With a quick departure from our little loft in St. Gallen, Switzerland we headed through Lindau for a 'drive-around-look-see' which I honestly don't remember at all.
We also drove through a construction-packed city called Ulm, where Einstein was born. Trying to follow the GPS when it doesn't know which roads are closed for construction has been the theme of this trip. It's frustrating, but that's why I like public transportation. In Ulm is also the tallest cathedral in Germany. But like all the cathedrals we see, it had scaffolding. I'm starting to sound negative, but people have to understand that touring Europe is not easy and you don't always get postcard pictures.
After a bit of a drive we came to Dachau, the first concentration camp. Historically I would never remember many facts and so I don't focus on details in museums, and I didn't really want too many details. But we started with their video presentation about Dachau and it gave me all the information I needed, maybe even too much. I have seen Holocaust movies and images and museums before, and as I watched their film I didn't feel particularly different. But when we went outside and my parents headed toward the start of the museum, I was suddenly very affected: probably due to my solitary, standing in the middle of the large square where thousands were condemned to death. I got even more emotional when I read a simple plaque that I should have photographed to remember it. But to paraphrase it said In honor of those who died and that we may remember and learn to spread peace and love and respect toward our fellow men.
I walked around for a little while, glad for the solitude to reflect and absorb. But eventually I sat down under a tree and waited for my parents to be finished.
After Dachau we had a bit more of a drive (which always means nap time for me- even though its not good sleep) to go to Munich. I don't know what all my parents hoped to see. I'm pretty sure they had to give up on some things because Munich was brimming with action and excitement getting ready for a soccer game between Austria and Germany. The Austrian fans dressed in red filled the streets, chanting and singing and making as much noise as possible. The German fans were more boring. But it was very fun to see. That is pure European culture right there. I don't really like professional sports, but I think the Europeans have more fun with it than Americans.
We found some easy food before we left Munich. I had a kebab (shocker), mom had pizza and dad found a bratwurst.
After Munich we were done for the day so we drove to Salzburg and found the next house where we are staying for 4 nights. Our host Miriane has a beautiful, large home all to herself now that her kids are grown. But she is not alone: she has two very friendly dogs that were rescued from abusive owners. They are SO full of affection and just want attention all the time. We were happy to see them bursting from behind Miriane to greet us when we arrived. She also has two very old cats who also love people. I felt right at home with animals all around to love and pet. I'm glad we will be staying here for a while.
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