Leipzig, 2002

Memories of Leipzig, Dresden, Prague,
Spreewald, Isle of Rugen, Berlin, Potsdam
May 18 - June 2, 2002

"Memories, memories....." days filled with spirited competition and true camaraderie. Dressed in our red and white of A.T.N.Y. with an American Flag neck scarf donning each, we assembled in Leipzig to march in a parade that began the Turnfest. It made one proud to be a part of the more than 100,000 people waiting for the sports to begin.

Sunday a.m. brought us to the old Turnfest museum that is being restored since the Russian Invasion. We were each given a reprint of the "Das Deutshe Turnfest in Leipzig 1863" and we toasted one another with champagne. That evening, the gala opening show at the sports forum left each and all anxious for the events in track and field (Running, Long Jump, Short Put, Ball Throw and Hurlball) as well as, swimming and volleyball to begin.

Riding the tram, and walking through endless fields, while surrounded with friends, brought many a cheer and respect for the effort put in, that was so easy to see. Volleyball competition with our ladies and men finished on Thursday with a well-deserved thundering cheer for each, and all.

Friday evening brought us back to the unfinished arena, trudging through grass, dirt paths and up and down stone steps to the open stadium. It was soon forgotten when the arm swinging and changing from all around the bleachers pumped each and all for the unbelievable pictured dream of what lay ahead for future gymnasts. The evening ended back at our hotel with thousands gathered outside in the Augustusplatz to watch a spectacular fireworks display, along with, thunderous spirited music filling the night air.

Saturday, May25, begun our wonderful tour along the eastern border with Dresden as the first stop. The Russians stole so many historical art works, but much has been recovered and brought back. Determination, and true pride for their heritage is at the heart of all the reconstruction and rebuilding of all the rich sandstone rock baroque buildings that charm and treasure numerous art collections. In three years, the city will celebrate its 800th anniversary! During the guided tour of the Semper Opera House, one stood in amazement as told of the restored brick alike covered with an imitation and the hand painted oak panels that each and every artist perfected day in, and day out.

On a misty, rainy Sunday morning, we boarded a paddle steamer that brought us up the River Elbe to the Czech Republic. It was into this river that Russians dumped waste chemicals from the many factories they overtook. Slowly, but surely, it is being cleaned up. Sandstone cliffs over 185m high enrich the geography that just awes one's mind and soul. On the German side, one witness animals grazing and the land left to nature, whereas, on the Czech side are signs of industry with vendors of clothes on sale for tourists to hopefully buy as they pass the border back into Germany.

Bright and early Monday morning, we were off to the Golden City of Prague. Once again mind boggling information about the home oh so many famous musicians such as, Mozart, Beethoven, Carl Maria V. Weber, and Franz Liszt. It was also here that Albert Einstein lectured for one year. The longest tunnel in Europe, 2km, is found in this great city. French architects built Pargue Cathedral and many Gothic monuments. In the town center, is an astronomic clock built in 1409. At 2:00p.m. and 6:00 p.m. tourist gather to watch as two windows open, and six miniature statues revolve before the audience. During the destruction of so many castles, cathedrals, and palaces, this clock was left intact.

Tuesday brought us to the Saxonian Meissen factory. On a guided tour, we watched and listened, to learn about the detailed workmanship that fashions the beautiful white clay porcelain. We left with a few treasures headed for Lubbenau, the local river-landscape. There we boarded two paddleboats in the misty rain that brought us through many inlets (over two hundred in all) that form a part of the river Spree. While covered with a clear top held up by open umbrellas, we passed straw thatched houses, the summer homes of many.

On Wednesday, we were off to the Isle to Rugen. It is in the Baltic Sea, which connects Germany in the north with the Scandinavian countries in the east with the Baltic countries, Poland and Russia. Wide sandy beaches, embankments, and village churches characterize the face of this beautiful island. Another cruise ship took us out to the end of magnificently carved sandstone edifices, one more magnificent than the one before. The Russians built this harbor to transport trains to their land, however, now its used for tourist, passengers boats, and fishing. Above these cliffs, is a building from Hitler's regime that housed the big shots for summer vacations, but now it holds documentations of his time.

Our final destination was Berlin, the Mecklenburger seen platte. We passed the Muritzsee-National Park, filled with special birds (eagles, cranes, and ice birds) along with plant landscapes. There we took a buggy horse ride in Muritzhof before boarding the bus again for the two-hour ride to the capital city.

Berlin, founded in the middle ages, housed the Royal family who ruled for over 500 years. Museum Island holds all the history with over 140 buildings in all. In 1990, the government moved from Bonn and so goes all the rebuilding. Linden Square, home of the Prussian King who over 250 years ago built palaces and German Opera House, his favorite architecture. The Berlin Zoological Garden houses over 30,000 animals with an aquarium that is over 80 years old. Passing through the site of what is left of the Berlin Wall, we were informed that many Germans want to keep it as a reminder of their heritage.

At one point on the tour, we stopped for a group picture in front of the statue of "Turnvater Jahn" the founder for the Turner movement. With one accord, we all agreed that the sprucing up of the statue and surrounding landscape garden should be addressed and followed up by all American Turners.

Saturday afternoon brought us on our final bus tour to Potsdam, and the historical Castle Sanssouci, Frederich the Seconds, true home. It was the surrounded with a circle of leading thinkers, statesmen, and philosophers. According to history, his primary motive for the park was to create qualified jobs and generate work for the building industry. Frederick is buried on the grounds with his beloved dogs (eleven in all). It's a tourist attraction for viewing the rebuilding of "Sans Souci," the eight smaller palaces, and all beautiful gardens and waterfalls that surround this magnificent 750 acreage.

Our final* good-bye dinner was at the Restaurant Node. Overhead was a railway and as the trains whizzed by, we were reminded of N.Y.C. Later we enjoyed a vaudeville performance of "Wunderbar" at the Friedrichstadt Palace. Tired eyes, and bodies, were kept alert during this moving, spectacular performance of dancing gymnasts.

Farewells were lasting that evening form each, and all, to one another.

How do we thank Annette for all the postings throughout the year? On arrival were all the scheduled arrangements, tickets, daily plans and suggestions, cheerful greetings, details on the bus tour each day, and for just being one great lady, we salute you!

At breakfast each day and every morning in Leipzig, one would find our map-reader and interpreter pouring over and figuring out the best trams to get us to the sport events. All the information guides at the Port Authority in N.Y. have nothing on him. He always did it with his placid smile. That's our own Holger Asmus.
Last but not least, to Peter and Marianne Ludwig - a very special never to be forgotten trip. Thanks for the group picture, for the surprise lunch on the Baltic Cruise ship, for the tickets to the final show and for the wonderful and meaningful tours and hotels that you made possible for us.

Rosemary Steiner