Auf Wiedersehen Deutschland!

So I have had an amazing time in Meppen, in the far north of Germany. I stayed with Marga and Hans-Eberhard and was welcomed into their home. In two days I managed to relax (of course!), go to a classical benefit concert, eat amazing meals at "Oma´s", go to a Lutheran church service, go to a castle unlike any I had seen before, walk around the city and visit a few sites. I had such a nice time and really enjoyed my visit. I am continually learning and having great experiences along the way. Meppen, although it is a small city, is very interesting. It is a great place for riding bikes and walking as the surface is relatively flat and very beautiful. The castle I went to (Schloss Clemensworth) is a hunting lodge so the size was actually small but the site contained a number of buildings surrounded by dense woods, a lake and a beautiful alley aproaching the complex. It was a magnificent day and I enjoyed the visit. Plus, I was so excited when I understood most of the German tour of the castle. Finally, as I prepare to leave Germany my language skills are returning. I still cannot, or do not feel comfortable speaking German but I can always continue to practice. So my time in Meppen has been wonderful and I am so grateful to the amazing people who have welcomed me into their homes, or even just spent time with me. I have met a lot of great people along the way and I look forward to getting together with others.

So, in less than an hour, I will be on my way to Amsterdam. It was not part of my initial itinerary but it is so close so I will spend two days in the Netherlands. I will keep you posted!

Hope this message finds all well and enjoying Spring! I have spent hours sitting in Marga and Oma´s gardens filled with amazing flowers... oh, how I love Spring!

Lisa

P.S. I promise, pictures to come soon!