Biking is an important aspect of European culture. I never expected to almost be run over by a cyclist on multiple occasions. I grew up checking both ways for cars, not once was I told to fear a bicycle bell. Cars are used in European cities; however, biking seems to be the premier ideal of transportation.
In comparison of the United States to Europe, America is very much a young teenager. European towns existed and thrived long before America was even thought of, and even before Christopher Columbus discovered North America in 1492. America does have some history, but not nearly as much as Europe and we are not as proud of it as they are. Walking through the streets of Grand Rapids, one is not struck by the historical elements of the buildings nor the cement street. Europe embraces its history America just has it.
Day 8- Paris
The Arc de Triomphe
Napoleon ordered the Arc de Triomphe to be built, so that when he conquered enemies he could enter back into Paris under the Arc de Triomphe to celebrate his victory. Napoleon died before the Arc was finished. When Hitler captured Paris, he walked under the arc to celebrate his triumph.
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
At the Louvre.
Day 9- The Notre-Dame Reims Cathedral
Luxembourg- US WWII Military Cemetery
Day 10- Cruise on the Rhine River
Castles rocked the side of the Rhine River
Day 11- Heidelberg
Part of the Heidelberg Castle
View from the Castle
Day 12- Ulm Germany
I climbed to the top of this church via the long spires you see in the picture above
The view 768 steps from the ground. I still hate heights.
Me at the top of the Ulm Cathedral
Day 13- Part of the Swiss Alps- On the way to Neuschwanstein
Neuschwanstain Castle- The Disney Castle is modeled after this!!
Wieskirche Church- Church of the Meadow- Look at those details. Europeans know how to build churches.
Day 14-Dachau Concentration Camp
The Day we spent at Dachau was cold and snowy/rainy it really put into perspective that no matter how cold I was, I had a coat. The Jews who were forced to live here didn't even have that.
The ovens- They had to build these 4 after the camp was already in use, because the 2 that they already had couldn't burn the bodies fast enough.
"May the example of those who were exterminated here between 1933-1945 because they rested Nazism help to unite the living for the defense of peace and freedom and in respect of their fellow man."
"Work sets you free" This is the Gate to Dachau, and since the Germans claimed Concentration camps were work camps, they tried to convince people that work will set oneself free.
Site of Hitler's speeches in Nurnberg. It was at this spot where the one the world's most notorious individuals convinced people that the Aryan race was the best, and that they should put non-aryans in concentration camps and kill the jews.
This part of the trip always left me thinking, and made me grateful for the life I live.
Much Love from GR
