A large part of Euro-trip was to have an educational and historical journey to learn more about our world and history and how things came to be. This of course included a sobering visit to a concentration camp, in Dachau. Dachau was actually classified as a work camp and, initially, prisoners who were "rehabilitated" were eligible for possible release. However, as the war ran longer, Dachau became a concentration and death camp.
The gate at the entrance to the camp bears the inscription "Arbeit Macht Frei" which translates to "Work brings freedom"
This memorial had a life-size poster timeline with informational details and pictures of the progression of the war and of Dachau from an intial work camp to an eventual extermination center. This photograph was particularly disturbing, showing malnourished prisoners
The ovens that the Nazis used to incinerate prisoners
We were in a very somber mood after our Dachau visit, and headed to Stuttgart next by train to visit a music friend from PYP that I hadn't seen in about 6 years. It was wonderful to catch up with her and her new husband and to see the sights of Stuttgart.
Fabian and Laurel. Such gracious hosts and wonderful company and conversation. Thank you!
Stuttgart is a famed industrial city known for producing Mercedes-Benz and Porsche cars. We of course visited the Mercedes museum. The whole time we were there, I was wishing for Grandpa to be there as I'm sure he would have been fascinated by the progression of cars and been able to explain all the mechanical aspects of what we were seeing.
Me breaking the rules and touching an older-model Mercedes
We discovered the good, rich food of Germany at Oktoberfest, and went on to find a new favorite dish: maultaschen. This is a traditional Swabian (Southern region of Germany) dish that is kind of like a dumpling filled with minced meat, spinach and herbs. Absolutely fantastic! Can't wait to try to make this at home, or better yet, find a restaurant that makes it. :)
Another favorite dish, spätzle, a type of noodle dish akin to a very cheesy and rich mac and cheese
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