‘adre

Travel: Weimar, Germany

By Kristen Patterson

After the bullet holes of Berlin, | was ready for green trees and pink roses. Luckily, I found myself in Weimar, a gorgeous city full of colour. | had always taken nature for granted when at home but at that point, I soaked in every single leaf and bird call as if there was no tomorrow. Weimar isso full of stories that I couldn’t possibly uncover them all in the time I was there. A major centre for music and literature, it boasts the homes of Goethe, Schiller and Liszt. If you can, you must wake up at 6 o’clock in the morning, just once, and dis- cover the mist-covered hills that surround the city. Itis one of my favourite memories of Europe.

How to get to Weimar: As far as I know, Contiki bus tours do not go anywhere near Weimar but it’s certainly easy enough to get to. This was easily one of the most enjoy- able train rides I’ve ever been on, so by all means, do the same. Of course, bike and car are always an option.

Where to stay: If you want to experience the most fabulous showers on the face ofthe earth, then stay at Maxim GorkiJugendgastehaus, which, though rather far from the train station, is completely worth the walk. Other possibilities are available and youcan find them at http://www.eurotrip.com/ germany.html or e-mail yh@larry.scc.uni-weimar.de to book a room at the univer-

sity.

How to get around: Last time I checked, the only means of public transportation was taxi, so prepare yourself fora lot of walking. Walking is such a huge part of travelling anyway that you'll get used to it quickly. Cycling is a good way to get around: traffic is not crazy so you won’t be risking your life. The streets are very winding, and it’s easy to get lost, so get a good map of the place before you arrive. Otherwise, you may find your- self very frustrated.

Where to go:.So much to see, so little ti If you should happen to be there in the fall, check out the onion festival.

Goethe’s Summer House: this beautiful home is in the middle ofa too-good-to- be-true park.

Orangery Belvedere: check out the huge collection of historic carriages.

Goethe and Schiller Tomb: you know you’ ve been dying to see it.

Liszt’s House: just be- cause.

Buchenwald: on a darker note, this site, just out- side of the city, was a Nazi concentration camp during the second World War. The irony that sucha horrific place could exist in so beautiful an area is overwhelming.

There ismuch much more to see and do in this wonderful city so take time to enjoy as much of it as you can.

Tips: The locals can be very helpful. Feel free to stop anyone and ask for directions, it worked well for me.

<= ae a+ + oe 0 4 ee 6 0 oe oe eS S66 ss:

MOLL oe eb be