Day 11 of TOP was one we had all been particularly looking forward to. We had the opportunity to visit the Federal Foreign Office of Germany and talk with Caroline, the Desk Officer for Foreign Affairs in North America. Her current areas of emphasis are the November election in the US and the upcoming G7 summit. The conversation lasted about an hour and covered topics ranging from impressions about the elections in the US, France, and Great Britain to concerns about the rise in far right extremism in so many places around the world, including Germany. The role of Germany in the EU and NATO was another topic of conversation.
After lunch at the Foreign Office, we traveled to the outskirts of Berlin for a home visit. We met with a couple at their garden home, a small getaway for relaxation and communing with nature. These exclusive garden spaces are difficult to acquire and there is a long waiting list of Berliners who want a place to escape from city life on weekends or holidays. There are strict limits on the size of the homes that can be built on the plots to maintain balance between development and nature. The nice couple treated us to refreshments and conversation and provided space for TOP 2 to reflect on our tour. What a peaceful environment to relax in!
The final day, Day 12, was free for us to explore the area however we saw fit. I went with a small group to Potsdam about 45 minutes outside of Berlin. It sits on the far edge of what was one West Berlin and was once also divided by the Berlin Wall. We visited the Bridge of Spies where a famous prisoner exchange occurred during the Cold War and the magnificent site of the Potsdam Conference between the Big 3 near the end of WWII. It was a beautiful area and there were large gardens and palaces everywhere. The Cecilienhof Palace where the meeting took place is an English-inspired manor and housed the delegations from the US, UK, and USSR in 1945. Here, the final deliberations about how to end the war with Japan and how to deal with Germany after the war took place.
After lunch in Potsdam, we explored the grounds of Sansoucci Palace, built by Frederick the Great. His grave is behind the palace and we were surprised to find potatoes along with the flowers on it. Apparently, it’s a sign of respect for Frederick since he was the ruler who brought potatoes into cultivation in Germany! The gardens were beautiful and reminded me very much of Versailles in France after which it was modeled. We also briefly explored the Dutch Quarter and a unique Russian part of the city called Alexandrowka before catching the train back to Berlin.
The TOP team had our final meal together that evening back in Berlin and wrapped up, said goodbyes, and came to terms with the realization that our time together had come to an end. We presented our local guides and teacher leader with signed inflatable pretzels to show them how much we appreciated their efforts! What a special experience this was! Many thanks to the Transatlantic Outreach Program, the Goethe Institut, the German government and their private partners Siemens and Deutsche Bank, and all the rest for providing such a meaningful and insightful tour. I have been truly blessed to be a part of it and will never forget the incredible hospitality!
Bill and Jeff's Historical Travel Blog 