Thanks For The Memories

Thanks to all for a fantastic trek across Germany.  I'm mostly back to an American lifestyle now, although last night as I walked the dog I found myself yelling "schnell, schnell."  Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Calhoun, and I are deeply appreciative of your cooperation and assistance.  Special thanks to our parents who provided us with extra eyes as we made tracks across Germany- Mrs. Priest-Brown for watching the 7th grade boys, Mrs. Rosen and Mrs. Sprott (RosenSprott) for their scouting efforts, and the Folgers for their wit and wisdom.  Extra special thanks to our EF tour guide Silke Schlittemann for going way beyond the call of duty.  Finally, eternal gratitude to Frau Alexander, our fearless leader, for the courage it takes to get 38 kids to Germany and back.  Auf wiedersehen!

I Want Candy

Our final shopping stop was a German grocery store, where the children loaded up on gifts for the family. I hope at least some of it made it home without being eaten.


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Bus Zombies

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Duel

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Heidelberg

Heidelberg is an old college town on the Necker River, dominated by the ruins of a castle. Between natural disasters and the French army, the castle has had some issues, and was largely abandoned 300 years ago. The ruins provide a great view of the city below and still feature some fascinating sculptures that provide great roosts for pigeons.


Heidelberg was the scene of a failed attempt to produce silk. The silkworms are gone, but the juicy mulberries remain.














Mr. Calhoun tests the good luck monkey sculpture











Frau Alexander came to the US as an au pair. Christina was her little girl- all grown up.





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Rolling On The River

The lovely Necker River is a tributary of the Rhine, and is navigable by barges and small ships for over 100 miles. Rather than take a bus into Heidelberg, we decided to take the more traditional means of travel and go by boat. We passed through several locks along the way, and saw castles dotting the shoreline. And, of course, bought lots of snacks and creamy coffee drinks.


















































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On The Way

Lots more to post, but the bus is packed, and I don't want to be late. You know how Frau Alexander gets. Thanks to all for a great trip. Next stop-Atlanta!


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Random

So I have lots of pictures...








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The Nightwatchman

The Nightwatchman is a genuine medieval man who conducts tours of Rothenburg at dusk, describing city life from long ago.


Separated at birth?











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Torture

Rothenburg has a charming museum dedicated to medieval justice. Truly inspiring.

These masks were used to punish people for talking too much, or for being as messy as pigs. I see possibilities here- Ms. Jackson, what do you think?






Frau Alexander wants to order these to replace her desks.


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Silke

We would be lost without Silke and her faithful friend Squeaky. She has led this pack of squirrels through crowded city streets, on trains, buses and boats, through throngs of crazed football fans, and to the nearest restrooms. When we remember to listen, she has taught a wealth of information about German history and culture. Our goal today is to have coffee and cake around 3:00, and then to linger over it for an hour or two while solving the problems of the world.





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Rothenburg

The medieval town of Rothenburg was spared from harm during WWII, allegedly because the wife of an American officer told him to treat it gently. Whatever, the walled town is like a Disney creation that' hundreds of years old. All this, and great shopping too!





























The sturdy town guardian, manning the walls.





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