Trip Log :: Winding Down

The journey of our Assumption students in Germany is winding down. Carter's teacher sent this update this weekend...

It is interesting to see how perspectives change. During the planning phase of our trip, our nearly 4 week stay seemed like an eternity to our GAPP participants to be away from their family, friends and normal routine. Now, however, the time appears to be way too short. The thought of saying goodbye is already making several weepy.

We had a very busy week again. On Monday [June 29] we traveled to the BMW plant after our morning classes. We got a very informative and interesting tour of the BMW plant in Dingolfing (30 min away) where the 5, 6, and 7 series cars are built. Unfortunately, there were no free samples given out. The students were impressed with the technology and automation used to produce each vehicle. Our bus driver added to our adventure as well with his driving skills. The non-air conditioned bus also was an experience as well.

Wednesday [July 1] we had our somber day at Dachau [Concentration Camp Memorial, picture above]. We also got to experience first hand the frustrations of public transportation. The normal 45 min ride to Munich took nearly twice that due to construction. Upon our arrival in Dachau (after switching trains in Munich) we then had to deal with multiple groups who wanted to get to the memorial site. It took 3 buses before we could get on. Even though we spent 3.5 hours at the camp, our time did not do justice to all the information that is available there to see, read and absorb. We had very warm and sunny weather for the day, which helped dispel some of the gloom.

Our return trip to Landshut was another adventure in the use of public transportation. Again, the return buses were filled to the gills, so it took 2 buses before all of our group was together. Then the train from Dachau to Munich was delayed and surprisingly no information was given to all of us roasting in the sun waiting for it to show up. The train from Munich to Landshut also had a delay so we were 1.5 hours late coming back to Landshut. My German cell phone got a work out letting families know of our delay. The train was also very full so many of us stood for most of the stretch from Munich to Landshut.

[July 2] after lunch we took the city bus to the Wittmann brewery. The brew master gave us free bottles of cold soft drinks (made by his company) and a wonderful tour of the facility. In response to a question from one of our students, the brewmaster shared with us that each employee gets up to 78 liters of their beer per month for free. Each employee can then purchase per month another 78 liters of beer at the reduced price of 35 Euro. There were several that were eager to fill out a job application after hearing about this fringe benefit. At then end of the tour, I presented the brewmaster with Point beer coasters in the shape of our state (thanks to the Hilltop in Point) and a package of sweet and dried cranberries. He gave each student a Wittmann brewery 1/2 liter beer mug.

[July 3] is another very hot day. There is no air conditioning anywhere at school. Teachers often look to relocate their classes to another, cooler classroom, which makes things interesting. The weekend is forecasted to be in the 90s. Many students will be here in town for at least part of the weekend to attend the Burgfest, a precursor event held in anticipation of the next Landshuter wedding re-enactment in 2017. ...

Monday [July 6] is our final field trip which will be a joint one to Wallhalla and the Liberation Hall. These are located along the Danube River. Our farewell dinner is Wednesday evening and then comes the challenge of fitting everything into our suitcases and not being overweight.

I'll be curious just what Carter is bringing back with him since it appears he is quite skilled at using his ATM card now!