I applied for a place on the UK German Connection programme - promoting links between England and Germany while enabling A level students to improve their fluency and experience German life. I was hosted by my "Gastschwester" and her family for 2 weeks in a small village called Friedrichroda in former East Germany.
It was really interesting to see the contrast between this small village, seemingly living in the past and cosmopolitan Berlin that I visited earlier this year. We attended the local school and were able to talk with the students about the ever-present post - war guilt that still shadows this exceptional country.
On a day trip with our hosts, we visited the Wartburg Castle - the place of exile of Martin Luther and where he translated the Bible from Latin to German, a turning point in the German language and culture.
We were told that every German in the Thuringia region knows by heart the "Rennsteig Lied" a hiking song we were taught for our expedition in the forest! I recommend a listen on youtube.
The most memorable day by far was a visit to the Barokfest in nearby Gotha - a beautiful town where we visited the Orangerie and revelled in everything German!
