AMPELMANN

East Berliners love their Ampelmann!

They often joke that he is the only Ossi (East German) to conquer the West. Their beloved pedestrian crossing signals were being torn down soon after the Wall, but with much enthusiastic and heart-felt support the East Berliners prevailed not only in keeping the Ampel Man in the east, but moving him into use in the west.

This nice shop sells all sorts of branded products and is well worth a visit now that you understand his history and their affection.

Last week I attended the "We will Rock You" Queen musical in Berlin and at one point the leading lady, Scaramouche, falls backwards wearing a short skirt to reveal her Ampelmann panties to the audience...and they go crazy with laughter and applause!

The Ampel Man was created by a GDR traffic psychologist named Karl Peglau and put into action on the streets of East Berlin on October 13, 1961. They owe their fun shapes to the notion that motorists respond quicker to visually appealing symbols.