Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Germany!!

Thank you for all of the wonderful comments on the last post! Sorry I have not written much since...it has been harder to use the computers in Germany because the keyboard is different! Other than the keyboard, I LOVE Germany! Cologne was such an old and quaint city. Kat and I visted the Dom, of course. We actually went twice, so that we could get the full experience. My favorite part was climbing to the top of the North tower, where we could see all of the city. The locals were out in full force while we were there because Koln, the football club of the city had just won a special match which elevated them to the next level (a good thing over here). The streets were flooded with red and white jerseys and drunk germans leading crowds in organized cheers and chants. All of the locals in Germany have been so welcoming and appreciative when kat and I try to speak the language. I actually have tried to communicate mostle in German, but of course everyone knows that I am just an American. Later in Cologne (german-Koln) we went to the chocolate museum, which was really fun and included a bunch of free samples. >One nice thing about Germany is that all the places give student discounts!
After two days in Koln we went took the train to Munich (german- Munchen, meaning city of monks) this is in the Bavaria region of Germany and is full of history. Yesterday when we arrived we went walked around the city and saw some of the historical landmarks and then went to lunch at a restaurant attached to a brewery called Augustiner Brau Munchen, the food was so good, although I am not used to having so much meat in my diet! We later went to the famous English gardens which is twice as big as NYC central park! It was very beautiful. The end of the day was spent at one of the traditional bier gardens, which are really neat.
Today Kat and I visited Dachau the first concentration camp in Germany and the only one that ran the entire 12 year duration of the war in Germany. The camp was mostly preserved, while some parts were restored into a museum. While the visit was very educational it was also very sad and made the crimes of Hitler very real. I especially was impacted by the testimonials that accompanied the audio guide around the camp.
I am able to write this because Kat and I missed our train to Lille to visit Christian and have decided to take the night train into Paris. We still have a few hours until that train leaves, hopefully we wont miss it this time!!
I miss you all so much and hope all is well back home!

5 comments:

Hannah said...

hey maddie! sounds like you ladies are having a divine time. I'm not going to lie, i could imagine that you missed the train, doesn't surprise me much! I am very jealous, I wish i could be over there embarassing myself with you! Hope today was just as exciting! Talk to you soon. I miss you and love you! ps-this weekend should be interesting with prom and getting ready with mom...that's always a blast! much love, talk to you soon!<3

Irvin Lyerly said...

Hey Maddie,
Germany sounds wonderful. But stay away from the soccer holligans. I guess you are in France by this time. Everything is good here except for some stormy weather every few days. I will let Mom give you the full forecast,(you know how she likes that). Have fun and keep in touch as often as you can. Moms says hi.

Love,Dad

Nay Nay said...

Maddie,
Hello from Beaufort, NC!! Not quite as exciting as GERMANY, is it?? Sounds like you and kat are having just a blast. i hope you are taking LOTS of pictures; I'm dying to hears all the details--boring and fun! We had a really good time at the grand opening last weekend. Your mom, dad, Ray, Ron, Julie, and Jay were here. We only signed up 4 people, but lots of people came through for the grand tour. Your dad beat his own record time of working out...he and Ray probably worked out on and off for most of the day! Have FUN...love you to pieces. Love, Nay Nay

Nay Nay said...

Maddie,

I've been looking forward to your adventures in France, but haven't heard a PEEP from you (or your blog!). I'm assuming you and Kat are just having so much fun, you have forgotten about your ole Nay Nay back in Hicksville.
Seriously, I AM looking forward to hearing all about France.
Love you,
Nay Nay

Anonymous said...

Maddie!! I hope you are having a blast! I saw some of the pics Kat posted and it looks like things are wonderful across the pond. Keep us updated! And I can't wait to see you when you come home!