Why Germany?

For myself Germany has been the focal point of my favorite era in history. My interest in Germany not only includes World War 2, but also the way in which Germany’s society functions and the landscape that surrounds it. I personally have never been out of the country, and as my first experience and possibly my last i would like to spend it in a place that possesses natural beauty. My heritage is mostly German as well, as my grandfather’s father came directly over. My actual interest in traveling to Germany when I began college was not what it was today. This is due to the fact that I had a roommate from Germany named Aurel. I didn’t truly understand what it was like to interact with someone from another culture at first, but I ended up loving it! As time went on living with my roommate for a while I began to notice that I was always asking questions about Germany itself. The answers that Aurel provided are what really put me over the edge in wanting to visit Germany. He described the way in which everyday life occurred, and the natural beauty of Southern Germany where he lives. He lives in a city named Karlsruhe, which he only had great things to say about the area. My uncle tries to visit Germany once every five years during Oktoberfest; he provided first hand experience as well as souvenirs that intrigued me quite alot. Seeing that I am an avid history guru, I have always noticed the scenery of Europe from watching specials on television. Weather it be a special on the blitzkrieg tactics of Hitler’s offensive across the European countryside, or the beautiful forests and mountainsides of Germany I have always had my eye set on Germany. I figured that since this realistically is the only chance that I will be able to leave the country and explore the world I would love for my destination to be Germany. Also the history with East and West Germany is very interesting. The way in which the two combined after the fall of the wall has to make for a mixed culture like no other, and that is something that I want experience firsthand. I would have been a little timid to travel by myself to Germany as well; I think that since many of my friends are attending the trip it will make for the right balance of comfort, as well as an experience that I will not forget for the rest of my life. 423