Welcome to the 2008 Youth Exchange Trip Site!
Click on a gallery title below to see pictures. Check back often to see what the group is up to this year.
The students departure from Peoria on July 10, 2008.
The flights over went very well, if you don't worry that few of our group got a good sleep on the way. But what can you expect? Trying to ask a teenager to sleep at 7pm (body time, 2 a.m. Germany time) is a lot like ... well, it just isn't going to happen most of the time! They're young, they can take it.
Photo gallery of the students arrival in Friedrichshafen (thanks to the Peoria Club for this gallery!)
The 60th Seehasenfest may have been rainy and cool, but the hospitality we received was warm and sunny. The main event of Friedrichshafen's summer social season was in full swing the day we arrived. Many students were taken home to unpack, then quickly whisked to the shores of beautiful Lake Constance, to enjoy the most sun of our first few days.
About a mile of the shoreline was covered with carnival rides and games, countless food vendors, music stages, craft booths, beer gardens and several events unique to the Seehasenfest. Primary among these was an event that pitted two contestants in a form of "water jousting." Each contestant stood on a platform at the end of a rowboat that was rowed toward his opponent. A long "lance" was thrust at each other's chest in an attempt to dump one ... or both ... into the lake. To add to the audience's experience, each contestant dressed in costume -- from damsels in distress (although it may have been the dresses that were most distressed) to Leo the Lion and Superman. No matter who won, it was great fun.
Many times, your chaperones and our Peoria Club brethren reported seeing the program students at various points along the shores, enjoying the festival. Truthfully, we only saw happy faces and gathered good reports of cooperation, friendship and fun times!
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