Germany 2.0

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What do you do when your school asks you to if you want to, again, spend a month of your summer vacation in Germany? Of course, you say "Yes" and then spend the month while your there analyzing if this is really your reality?

While not being a German teacher, I am lucky to have made this trip not just once, but twice in the past three years. It really is the most awesome and unique experience. While I have traveled to a number of places, this trip stands out as being so special because I was actually able to become apart of the community and make connections that continue to each to grow each year.

This exchange between Shaker Hts. H.S. and the Ratsgymnasium in Goslar Germany has been an reoccuring event for the last 35 years! Our students go to Germany every June and the Germans come to Shaker every fall. The connection made between the students and the faculty is something that is unprecedented in my education experience.

This trip was marked by unexpected twists and turns, but as it is always with life, that is what makes things so interesting and amazing. In my alternative life, I think I would live in Germany, Berlin to be specific. Everytime I go this country, I just admire it more and more. Tschüs! Auf Wiedersehen!

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Photos

Watermelons + Reichstag
Best end to an amazing day. Berlin.

My summer town
Goslar, Germany

Hiking the Brocken
Tallest peak in the Harz mts. The old boarder of east/west Germany

Cinderella's Castle
Always amazing. It's about a 30 minute hike up, but the views are always worth it. It is officially called Neuschwanstein Castle and is located about an hour south of Munich.

Local Celebrity
Euro Cup Public Viewing. Where's Amanda?

The ones in charge.
Andrea, Susan and I were responsible for making sure all 10 kids not only made it back and forth from Germany, but also have a good time along the way.

Another Newspaper
Another picture.