When it comes right down to it, the youth exchange is a sister city relationship-building event, not just between students but also between the communities. So every such trip includes a visit to the mayor in the halls of Friedrichshafen's Rathaus. Oberburgermeister Joseph Buchelmeier warmly welcomed us, asked if each of us were still in one piece (!), and invited all visitors to get out and immerse themselves in this city and culture. His earlier years as a teacher easily showed when, after the official speech and presentation of gifts, he spent an additional 20 minutes chatting with the students. The chaperones overheard mentions of discotheques and beach parties, but decided this conversation was best kept between the students and His Honor! Afterwards, we toured the city's terrific Zeppelin Museum where it honors the long history of airship construction for which Friedrichshafen is well known. English speaking guides helped the students understand the importance of the exhibit its as well as their place in local and world history. After touring a life-size replica of a portion of the ill-fated Hindenberg, the students were released to enjoy the rest of a sunny day!
Our host's generous hospitality was best shown at the annual Summerfest, the kickoff event to the summer season for the Peoria Club. It was held at the popular Wierlemule, which boasts a large covered patio with kitchen and toilets, a large field for all kinds of ball games, a swingset, a zip line and a nearby creek for splashing. Our students took advantage of them all.
This was also the day our students gave a short talk to introduce themselves and tell everyone of their impressions of Germany. Nearly everyone said the things they loved most were the food and the chocolate! Our host families were always recognized as the generous hosts they are. Former youth exchange members from the area also attended, creating a mini-reunion! We all celebrated another nice day in Germany with our newest friends!
This day was a real treat. We visited the medieval city of Ulm along the banks of the Danube River. It's the birthplace of Albert Einstein (a special statue marks the location of the house in which he was born) and it is home to Ulm Minster, the largest church building in all of Southern Germany. It has the world's highest church spire at 161 meters, which is a tiring 768 steps tall. Many of us made it to the top! We not only had the opportunity to visit this city, but we also rode the clean, timely and efficient German train system. After a city tour, the students were free to wander, shop, climb the steeple or just people watch. Ulm is an interesting place!
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