24 July 2010
SPLENDORS OF EASTERN EUROPE
INCLUDING THE PASSION PLAY OF OBERAMMERGAU
14 – 24 July 2010
General Impressions Recorded
on the Flight from Munich to Amsterdam
1. A wonderful trip for art, music, theater, history, geography, psychology, sociology, language and math (although I am not good at knowing the values of other money in U. S. dollars.)
2. Amazing to me how Germany could recover and rebuild to lead after the damage and devastation of World War Two. Guides from Prague and Vienna told us that Germany (and France) determine what happens in their smaller countries.
3. Interesting to see the changes since 1995 when crossing the borders between countries made for long waits while each passport was checked. Now it is just like going from one state to another in the United States. This was my first time there to use the Euro, but the Czech Republic and Hungary still use their own currency.
4. Although I am a farm girl who does not want to live in a large city, I remain fascinated with visiting major cities of Europe. I was especially thrilled to stay in Budapest and see Bratislava as well as return to Prague, Vienna and Munich. Each city has its own character.
5. The U. S. could learn much to simplify and conserve from the hotels where we stayed. (In each one our room keys were used to activate the lights and air conditioning)
6. The precision and logistics of the people of Oberammergau in continuing to carry the message of the Passion Play to thousands as they have done since 1634.
7. As much as I appreciate the history and culture, the best memories will be of people. It was great to join with groups from other churches and states for a common purpose and shared faith.
8. While I will miss so much about the wonderful countries that we visited when we return home, I will appreciate wash cloths and not needing to use coins for restrooms!
