Growing up in the Stasi town (278)

<p>Dirk lived in the town of Bernau about 15 miles from East Berlin. Just outside Bernau was Wandlitz the residential estate of the East German leadership. As a result, Bernau had one of the highest densities of Stasi facilities in East Germany.<br/><br/></p><p>Dirk shares details of his childhood growing up in a Plattenbau block of flats where his school friends were children of NVA officers, Stasi officers, and Soviet Army officers.<br/><br/></p><p>He shares some fascinating details of school life and visits the homes of his school friends in Bernau.  However, his parents clashed with his school teachers as they bullied Dirk for wearing western clothing.<br/><br/></p><p>We also hear how his parent&apos;s anti-soviet view originated with his grandparents fleeing the World War 2 Soviet invasion of East Prussia and an Uncle who was arrested and disappeared in Berlin in 1945. <br/><br/></p><p><b><em>Cold War history is disappearing; however, a simple monthly donation will keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and get a sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. </em></b></p><p><b><em>Just go to </em></b><a href='https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/'><b><em>https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/</em></b></a></p><p>If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.<br/><br/></p><p><b>Videos and extra episode info here</b><a href='https://coldwarconversations.com/episode278/'><b> https://coldwarconversations.com/episode278</b></a></p><p><b><em>Meet me at the Hack Green Nuclear Bunker Living History event April 8-9th 2023.<br><br>Details here </em></b><a href="https://www.hackgreen.co.uk/events"><b><em>https://www.hackgreen.co.uk/events</em></b></a><b><em><br><br></em></b><br></p> <p><b>Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to </b><a href="https://coldwarconversations.com/store/"><b>https://coldwarconversations.com/s