Aya's Archery News

The Berlin Wall opened on the 9th of Nov, 1989 and the 5th of Nov, 2008 was my first opening for six models of the Berlin Wall in scale 1:20 at the Mauer Museum Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, Germany.

After years of research and many trips to the former No-Man's Land, my Berlin Wall models represent different generations and variations of the Berliner Mauer from 13 Aug, 1961. It is my hope that my Berlin Wall models will show the true life of the Berlin Wall as a structure... from a roll of barbed wire to a barrier in a series of advanced border fortifications surrounding West Berlin for 28 years.

There were several newspapers at the opening and I was also interviewed by Russian TV. Below is are links. See my Hobby page for photos of my Berlin Wall models.

"Mauermuseum präsentiert Nachbildungen der Berliner Mauer"

HTB Russian TV ...featured near the end.

Translation of the Russian:

"A Wall has been built in the Museum, too. American artist Erika Eiffel recreated in details all the generations of the Berlin Wall. She walked along nearly all the route of the Wall - half a hundred km inside the city, hundred and a half km outside. She feels the wall with her skin.

"This is the politics, terrible politics of the Soviet Union!" says Aleksandra Hildebrandt, the head of the museum.

"Yes," says Erika Eiffel, "But when I built this wall I was not thinking about the politics, I was thinking about this construction. If I think about the politics it's too sad. I could never build the wall."

*** "To feel with one's skin" means in Russian "to feel a close connection" ... "to be very passionate about something".

I apologize that my site was down. Hopefully this will not be a problem in the future.

Now I am back in Berlin with the friendly folks in Steinstücken. Greatfully I am being hosted by some of the residents and they have made my stay very warm and welcomed. My study and deep interest in the Berlin Wall led me here and unlocked a part of history relatively unknown to the history books. Most focus of the Berlin Wall is only in and around the center of Berlin where the Berlin Wall cut so deep.

Now I continue my research into life of this former exclave of Berlin during the times of the Berlin Wall. The resilience of these people towards maintaining their freedom in a sea of communism was made more possible by the presence of the US Army Aviation Detachment.

I am very proud that my website has facilitated bringing some members of the Aviation Detachment in touch with each other. It is my sincere hope that this part of history for both the Berliners of Steinstücken and the US Military is not lost. Step by step, I hope to rebuild the picture of events that occurred within the confines of the Berlin Wall and show the world an amazing friendship that developed between Steinstücken and the US Army Aviation Detachment.

Also, it is a great pleasure to shoot with the archery club here in Steinstücken and also for a day in Wannsee. Archery is alive and well and bringing joy to all ages in this area of Berlin. So often I get obsessed with high level competition that I forget that archery is for many folks a means of sporting fun. Joining them for an afternoon of shooting has reminded me of my days before competing... days when I shot the bow and arrows for the thrill not the score.

Please continue to pray for my coach Anthony Belletini from Archery USA in Dedham, MA!!! Anthony, I wish you a full recovery and a quick return to your jovial self!

My website has been down but I must urger everyone who reads my sight to lift a prayer for my archery coach and dear friend, Anthony Belletini from Archery USA in Dedham, MA. He has undergone a series of surgeries for cancer and his health has declined as a result. I have very little news because I am here in Berlin, Germany. Any news would be appreciated and prayers for a speedy recovery to good health.