On this day, we had beautiful weather -- sunny and very warm. So it was good that we were strolling the streets of Friedrichshafen as we took part in a City Rally. Students were separated into small groups and each given a set of questions to answer. Instructions were both in English and German. Working together (sometimes multiple groups formed a large party), they found specific landmarks which held the answers to questions such as: How many steps to the top of the lakefront observation tower? How much does it cost to enter the School Museum? What other sister cities does Friedrichshafen have? It all ended at the fountain near city hall, and then time to relax at the lakeside Beach Cafe. Oh yes ... before going to the cafe, about 20 students descended on and overwhelmed a Subway restaurant. Tomorrow night, the winners will be announced at the beach party!
Another fine day in Germany created the perfect backdrop for a perfect evening. All students, host families and Peoria Club officers were invited to swim, canoe, eat and share their experiences. A friend of the program is a member of a canoe club, so we had the clubhouse and deck to ourselves, not to mention the beautiful (if chilly) waters of the Bodensee. Each family brought a dish to pass while the Peoria Club provided the main course (yummm ... leberkase!). The winners of the prior day's city rally were announced, with everyone taking home a personalized certificate of their final position. The winners also received special prizes (zeppelin pins or CDs) to cement their moment of glory! We saw many smiling faces and heard great peals of laughter. As we went our separate ways, a full moon rose over the lake, shimmering brightly off the waters like the memories we are creating with our German friends.
The Peoria Club has excelled at retaining news items, photos and memorabilia of the youth exchange over the years. Now, this material is on display in downtown Friedrichshafen for the summer. Others in the community can now realize the length of the program and the number of lives it has touched. In a service project to the city, our students helped erect the displays as well as create and serve food to the guests at the event. City officials and Peoria Club officers spoke about the importance of the program to better understandings between cultures, and the basis for lifelong friendships. A member of the first delegation of German students to visit Peoria also spoke, fondly remembering his time in the USA and noting that his is still in contact with his host family! Friends of Friedrichshafen representatives thanked the Peoria Club for their commitment, for their work, for a wonderful display and for the opportunity to work together ... for another 30 years!
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