Bedside in Berlin

Canadian backpacker Amber arrives in Berlin as the COVID-19 pandemic threatens the city’s characteristic freedom. A backpacker funding her travels through part-time work in aged care, her plans to spend most of her time exploring the city are compromised by government-imposed restrictions. Her greatest discoveries of Berlin come from a close bond she forms with Marta, a former professional figure skater who is now a resident of the nursing home employing Amber.

Marta’s experiences highlight the tumultuous history of the city. From childhood spent in the aftermath of World War II, to her escape from the East German regime across the Berlin Wall, and her return to a vibrant and prosperous West Berlin in the 1970’s, she is symbolic of the city’s ability to evolve and adapt.

Through the parallels in the experiences of Amber and Marta, Berlin emerges as a living and breathing entity that has endured the worst of human history and emerged vastly stronger. The city’s unique and magical qualities, which captivate both locals and tourists, are evident in the stories of these two women at opposite ends of life.