Webster Dewangen Germany Exchange Trip 2015

Webster Dewangen Friendship Club

Germany 2015

            Hannah and I had the trip of a lifetime. I was lucky enough to make a return trip to Germany with the Webster Dewangen Club so I’m doubly lucky. I went with Tyler in 2011, and was pleasantly surprised at how many different places we visited this time. The Germans are incredible hosts, and it never ceases to amaze me how they indeed go above and beyond in so many ways to pamper us. 

            The kids were definitely a big part of this trip’s success. Noah Thurston, Kayla Kirchmeier, Lindsey Vogl, Karlee Chapin, Abby Kwasniewski, and Hannah worked hard to prepare and raise funds for the trip. They earned enough money to offset the costs that were not covered by the club. They, like the 2011 group, were appreciative, respectful, interested in the places our hosts had planned for us to see, and willing to try new things. Kristi Gaikowski and I were the two chaperones, and we enjoyed every bit of it. 

            We loaded up the van and Chris and LeAnn chauffeured and saw us off at the airport. The flights and connections all went well. I was one of the fortunate and able to sleep as we made our way across the Atlantic, others in the group passed the time with movies and music. We arrived in Stuttgart tired but excited to be on German soil. Herman, Tony and Sandy met us and following a long held tradition, treated us to pretzels and beverages in the airport parking lot. We drove about an hour to DeWangen and met up with our host families at the Hiking Club, which would often serve as our daily meeting place. 

Claudia, my host from my first trip, and her son Adrian were there with smiles. Hannah’s host family Lukas Zeigler and his mom Irene picked up Kayla and Hannah to give them time to get settled. The Graf family, Melanie, Hini, and Andrea hosted the group that evening at their home in Fachsenfeld. I was reminded how small the yards are in comparison to home. Their trampoline basically filled their backyard. I so enjoy walking through the neighborhoods and streets. The kids seem like they’ve picked up right where they left off in June when the Germans left Webster. I slept wonderfully in my room at Claudia’s – she and Sep make me feel so comfortable in her home.

Friday morning I found my running route from Claudia’s home, loving the rolling countryside and narrow village roads. Sandi and I met Tony, Lilly & Kristi in Aalen for brunch at a sidewalk café. Kristi was noting Tony’s soft boiled egg served in a little egg holder. Aaron had raved about these when he was here. Our kids went to school with the Germans for their final day before holiday. Hannah had fun at their Game Day, where they held races and activities. We met up with the kids at the fountain and had a tour of Aalen.

We met the mayor of Aalen and learned some of the history of the town. The cobblestone streets make for such European atmosphere. We enjoyed our first ice cream also! Supper was at Sandi’s house so I just walked the up the street and through a little playground area. I love that I can actually find my way on my own a bit! It was a pleasant evening, and it was easy to see the kids were having a great time.

Saturday was a Tripsdrill, an amusement park. The kids were in heaven with all the roller coasters. Several of the German adults joined us for the day, and we all had a great time. I did go on one of the wooden framed rides, but it was a little crazy for these bones, whipping around the corners, whiplash style. The kids were all in for the major loop-de-loop upside down ride. Hini tried his best to get us on this corkscrew type rollercoaster, and finally Kristi agreed. I shook my head, but next thing I knew, I had been convinced by the others that, “ It wasn’t that bad”. Truth be told, I loved it! I joined the group twice more.

Now that makes the blood flow! We all took a ride in a water barrel also.

It is just exhilarating and so fun to be with the kids in their element. They were great about having us adults tagging along and had a complete blast all day. There was a festival at a village that evening, so Claudia and Sepp and I joined the group for supper. It was a nice evening and we were able to visit with some of the others from the club that I’ve met previously.

Sunday we visited Neuschwanstein, the Disney castle.

It was a beautiful day and who can deny the thrill of walking through a castle. The gigantic doors, halls filled with portraits of royalty and amazing views from the windows down to the valleys of green below left us all in awe.

Monday was a somber day as we toured the Dachau Concentration Camp. One cannot help to be emotionally moved. It was enlightening to walk through the displays in the museum. It was set up in time order to illustrate how Hitler’s power in the Nazi party came to slowly take over Germany. The extermination of the Jews began with a number of discriminatory policies and evolved to the denial of rights and eviction from their homes, to the brutal captivity in the camps. The map showing all the camps and centers completely dotted the maps of Germany, Poland, and other countries. To think there were so many other places just like Dachau just left me shaking my head. There were so many heartbreaking photos and displays showing everything from a table used to strap victims on for a back lashing to their prison uniforms. The horrible inhumane conditions were beyond comprehension. Standing in the courtyard, I could envision the innocent standing at attention for hours, fearful of blinking an eye at the wrong time.  The merciless atrocities that took place here are hard to accept. Portions of the barbwire fence remained, and townspeople back then claim they did not know what took place until it was too late.

The sleeping quarters had bunk beds stacked three high, and they held at least triple the number of people for which they were built. We walked into the “shower/gas chamber room” and saw the incinerator.

The pit in my stomach grew as we walked along. As we exited the gate, I noted the German phrase inscribed, “Arbeit Macht Frei” which translates to “Work Will Set You Free.” Many troubling thoughts and remarks were shared as we made our way to the parking lot. A memorial such as this is difficult to see, but so important.

We drove on to Munich and enjoyed the sights. The clock tower, city center and shops were all impressive.

Most kids found some souvenirs. Of course the Hofbrau Haus is a must. This famous beer garden is a favorite among the Germans. We all enjoyed a snack and of course beer is nearly nonnegotiable. Supper was hosted by Lukas’s family.

Tuesday we toured the mine near Dewangen. It was interesting and the kids learned a bit about the process. When the tour guide, a cousin of Tony’s, shut off the lights to show us how dark dark can be, it was nothing but ooh’s and aah’s. The men who worked the mine were a tough lot.

The kids went to a natural pool afterwards for an outing.

Wednesday, we drove to Ulm, the home of the tallest church tower. Climbing the 768 steps to ascend 530 feet was a workout. Dragon gargoyles appeared out the tower’s exterior as we spiraled up and up. The market was open and locals were purchasing their produce. We had a great walk around the town, along with walking a portion of the city wall. We found a wonderful café for German pancakes, literally the size of a twelve inch dinner plate, and of course spaetzle, a traditional Bavarian noodle dish.  

We ended our touring day at an Optical Museum. A local gentleman has

collected a huge assortment of gadgets and items all designed around optical illusions. It was a hoot! We all loved it. From the most simple trick of using a wire wine top to look through to create an optical illusion, to a rolling barrel simulator, it was all amazing. “Come look at this, it is soo cool!” became the phrase of the day. We topped off the evening with a German style pizza feast in an authentic brick oven at Patrick’s, who is Tony’s nephew. This thin crust pizza had a white sauce and veggies and meat. Tasty! Patrick played a crazy hand slapping game with the kids around the campfire, and I had to take my turn. You had to rest your hand just above Patrick’s hand, which he held palm side up right above your thigh, and he attempted to slap your hand before you jerked it out of the way. Ouch! He had a quick hand, and all of us paid the price of the sting. If your hand didn’t get it, your leg took the brunt of it. Lots of laughs and simple fun. Many giggles and fun times.

Thursday we departed for a canoe ride. It was a bit of a challenge for all the crafts to stay on track, but the most memorable moment came when several canoes flipped when going over a small rapid. It was such a little dip, we were not prepared for the swim we took. Oh did the group get a charge out of that. Sandy, Kristi, and I all dripping wet. Alls well that ends well I guess. We were treated to supper at a traditional Bavarian style restaurant.

The adventures continued Friday at the High Rope Garden at Castle Langenburg.

We were all suited up with the ropes and carabineers. Kristi and I did pretty well, but as I inched my way across the last rope challenge, I knew I was done. Hannah and all the kids loved every minute of it, zip lining through the trees with yells and mighty cheers. We had a picnic on the deck as we watched the kids go “just one more time”. Monica, Sandy, and I walked into Rothenburg, the little village nearby. That night Cathleen’s family hosted us at their home. The Litz family lives in a condo type setting with several “apartments”, which Lindsey and Karlee called home. Another wonderful meal and time to relax.

Saturday morning Claudia and I went to a spa in Aalen, designed around a Roman theme.  

Perfectly relaxing and so refreshing. Lukas’s father is a pilot and had arranged for us to have airplane rides. The pilots were friendly and provided a midair few thrills. What a spectacular view! We also visited a monastery. It was the most elaborate church ever, with domed ceiling full of detailed gorgeous paintings. Such a delight to see the kids impressed with a church. It was beautiful. Later, Claudia took me shopping a bit and I found some great sandals and shoes. We also went to a mall and Hannah and I hit the jackpot with some fun purchases. That evening Claudia and I went to a nearby church for a concert featuring a group of high school vocalists. Once again, though I didn’t understand the words, the music was fascinating. Afterwards, we treated ourselves to the most luscious ice cream sundaes served in fancy colored parfait dishes. Indulgences !

Sunday, Claudia and I met Hannah and Kayla for Mass at a small church with Hini. I was so appreciative. Although it was all in German, we could follow along easily to the Mass parts.  The interior of the church was spectacular, with lots of painting and gold. We then went to see Claudia’s classroom which is actually a former castle. How fun - she holds the keys to the castle! She works with beginning teachers and guides them in weekly classes for a mentoring program. We took a bit of a lunch, some cheese, bread, and fruit and had a little picnic on the grounds. There was a labyrinth on in the open meadow area, and several white doves were pecking about. The view of the village below was again breathtaking. We took a bike ride to one of next villages, and oh the hills are real.  It was fun to see the countryside from a bicycle. The paved roads between villages are about ten feet wide, almost like an overgrown bike path back home. There is just enough room for one of their compact cards.

All too soon we were at our going away party. I had been talking about red beer throughout the trip, and Herman delivered this evening. He squeezed tomato juice from his garden produce and brought me a little container to mix in my beer. That’s the way to drink a beer! You would have thought I was drinking with three heads from the stares and amazement from the adults. They all vowed they’d have to try it if they make it to the Legion in Webster. We walked down to the intersection holding the Webster – Dewangen Friendship sign. The goodbyes started with people who would not be accompanying us to the airport, so tears were flowing. The closeness we experience with our German friends is so dear.

In the morning, more tears were shed as we left our dear Dewangen friends. What a wonderful trip. The sites are amazing, but the friendships that were built and strengthened trump everything.

Hannah’s take on the whole trip can be summed up by the fact that she is already planning a return trip. Her top favorites of the trip included the High Ropes Course, Canoe trip, Tripsdrill, Ulm, and the Optical Museum, but mostly meeting people from a different country and actually spending many days with them becoming good friends and knowing that they’ll truly be friends forever.