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Dachau
This is the gate through all prisoners passed. May 22, 2008
We did the tour of Dachau today. We met once again at the same tour office that we’d used for the prior tours. In fact, our guide was again Steve. He did the Nazi/Hitler tour of Munich on Tuesday afternoon with us. He was very knowledgeable of the subject matter and helped us with other questions, such as how do we get to the BMW pick up site on Friday.
We left the station again at 9:15am. The ride over was only about 20-30minutes which indicates how close to Munich the concentration camp is. As Munich was home to the Nazi Party (National Socialist Party), it was natural that when Hitler was elected Chancellor in 1933, that a means would be established to handle his, and the party’s enemies. Only a couple of months later the camp was established. It became the model for all camps developed over the next twelve years. Over 11 million people were killed in the camp system. Some were only “death camps.” Others, such as Dachau, were concentration work camps. But conditions were so harsh that many died at the hands of the SS and others committed suicide. The camp was surrounded by
Gas Chamber
This building was built in 1943. It was both a gas chamber, crematorium and hanging site. In back was the firing wall. an electrical fence which was the most common way to do suicide. Each morning the fence would have bodies all around. They would remain there for some time to allow all to see.
In 1943, ten years after it was built, a gas chamber was built at Dachau. We toured the entire site, including the gas chamber and crematorium. Behind these buildings was a wall that was used for a firing squad. There was a “blood trench” along the entire wall.
This tour was educational but depressing. It is hard to understand how one man can do these terrible things to another. There are many memorials on the site today. The first was Catholic, followed by a Jewish, Protestant and Russian.
It is still cloudy today. We haven’t seen rain but it was a cool, about 55 degrees. This evening we plan to dine and drink at the Hofbrauhaus.
After a short break, we walked into the old part of town from our hotel. The timing was perfect as we approached the town square we saw a large cathedral with a glockenspiel. This is the equivalent of a large cuckoo clock. On the hour, the clock strikes and each of
Crematorium
This picture shows two of the ovens. There was a third along side these and two more in a second building nearby. two turntables up about 30 feet, do a show. It is hard to explain but I made a short video for those that have never seen one. Check it out.
We arrived at about 5:15pm at the famous Hofbrauhaus. This is the same beer hall where the Nazi Party was established. We were there until about 10:00pm. We met an interesting couple (John and Lee) from Melbourne, Australia. She was an Aussie and he was Irish from County Clark. We had fun conversation about Ireland and Australia. In the end, John invited us to stay at his sister’s house for a few days when we are in Ireland. It was tempting but we declined.
After much beer and wine, we went to have dinner at the Hard Rock Café. It was important at this point to get some food in our stomachs. I can’t remember when we got back to the hotel.
May 23, 2008
The day finally came to pick up the BMW. We have had this planned for more than a year and it was hard to believe that the time had come. We had breakfast at the hotel and then walked to the train station for
Glockenspiel
I don't know how to spell and Jackie just went for coffee. But this is the large clock thing. the ride to the BMW Welt. It is a huge new building to host those that come here to pick up their cars and a showplace for new models. The building was opened in October of ’07. It has won many architectural awards. During our time we had a full tour of the building and were amazed at the technology used.
The time finally came to see the new car. They lead the buyers out a door about 25 feet above a showcase floor. As you walk down the winding stairs, the facilitator stops and says “there’s your new car.” Suddenly, you see one of the cars on the showroom floor light up with a spot light, and then begin to rotate on a turntable. It still brings chills to me now thinking about it. The car is very pretty. I hope I can keep it looking so good. They then spend time telling you about all the features on the car. He hooked up my IPhone to the stereo system, so that we could enjoy our music right away. Also, he explained the GPS and even programmed the first places we were going. It is really a first class
Haufbrauhaus
We needed a break from Dachau. This beer hall was perfect. operation and very professional.
After some time touring the building, having lunch, and shopping in the BMW store, we took off in the car and suddenly the clouds parted and the sun came shining out. No lie! We took this as a good omen. The car only had a few gallons of gas so we needed to fuel up before heading to the autobahn. I had already forgotten which side was the tank. Then I had no idea what the sign meant on the pump, which I had to do myself. I was afraid that I was pumping diesel or alcohol, or who knows what.
We drove to Landsburg, a small town west of Munich just to test my driving at high speeds on a section of autobahn without a limit. I did about 120mph and then chickened out. Other cars were still blowing by us. The town is an old Roman town and has a beautiful river with a rather large waterfall.
Next we drove to Innsbruck. It is as beautiful as I imagined. Our hotel is well situated just across a raging river from the old town. We had a fine dinner and are now settling down.
Tomorrow
New Friends
Here's John and Lee. We drank with them for a few hours. we drive through the Brenner Pass into Italy and on to Venice. On the way we will see a famous castle.
Later…
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jjdorsey
non-member comment
how exciting
I'm so jealous. It sounds incredible. I can't believe you did 120 mph, you always told me if you hit 100 mph the car would explode!!! I wish I could be there having a beer with you:) Love Ya!!