After enjoying our relaxing weekend retreat in Bad Sackingen, we were loaded up and ready to head to the next city. It was about an hour and a half drive to Offenburg and we got to experience the famous Germany Autoban on our trip.
When we arrived at the Central Hotel in Offenburg we were greeted by members of the Rotary club. After a quiet lunch, we had the first opportunity to see the views around Offenburg. The city is located at the foot of the Black Forest and a few minute drive gets you into the hills. In this area, wine country is big; we had our first taste at a local winery called Oberkirch which is situated just next to the ruins of the medieval castle Schauenburg.
Tuesday, April 26
The day began with a greeting a reception at the Mayor's office. The Mayor of Offenburg was a local Rotary club member and was excited to meet us and tell us about the city that would be our home for the next several days. A tour of the antient city followed where we heard stories, saw the old city walls and gardens and toured a preserved old Jewish bath for woman.
After lunch was a short 30 minute trip to Strasburg, France. When we began this trip, none of us realized our travels would include a trip to France. Most impresive about Strasburg is the Cathedral in the heart of the city.
Wednesday, April 27
Our learning experience continued first thing in the morning when we visited a company run by a Rotary Member. Progress-Werk Oberkirch (PWO) is one of the world's foremost developers and manufacturers of high-end metal components and subsystems in the field of vehicle safety and comfort. They are specialized in the large-volume series production of high-tech steel, stainless steel and aluminum components wich are used by BMW, Merceded-Benz, Ford, Volvo and Volkswagon. It is difficult to find a vehicle that does not have a PWO component in it. We were able to tour the factory where parts were being made and visit their apprentice program where they work with 13-18 year old students, training them in the field of metal fabrication.
In the afternoon, we had one of the only days with poor weather. But the light rain and cold wind didn't stop us from enjoying the beautiful views of Lake Mummelsee high in the Black Forest.
Thursday, April 28
Today was our Vocational day and we were each off to companies in our own vocation. Shane went to a Media company, Tami and Nancy visited the local organization Christian Youth Villiage and Alison visited the State Employment Agency. Dave joined Tami and Nancy.
Friday, April 29
Friday was a relaxing and interesting day touring the Black Forest Open Air Museum, Vogtsbauernhof. We toured the outdoor museum learning how people have lived and worked in Black Forest farmhouses for the last 400 years. A home on site was built in 1612 and was lived in until the 1960s. These homes were carfully built with each feature having a specific purpose to help the farming family.
Friday evening we enjoyed a relaxing dinner with Rotary members.
Saturday, April 30
On Saturday a Rotary member and her husband took us to the "green" city of Freiburg about an hour from Offenburg. The city was founded in 1091 and has grown to become a economical and cultural center with a very renowned univeristy.
Another afternoon of rain kept us from taking the cablecar ride to the Schauinsland Mountain, so we drove up and enjoyed a cofee and ice cream at a quiet mountain hotel which used to be a silver mine.
For dinner, we joined Mr. and Mrs. Joseph, Rotary members, at their home for a traditional Black Forest dinner. After hours of enjoying food, drinks and stories we returned to our hotel having made new friends.
Sunday, May 1
May 1st is Labor Day in Europe and we enjoyed the day as Germans do, hiking and visiting wineries. We were given the opportunity to take a 5km hike through the vineyards - this was a highlight of the week for each of us. The hike allowed us to take in the amazing scenery from close view.
Our hike brought us to the winery, Zeller Abtsberg, where were enjoyed a wine tasting and tour of their cellar. Besides enjoying the wine tasting, we learned a great deal about wine production and storage.
Monday, May 2
Our week in Offenburg came to an end as we began the transfer to our last host city, Baden-Baden. The week flew by quickly, although we made many new friends and memories we will carry with us always.
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