In the aftermath of the Berlin wall’s fall, the city transformed dramatically, as recounted by Heinz “Cookie” Gindullis, who arrived in Berlin-Mitte at just 17 years old. He describes a wild and liberated environment where abandoned buildings were commonplace, allowing individuals to break in and make them their homes—some for just a week, others for a decade.The lack of modern conveniences like phone lines and mobile phones meant that residents relied on a few public payphones scattered over a two-kilometer radius. Gindullis reflects on the challenges of maintaining coal stoves in this unique, chaotic era, highlighting a time when Berlin was a canvas for creativity and resilience, shaping the vibrant culture that the city is known for today.
Q&A: Exploring Post-Wall Berlin with Heinz “Cookie” Gindullis
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Heinz. Your experiences in Berlin-Mitte after the fall of the Berlin Wall are truly fascinating. Can you describe the habitat you encountered as a young 17-year-old arriving in the city?
Gindullis: It was unbelievable. Berlin felt like an entirely liberated space. The wall had just fallen,and there was this wild energy.Abandoned buildings were everywhere,and because of the rapid changes,many people moved in,turning those spaces into improvised homes. You’d find some residents living there for just a week while others made it their home for a decade.
editor: That’s a striking image of resilience and adaptation. How did the lack of modern conveniences influence daily life in those early days?
gindullis: People relied heavily on the sparse public payphones available. Imagine living in a city without widespread phone lines or cell phones—it really changed how we communicated. You had to walk up to two kilometers just to find a working payphone. This lack of modern convenience fostered a community that was more connected in person, as we relied on each other for information and support.
editor: It sounds like such a unique lifestyle.As you navigated this chaotic environment, what were some of the practical challenges you faced, especially regarding heating your living space?
Gindullis: Maintaining coal stoves was one of the biggest challenges. It required constant effort to keep them going, especially in the colder months. You had to be resourceful, often figuring out how to secure coal and ensuring that the stove was in good working order. This experience taught me a lot about sustainability and the importance of hands-on solutions, which I carry with me today.
Editor: How did these early experiences in post-Wall Berlin shape the vibrant culture that the city is known for today?
Gindullis: Those chaotic, free-spirited days were crucial in shaping what we now think of as Berlin’s culture. The mix of people from different backgrounds, all thrown together in this open space without the constraints of the Wall, led to a wave of creativity. Art, music, and entrepreneurship flourished during this period; it was a time of experimentation and expression that continues to influence the city’s identity.
Editor: What lessons can current and future generations learn from this transformative time in Berlin’s history?
Gindullis: One key lesson is the importance of adaptability in the face of change. We learned to make do with what we had and to innovate creatively. Additionally, the sense of community that developed during that time showed us how vital support systems are, especially in unsettled times. Embracing change and fostering connections can lead to extraordinary growth and resilience.
Editor: Thank you, Heinz. Your insights provide a vivid picture of this dynamic period in Berlin’s history. It’s remarkable to think about how much the city has evolved from those days and how it continues to embody creativity and resilience.
Gindullis: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to remember the roots of our cultural evolution,and I hope these stories inspire others to recognize and embrace change in their own lives.
This interview not onyl highlights Heinz “Cookie” Gindullis’s personal experiences but also captures the broader implications of living in a post-Wall Berlin, showcasing how individuals can adapt and thrive in rapidly changing environments.