Trip to Germany

Germany was really neat and much different than Italy. The history was much more recent. This was by far the hardest and most eye-opening day of the trip. We went to the concentration camp at Dachau, the first camp that was open in Germany. On this trip it was about 60 degrees out and because I forgot to pack pants I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt. I was cold but it was hard to really complaing about anything when you are standing where innocent people once stood. Where they were tortured, starved, and beaten for no reason. I feel blessed everyday to live in America knowing that brave soldiers fight for my freedom. I also feel grateful to the men and woman who liberated the camp at Dachau and save countless lives that could have been killed by Hitler. If you have time, look up the history of concentration camps or go to this website about Dachau. http://www.scrapbookpages.com/DachauScrapbook/KZDachau/Gatehouse.html

The gate says... "Work Brings Freedom." The Nazi Party tricked local citizens telling them the camp was a work camp where people could gain there freedom. The locals did not know that they were working the prisoners to death.

This is where thousands of prisoners would line up and have to stand for over hours for "Roll Call" to count who was there and still alive.

A prisoners closet and clothes.

Happy 4th of July!

I am back from Germany and I can not wait to show you all the pictures from the trip.

I would like to first take a minute and share with you my feelings about this very important day. Today we celebrate our Independance from Great Britian that happened July 4, 1776. Not only are we celebrating and remembering that special day we need to remember that we live free and independant everyday. Most of us take this for granted. You may not realize that everything has a cost. We can not live free just because 235 years ago some man wrote a note that said that we should be free. America is able to keep it's freedom because it has shown that it is the strongest country in the world. Fortunatley I am able to see that strength because of where I am.

Being on a US Military base there are brave men and women who have given their lives to fight for your freedom. Remember that the ultimate cost of freedom is the life of a soldier who has fought in active duty. While we watch fireworks don't forget that you are free because of someone else. Take a minute today and share this thought with your family or a friend. If you have a chance, thank a soldier for fighting for your freedom. Remember "Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone" if you do not tell someone you appreciate them they will never know.

Have a Great 4th of July!

On to Germany!

Italy is HUGE! Not really but when you spend a week driving from one city to the next it seems that way :) But tomorrow there will be a break from the Italian culture as I am headed to Germany for the weekend.

Just like when I arrived in Italy I am not sure what to expect, but I am really excited. The coolest part about this vacation is that my family is both Italian and German! It is very interesting to see where my family started and to be able to see the countries that I always tell people I am from. My fathers parents are German and my mothers dad is from Italy.

I hope that you all will have a chance some day to visit the place where your family is from!

For now you should ask your parents and find out if you may be from Italy or Germany like me! When you do please write a post and let me know, it will be cool to hear from all of you...

By the way, whoever writes a lot of posts or has really interesting questions will receive a souvenir when I return!!

Venice