Latest on the Germany front…
I still have been doing a lot of traveling. The castle pictured above is the Neuschwanstein Castle and it is known for being Walt Disney’s inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle. I had a tour of the inside (unfortunately photography was not allowed) and it is absolutely beautiful, there are so many small details everywhere! King Ludwig II had the castle built to his specifications, but I don’t think the castle was ever completely finished before be passed away. The castle looks over the city of Füssen and has the Alps directly behind it, so the view is magnificent.
On a less happier note, I also have visited Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site. I didn’t really know how to prepare myself to walk into a place where so many people were tormented and an estimated 32,000 murdered. Walking up to the camp, I walked along the same path and stones as walked on by the prisoners. The picture above shows the gate to go into the camp. “Arbeit Macht Frei,” work will make you free. During the two hour tour, I really didn’t talk much and neither did the rest of the group I was with. There was so much to take in, so much to learn, and so many emotions that it was hard to have a normal conversation. Even though it was an emotional experience, I am really glad that I went. I think it is something that everyone should see if they are in Germany.
This past weekend I flew to Northern Germany and stayed with someone near Düsseldorf. While there, I toured around Köln, or Cologne, Germany. Two of the biggest attractions of Cologne is the Cathedral (above) and the bridge of love locks (below). As every other castle and cathedral in Germany, the Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral) is also beautiful and very detailed. Unfortunately because it is so old, it is always under construction in some way. While I was up north, I also went somewhere that made me feel right at home. One of my main hobbies is showing dogs and competing at dog shows. I was able to go to one of the biggest dog shows in Germany which was really awesome for me!
In addition to traveling, I have been going to classes! I have five classes, International Business, History of Germany, European Business Law, Lean Management, and a language course. Within the International Business class, I have the opportunity to go to the BMW final assembly plant and BWM World, Daimler Engine Production and the Mercedes Benz Museum, and the Opel final assembly plant.
Seven weeks in, about 11 weeks left, and still a lot to experience!
ALBRIGHT ELCDC 