Since middle school, I have always been keen on learning about the Holocaust and for me to have the opportunity to see an actually concentration camp was incredible. When I was actually there, I can remember thinking, “This is one of things that some humans actually deny that ever happened.” My forethought that I had running in my head the entire time I toured the grounds was: This was the site of unjust actions toward humans beings and it was all done by human beings to human being. I mean, Dachau and Aushwitz . . . You see movies/documentaries or to read about it in history books but to visit the actual grounds and see it with my own eyes . . . it was one of the most humbling experiences. There were times I just wanted to cry for all the humility and cruelty that so many individuals endured just because they were “different” from the supposed “supreme race.”
**Out of respect, I feel it is most appropriate for me not to post the pictures that I took from inside some of the camp’s facilities. **
After Dachau, I knew that I needed to take my mind off the intensity of the experience. I needed to “shelf” all that I saw. So, my Omi and I went downtown Munich, Germany. Munich is home to the all-famous Glockenspiel. It consists of 43 bells and 32 life-sized figures. The neatest thing happened, it was like if perfect timing existed . . . I experienced it. My favorite thing to do in a European city is to climb the highest tower and get a perspective on the happenings from above. So, that is exactly what I did in Munich and it just happened that I could climb the city tower and watch the Glockenspiel’s high noon demonstration of 43 beautiful bells ringing a tune as the Glockenspiel’s life-size figures dance around telling the story of the Duke and his marriage (which happens to be the history behind the Oktoberfest as well). I climbed 300 something steps and as I hit the last step, I heard the bells begin to ring. I rushed out on the observation deck and took it all in. It was so neat!
Later that night, Omi and I went to a place called “The Hofbrau Haus.” It is a party spot for Bavarians with lots of freshly brewed in-house beer and a live Polka-Band! My Omi and I spilt our favorite beer called the Radler. We enjoyed the fellowship of totally friendly strangers. For me, it was a time to have a great beer and have a chance to speak German in a fun and not-so-serious atmosphere. It was a great way to take a load off a day that started so intensely. Good times!!
