Skip to content

Claes Jonasson :: Writer

words to make a difference

Claes Jonasson :: Writer
  • Blog
    • All posts
    • Berlin
    • Rail journeys
  • Fiction
  • Poetry
  • About me

Berlin

Nighttime view of Berlin's city center, including TV towerGoodbye East Berlin

November 9, 1989. The images I never thought I’d see: People, lots of them, by and on top of the infamous Berlin Wall. Whole sections of it coming down. It was a miracle unfolding before our eyes.

Fire Island, NY, beach and lighthouseThe dream of Europe

Carensa was 6. But determined. She was going to Europe. The land with castles at every river’s bend. And princes and princesses. A magical place.

woman on bench at train station with lots of luggageA penpal on the other side

Early ‘70s. The Cold War was still very cold. With no end in sight. Ever. And I had a penpal in East Berlin. Even went over there to meet in person.

Claes and host family in Berlin 1971My best summer

I was going on an adventure. Leaving my small hometown in Sweden for the great metropolis of Berlin, Germany. By myself. As in, I came up with the idea, I planned the trip, I made all the arrangements.

Debbie and Adis in Berlin 1975A moment that changed everything

She looked around the room and asked, loud enough so everyone would hear: “Does anyone here know Berlin?”

Claes and host family in Berlin 1971Expressing gratitude or “the rest of the story”

Our lives don’t play out in isolation. We each have people who are crucial at various points in our lives. Meet a couple of mine.

Berlin Wall, overlooking the wall and death strip near Lichterfelde, 1971Walls and fences — to keep us apart

When the Berlin Wall went up on August 13, 1961, I was 300 miles away in Sweden. I was 6. And had a terrible time figuring this whole thing out.

Life Faith Stuff -ebook by Claes Jonasson

Making Sense, Sorting It Out, Living

We’re on this journey called life and get to figure it out as we go along. Looking at Life, Faith, Stuff and how they interact in the crossroads of life.

As Yoda would say: “Choose carefully, we must.”

Give me the guide

Site links

  • Home
  • About me
  • Blog
  • Fiction
  • Poetry

Work with me

  • Bespoke writing
  • Web design that works

Blog

Recent:

2 must-see classic French films
The tale of the green apple
Of daffodils and tanks

Recommended:

Integrity – An indispensable trait
Facing our giants
Poem
Get email updates Contact me
Claes Jonasson writer logo
  • Home
  • Terms of use
  • Privacy policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Contact me

©2016—2023 Claes Jonasson Design, LLC

Never miss out!

Get fiction wiriting, insights and thoughts — for making a difference in your life.

We’ll treat your information in accordance with our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

"Life, faith, stuff - the intersections of life" cover

Get the guide now

You’ll also get fiction writing, insights and thoughts — for making a difference in your life — right in your inbox.

We’ll treat your information in accordance with our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

"Life, faith, stuff - the intersections of life" cover

Get the guide

You’ll also get fiction writing, insights and thoughts — for making a difference in your life — right in your inbox.

We’ll treat your information in accordance with our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

  • Home
  • Blog
    • Berlin
    • Rail journeys
    • Back
  • Fiction
  • Poetry
  • About me

Pin It on Pinterest