Dachau KZ-Gedenkstaette

I remember the very first time the Mynatt family visited Dachau KZ-Gedenkstaette (memorial).  We were driving nearby to Munich and we really wanted to see the memorial and to show it to our kids.  I remember the feeling of walking into the place the very first time...and that same feeling overcomes me on every visit.  I get so overwhelmed and choked up I can hardly even speak.  So that's why I am so very thankful to teachers like Mrs. Mynatt and Mr. Margene who CAN and DO speak about it to their students and who take the time and effort and energy to make lesson plans (not just visitor reservations) at this horrible place.  Normally only officially registered tour guides can speak to their group, but we asked and received special permission from the Dachau Visitor's center for Angie and Jere to be able to speak to their own students.  Angie had cut out different colors of pieces of fabric in the shape of triangles and gave one to each student.  I heard several of the students say "I remember this from class".  Angie and Jere continued through their lesson plans to teach your students up close and personal about the atrocities that happened at this place and other camps in Europe during Hitler's reign of terror.  Your students were all taking it in, too.  They had been prepared earlier even before this trip began, and I am so very thankful for our educators and for these students.

We must learn from history because those who refuse to learn from it are doomed to repeat the same mistakes...Today was truly a learning experience.  After a quick stop back at the Visitor's Center for lunch we headed back to Munich.  Because the teaching for this day was over.

The last official activity of the day is a climb to the top of St. Peter's church which offers a great view over the Alstadt (Old Town) of Munich around the Marienplatz.  After all when you're in Europe there's hardly a bell tower ANYWHERE that can't be climbed...

Today was a special day, a day the students had been looking forward to.  They were given 3 hours of free time in the Marienplatz to shop shop shop with a time and place designated for checkin.  Afer checkin they had another hour for dinner again on the Marienplatz at any restaurant of their choosing. I think they all had a blast.  After all - you've seen the schedule and pace of this trip, and you're probably in agreement that some free time was in order.

After dinner we decided to give Mrs. Mynatt some "free time" in her room to rest and recover (I can't imagine why she would be tired, can you)  and the rest of us went back for our final visit to the English Garden.  Some Ultimate Frisbee fun was had by all with the frisbee that Mr. Margene hauled all the way from Knoxville, Tennessee.  You know, Mr. Margene, in addition to being a wonderful educator is also a wonderful activity director.  Not just "Directing" activities but jumping right into the middle of it with all of the students.  What a blessing he is to this trip.  Did you know also that in addition to Activity Director he's also the Chief Navigator for us?  Yes, for some reason he seems to have a built-in compass which we all GREATLY appreciate.

We've had a great time while in Munich this year.  Sadly it's drawing to a close as tomorrow we pack up and head to the airport to a short little direct flight to Venezia.  I'm guessing the kids are going to dread the travel day...until we claim our luggage and then head to our 3 private water taxis to whisk us into this most unique island city.  Think "James Bond" as you imagine us arriving through the canals to the Rialto Fish Market (THAT should wake their olfactory senses).  The only planned activity for Venice tomorrow is checkin and dinner reservations.  The kids are going to be blown away by Venice!

Mrs. Mynatt says to tell you that tomorrow is the last day of "page 2" of the itinerary...not that she's being OCD about scheduling or anything ;-)

Good Night from Munich.  Talk to you to tomorrow from Venezia!