New friends, German snacks, a mountain view that would take your breath away and two celebrations... These are the experiences that marked this day. We awoke to the clanging bells of the early morning travelers in the streets. This is not your typical day. It is Germany's national holiday-- for fathers! They arise early in the morning to embark upon an excursion to celebrate. It is a day to drink and be merry.
After Fruehstuck, we met our other German friends from the Arnstadt Rotary Club. As a group, we hiked Thueringen Wald. We traveled approximately 8 miles and learned all about German history, German environmentalism and the German castle that occuppied the mountain in the 1200s. With the help of our tour guides Norbert (Rotarian) and Frodo (a four-legged friend), we pressed onward through the mountain and enjoyed the sites with some new friends.
I've lost track of time because I forgot to bring a watch with me to Germany, so I can't say exactly how long we hiked. But I can say that it was a very nice, long journey. We arrived at Norbert's house. Once there, we enjoyed some coffee and baked goods.
Later in the evening, we met at Frau Ulrika and Herr Ralf's house for a good-bye barbeque party--Erfurt style. I ate my very first bratwurst and enjoyed a compliment of foods and homemade drinks (gifts from the Grossvater und Grossmutter of the house).
Tomorrow morning, we move onward to Gera. We are curious as we await the new adventures yet to come. Arnstadt and Erfurt have left the most amazing impressions in our minds and we are very grateful for the friends we have made along the way. Thank you to the Arnstadt Rotary for your generosity, time, food, and interest in hosting us. Though we are separated by an ocean, we will always hold Germany and especially Arnstadt and Erfurt in our hearts as our first experience in this fabulous country! It is easy for me to see how peace in the world is a real possibility through this magnificent organization. Guten Nacht und Vielen Dank! - Kevin
After Fruehstuck, we met our other German friends from the Arnstadt Rotary Club. As a group, we hiked Thueringen Wald. We traveled approximately 8 miles and learned all about German history, German environmentalism and the German castle that occuppied the mountain in the 1200s. With the help of our tour guides Norbert (Rotarian) and Frodo (a four-legged friend), we pressed onward through the mountain and enjoyed the sites with some new friends.
I've lost track of time because I forgot to bring a watch with me to Germany, so I can't say exactly how long we hiked. But I can say that it was a very nice, long journey. We arrived at Norbert's house. Once there, we enjoyed some coffee and baked goods.
Later in the evening, we met at Frau Ulrika and Herr Ralf's house for a good-bye barbeque party--Erfurt style. I ate my very first bratwurst and enjoyed a compliment of foods and homemade drinks (gifts from the Grossvater und Grossmutter of the house).
Tomorrow morning, we move onward to Gera. We are curious as we await the new adventures yet to come. Arnstadt and Erfurt have left the most amazing impressions in our minds and we are very grateful for the friends we have made along the way. Thank you to the Arnstadt Rotary for your generosity, time, food, and interest in hosting us. Though we are separated by an ocean, we will always hold Germany and especially Arnstadt and Erfurt in our hearts as our first experience in this fabulous country! It is easy for me to see how peace in the world is a real possibility through this magnificent organization. Guten Nacht und Vielen Dank! - Kevin
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