I went to school in September 1989 while Romania was still under the communist regime. Before the Christmas break, the Revolution had started and we had an extended holiday; Ceausescu and his wife were killed, Romania became a democracy.
In 2001 I went to study in Germany. I needed a visa to enter, and on the way, I spent 4 hours waiting at borders and 4 more hours when the police stopped the bus to check all passengers. In 2004, I graduated but to be able to legally stay in Germany I needed a job. Between 2004 and 2007, I had to go at least once a year to renew my visa.
In 2007, Romania entered the EU and by now I can travel with my ID and stay for as long as I please.
On the 22nd of December, Romania celebrates 21 years since communism ended, just months after the Berlin wall fell on the 3rd of October. How would life had been for me and my generation had the wall remained in place? I never thought of it until today while walking around in Berlin, where the East meets the West.
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