Tour de Rhein!

Yesterday, our group biked out to Remagen to visit the Peace museum within two of the remnant towers of the long gone bridge of Remagen. This bridge has a huge amount of historical importance, as without it, World War II would have raged on for just a liiiitle bit longer. The bridge was the only remaining bridge across the Rhein River, from the west to the east, so without it, the Allies would have had to have either circumnavigate the river, or wait until the bridges that were under construction were finished. Also, Lars was doing a good Lance Armstrong imitation, finishing first!

Above: Our wonderful guide, Herr Kürten

The museum inside the remnant towers, though, was founded as a testament to the power of peace and the possibility of people understanding one another rather than fighting. The tour of the museum was given by a very friendly and elderly man named Hans Peter Kürten, who not only founded the museum, but also was the mayor of Remagen for 29, I think, years! Herr Kürten was the founder of the museum and from what he told us, it sounded like it took a lot of effort on his part in order to create the museum and collect the artifacts that would be on display in the museum. For example, he was able to get a hold of some photographs of a German town that was bombed, with a specific family photographed. He was then able to gain the friendship of the photographer who took those photos and receive the photos of the family seven years later (five years after WWII), who were all alive and healthy, and more importantly smiling at the good grace they had to be looking upon those photos with smiles.

Note: Even though it was overcast for the ride, I think the spring day could have made up for the lack of sun.

The museum was great, and I hope future students go their and are able to receive a tour from the ex-mayor himself, but I have to be honest, the bike ride along the Rhein was stunning. It was a beautifully overcast day that captivated my imagination. I don't know what it is, but Germany knows how to do that with me. Time to prepare for that exam! Good luck everybody.