area of approximately 44 hectares (110 acres), and a population of 842,is the smallest internationally recognized independent state in the world by both area and population. (credits: wikipedia)

- Saint Peter's Basilica -
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Independent from Italy and all of Europe, the Vatican is the only city that is governed by the highest ruling power in the Catholic religion... the pope. A seat of power that once held by Saint Peter whose ashes lie rest within the basilica. It is indeed an amazing experience to thread upon the steps towards the tomb of Saint Peter. One can only withhold tears as you feel an immense aura of humility sweep away from under your feet. As a Catholic and a devotee, to just be inside the basilica is one of the moments you would cherish for a lifetime. Yet, you  need not be a catholic to appreciate the beauty of the architecture and the art inside. One piece of sculpture that lies inside is the Pieta by Michelangelo. 

- Pieta -
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This symbol of the Virgin Mother's sorrow as she hold her son's lifeless body in her arms gravitates the loss any mother would have when their child is taken away from this life.

The grief

The pain

The undying love of a mother...

These emotions evoke a level of sadness not many can comprehend. Let your hearts succumb to the sorrow of this art. Let your hearts feel the sacrifice of a mother, and let your hearts feel the love that is unconditional and true. 

Freedom

Berlin Wall

( German : Berliner Mauer )

The Berlin Wall (German: Berliner Mauer) was a barrier that existed between 1961 and 1990, constructed by the German Democratic Republic (GDR, East Germany) starting on 13 August 1961. Between 1961 and 1989, the wall prevented almost all such emigration.During this period, around 5,000 people attempted to escape over the wall, with an estimated death toll of over 100 in and around Berlin, although that claim is disputed (Credits: Wikipedia)

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The Berlin Wall is located in Bernauer Straße 111, 13355 Berlin, Germany. The wall that used to be just cement covered bricks has been changed to show graffiti arts with powerful statements from artists showing freedom and change.

Wars from non acceptance led to the creation of these brick stones reflecting segregation and anarchy. Yet today, in this day and age this wall stands more than ever a symbol of the eradication of diversity.  

Rarely does it cross our minds how privileged we are to be able to live without having the restraints our forefathers had in the time of the Nazi regime; or even in time for us Asians, the Japanese empire rule in world war II. Some hardly appreciate the sacrifices our ancestors made for this privilege to become a right. 

Our right of speech
Out right to be free
Our right to live

The Berlin wall would be a emotional sight just like the concentration camps. This is one of those places where you would be able to realize how fortunate we are to be born in this age. How lucky we are to be able to write what is in our minds, to speak what is in our hearts, and to do what our dreams have envisioned for us. 

These are powerful emotions you would not want to miss when you visit the Berlin wall. A symbol of both suppression

..... and freedom. 

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