When East German Soldiers Dreamed of Flying Over the Wall (436)

Cold War Conversations - "vivid & compelling" The NY Times

Ian Sanders

History, Documentary, Society & Culture

4.8 • 865 Ratings

🗓️ 27 December 2025

⏱️ 73 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Andrew was a British modern languages student in 1989. He recounts the serendipitous moment when he stumbled upon an advert for a work and holiday trip to the GDR. The trip was organized by the Great Britain GDR Society, which allowed participants to experience life behind the Iron Curtain. For just £120, students could immerse themselves in a culture that was vastly different from what they knew. The only requirement was to join the society, which piqued the curiosity of our guest, who had previously visited West Germany but had yet to set foot in the East. As the group engaged in work on a building site, they encountered East German soldiers and workers, sharing stories and forging unexpected friendships. The camaraderie that developed during these moments highlighted the human connections that transcended political boundaries. Andrew reflects on the peculiarities of the trip, from the shoddy living conditions to the surreal experience of mingling with locals who had their own dreams and aspirations. Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode436/ The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, 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. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ CONTINUE THE COLD WAR CONVERSATION Follow us on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social Follow us on Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to Cold War Conversations, the home of real stories of the Cold War.
0:06.0	This episode is brought to you by SimpliSafe. As the evenings get darker and colder, this
0:12.6	SimplySafe on is the sound of peace of mind. SimplySafe sensors, HD cameras and 24-7 security
0:20.7	monitoring protect your home inside and out against break-ins, fires, water leaks and more.
0:27.1	So you can relax.
0:29.1	Visit simplysafe.com.uk slash pod for an exclusive discount.
0:36.5	Hi, just leaving work now. Sorry, it's a bit loud. Um, basically, so I was thinking we could get Macies tonight. Had a big Mac on my mind all day and delivery fee on the app is now from 99P. So you win? Of course you are. Love you. Bye.
0:49.0	Exclusively on the McDonald's app.
0:51.8	18 plus service fee and small order fee may apply, but it's a pacing in restaurants, serving times and teas and seas apply.
0:56.2	It's not going to happen in this life, but if I ever wanted to work for the British
0:59.8	security services in any shape or form, would it count against me?
1:04.9	Would they be able to know that I was a member of the Great Britain GDR Society?
1:11.5	This is Cold War Conversations. If you're new here, you've come to the right place to listen to
1:18.1	Cold War history. Please make sure you follow us in your podcast app so you don't miss future
1:22.9	episodes. Andrew was a British modern languages student in 1989.
1:28.3	He recounts the serendipitous moment when he stumbled upon an advert for a work and holiday trip to East Germany.
1:36.3	The trip was organised by the Great Britain GDR Society which allowed participants to experience life behind the Iron Curtain.
1:43.3	The only requirement was to join the society,
1:46.7	which piqued the curiosity of Andrew,
1:48.8	who had previously visited West Germany and had yet to set foot in the east.
1:53.3	As the group engaged in work on a building site,
1:55.8	they encountered East German soldiers and workers,
	...

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