General information about your trip.

I sent the follow information to the leaders of the groups coming to Germany. I thought I would post it here, for everyone. It will answer some of your questions. If you have others, ask them of me and I will post answers here.

In case you don't know, there are 5 schools coming, over 4 weeks: Furman, Univ of Florida, VA Tech, Clemson, & Univ of New Mexico.

1. Kat will meet the groups at the airport, unless otherwise arranged. The issue will be her getting last week's group settled and over in time to meet you. It is simple to get from the airport to the main train station. The train station is like a mall - three levels of shops, restaurants, bars, internet cafe.
2. Inter-city travel will be by train. We cannot over stress how important it is to pack light. You will be carrying their luggage on and off trains. Backpacks really are better than rolling bags. Many German cities have cobblestone walk ways.
   
3. Housing in Eisleben will be at a Youth Hostel. This is 10 minute walk from the City Center. I requested rooms according to the information I have. There is no breakfast at this hostel. We will have use of the kitchen. So, you will need to arrange, with your group, breakfasts.
4. Scott & Claudia are arranging at least one dinner with members of the congregation. So, your group will be broken into small groups and welcomed into homes.
5. We are organizing a walking tour of Eisleben for you. There is also a Luther Birth Home Museum. If you want to see this, you would do so during your free time. You would also need to cover the cost. I can't find the price. I think it was around 6 Euro - and worth it.
6. When you take the day trip to Erfurt, you will need to buy city train tickets once you get there. Estimate about 4 euro each.
   
7. I have arranged an English tour of the Monastery in Erfurt. This includes admission to the Luther Museum there. I have not lined up a tour of the city.
8. In Eisenach, you have a choice. You can take a city bus (2 euro) then walk up the hill (about 1.5 mile up) to the Castle. Or, there is a taxi service which will take you all the way from the bus station to the castle. Last year they charged us 5 euro each way. Your group can decide.
9. We have a reservation for an English tour at the Wartburg.
   
10. The Hostel in Wittenberg is new. It was under construction when I was there last year. The rooms are 4 person rooms with private baths. Breakfast will be provided.
    
11. Our tour in Wittenberg is being coordinated by the Wittenberg Center. In addition to arranging for a guided tour, they will arrange for a panel of local church members to discuss with us Church life in Germany. The Directors of the Center are eager to meet all of you.
12. Most of us will spend our last night in Berlin at the Hostel operated by the Berlin Mission. This is very centrally located. Kat will get you started in identifying what you want to see. She will be leaving you on Saturday to meet the next group.

Also, I created a facebook group for those going. Some of us thought it would be interesting to see who is going from the other schools. And, if someone gets photos up early, those following will have pictures. The group is by invitation - have folks friend me, then contact me and I will admit them.