– Melike Berker contributed to this report
The University of Lincoln History Society increased membership again in the 2012/2013 academic year to run a successful trip to Berlin in March 2013.
The committee managed to engage 30 students to sign up to the trip, which was debated heavily by committee and members of the society, after a decision to go to Prague the trip was forced to change to Berlin. This was due to flight and hostel prices. However, the society was happy enough to venture to Berlin.
Melike Berker, the president of The University of Lincoln History Society said that they chose Berlin because it “has been at the centre of most of our studies since A Level”.
The trip was a complete success, with a group of 29 going away for three nights, staying in a highly recommended hostel in Berlin; BaxPax Mitte. The trip was headed up by the president and future president Steve Morgan, in order to prepare for next year’s trip.
The journey to Berlin started with travelling over night to Stansted Airport, to board a plane and land in -12 degree weather. The airport was layered with German snowfall that looked not so dissimilar to the runways left back in England.
The first day started with a spot of lunch and a cold walk through Friedrichstrasse, to discover the TV tower, Check Point Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate. After an exhausting day, the society members got an early night in preparation for their second day in Berlin.
The second day started with a tour of Museum Island and a photo outside the Brandenburg Gate. They also ventured to the Holocaust memorial which reduced some members to tears.
After another long day, the society discovered the brilliance of German beer and culture. This left them with a last day to split off into groups and discover anything they had missed.
Louis Colbourne, society and committee member, said: “The trip was well organised and ran smoothly, with attendance from students in all years”.
The society had talked about going to Budapest, Barcelona or Copenhagen next year, but only time will tell. Steve Morgan said: “The trip was amazing and it will be hard to beat next year!”
