Mamma also spent a few days with me here in Munich. She got to hang out with the family and get to know them which was so great for us all :) We took the train from Zurich to Munich and like always it was so nice to enjoy the sight of the countryside through the Alps. We came here last Saturday and Mom left on Thursday.
We went on a city tour while she was here, but we spent most of our free time just hanging out in Germering and then also at the wonderful Christmas markets in the city :)
Drinking our gluhwein
We also went to Dachau, the first Nazi concentration camp in Germany. It opened in 1933. This camp was mainly for political and religious leaders. There are only 2 original buildings still standing. And one of them is the cremetory. It's just outside the gates of the main camp and I cannot tell you what a horrible feeling I had just looking at it. Stepping foot inside there is one of the most upsetting things I've ever done in my life. With wide eyes I gazed at the ruins of true cruelty. Being in the grounds of the camp and reading through the information guide and museum plaques felt like walking through a nightmare. The terrible thoughts I had stole my breath away and filled my eyes with tears. That is the only way I can think to describe it. It seems so unimaginable the things that took place there and in many other places during WWII throughout Europe. This is the dark part of German history and is forever a scare in world history. As upsetting as it was to stand within the camp gates I realized how fortunate I was to leave whenever I wanted. It was hard to realize the words I was reading were not just a story but an event that happened not even 100 years ago. It was tough. But I think it is something we all should see and learn from so that it won't be repeated. I learned a lot that day.
Sorry that note was on a downer, but if you visit Germany you should go to one of the Concentration camp memorials.
I was so thankful to spend almost 2 weeks with my mom right before Christmas time. I'm glad she got to know the new family I'm living with and see what my life is like here. My mom was hoping there would be snow but it's not quite cold enough yet apparently. So after eating our way through pizza and pasta in Rome, cheese and chocolate in Switzerland, then beer and brautwurst in Germany, vacation with Mamma is over. Christmas time is so lovely here in Munich and I'm so glad you got to see it mom! Had a great time with you! Thanks for everything! Love you!
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