BERLIN IN NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

National Geographic Magazine published a timely story in its March 2015 issue examining two world capitals cast into opposing roles by the euro crisis: Athens and Berlin. It is a thoughtful evaluation of the two cities, which “were forced into a relationship neither wanted – northern lender, southern borrower. Now they’re emblems of a divided Europe longing for unity” as author Adam Nicolson puts it.

The story is accompanied by Gerd Ludwig’s photographs of Berlin which show the German capital as a youthful, vibrant and multicultural city influenced by its rough past, embracing a bright present and hoping for a safe future. Magnum photographer Alex Majoli captured Athens.

To see the story online: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2015/03/two-cities/nicolson-text

To read an earlier piece on the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/11/141107-berlin-wall-25th-anniversary-germany-history/