Many East Germans illegally escaped through Berlin before the wall was built. Freedom was possible if one could convince the guards there was a good reason to enter the Western side. Anita Plutte was one of those who found a way...... It was December 1955, and I had just said a long, tearful, fearful good bye to my sister Renate. I found myself walking across the Berlin bridge with Frau Fischer. I hoped I was doing the right thing. When we got about halfway across, a young guard stopped us by holding up his hand and blocking our path. 'Where are you going How long will you be there What is the purpose of your visit' The blonde guard on the bridge on the East Berlin side was probably only 20 years old - just a little younger than I was at the time. My mouth was dry from the nervousness I was feeling. My throat was closed. I could not answer. My heart was pounding so hard, I could feel it pushing against my chest. My clothes were sticking to my back from the nervous sweat. I just looked