Part 3/8:
Despite its modern amenities, Kaliningrad’s infrastructure often reflects neglect. Sidewalks are poorly maintained, littered with potholes and dim lighting, making nighttime navigation challenging. On streets that seem unremarkable, remnants of German architecture from the early 20th century stand out, like the charming paved areas interspersed with forgotten tram tracks—a nod to its past as a bustling city.
The German population was systematically deported after the war, leading to the replacement of German names with Soviet ones. This erasure of identity has left a complex cultural tapestry. Young people in the border regions used to cross into Lithuania for shopping, leading to a mutually beneficial economic exchange that has largely diminished due to heightened geopolitical tensions.