I awoke with excitement, knowing I was in Berlin and knowing yesterday was the first day of the 6th Deaf History International conference. Took a quick shower and had breakfast before I went to registration that was inside my hotel. There were already many Deaf folks in the registration area, and I got to meet some really nice folks. One such folk was a Newby Ely from Philadelphia, and we talked for a while about the speech he would give at the conference: Deaf Japanese or Japanese Americans who were in the U.S. camps, and I told him I was quite familiar with this subject. We enjoyed chatting on, and Newby introduced me to Ellen, who was from Chicago. We also had a great chat, especially because my ex-hubby and the kids are in near Chicago. Something bothered me about her, but I could not put my finger on it.

The registration area was swollen with Deaf folks! The registration was taking too long, but it wasn't the whole procession - the first three went fast and easy, but it was the last one that took forever. The fourth, a lovely Deaf German named Daniela, was handling the tours. Everybody wanted to know what or where, and which one. She was so patient and took her time - I am definitely impressed with her! Keep in mind Deaf folks at this conference came from 25 countries. I checked out the programme, tours and all. I realized I did not have very much time to get some things I promised family, and the only time would be right now!

Carrying a map with me, I was able to walk to the Kulture Buch (a comic book shop), Harley-Davidson motorcycle shop and some other stores before stopping for lunch. I then set out again for the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin's most famous landmark. This was where my tour would meet. I got there first, apparently! Ha...I had time to watch people - there were two beautiful mimes. People all took photos of the gate. I did not realize its significance. Soon I spotted three Deaf women looking for the meeting point, and I signaled them over here! They were thrilled, and turns out they all were from Austria. Then a Deaf man from Lithuania joined in, and then a Deaf British joined and so on. I recognized two Deaf Americans, Albert Walla and Bruce Gross, who also joined the group. They saw me, too and hugged me! Oh boy. They had been to Berlin before, and said this time Berlin is much more beautiful and free. The last time they were here the famous Wall was up! Wow.

A Deaf German, who introduced himself as Jochen Muhs, said he would lead the tour. He is a robust elderly gentleman and explains that he grew up in Berlin his whole life, but oddly enough never on the Communist side. He then explained why the Brandenburg Gate was the meeting point. There used to be a wooden gate a long time ago, and the King wanted something better than that. So, there was a street built from the palace to the new gate with the statue on top. It looked strong and glorious. This street was sort of the diameter for the whole town of Berlin.

More on Muhs' tour soon, the tour includes Deaf History when the history of Berlin is discussed.