June 12, 2000

Today we are on our way to Baden-Baden.

We don't really know what it is, but they tell us that it is one the most famous German resort-spa hot-springs type of places.

I am really excited about getting a massage and relaxing in a spa. It will be a nice treat heading into our last city-Paris.

The past few days were spent in Munich, Germany. I am continually impressed by each city we visit. Each one is so unique and interesting. Of course Munich is known for certain things, like it's beer, brats and sauerkraut, and Bavarian themes.

The first day we drove in we didn't see much but the inside of the gym. We got there later in the day and had practice almost right away. After that we ate dinner, but we ate at an Italian restaurant, not too authentic, but it was yummy.

The second day in Munich we actually went into downtown. We spent about six hours shopping and seeing some of the sights of the town. I walked around with Jessica Sanborn and Maren Witzel. We did some good shopping, but I think that the most memorable event of the day was Maren's lunch. We ate at a random restaurant in town and Maren ordered a salmon sandwich- being from Alaska, she says she always likes to taste salmon in other places to see if it really is the best in Alaska. Anyway, when it came she found that they served it a little differently then they do in the States. In fact, they just serve it - raw. She was a good sport about it and ate most of it, but Jess and I thought it was pretty funny.

Later that day we played a match against a German club team. They were pretty good. We started out winning, but they were pretty experienced and beat us 3 games to 2. We played them again the next day though. Then it was out turn to beat them, 3 games to 2. It was out last match of the tour and we ended it on a good note. We were all really excited to win the last one and to be able to pull it out in a long five-game match.

Before our last match, our last day in Munich we spent doing a little more sight-seeing. The day held a lot of emotion because we visited the Dachau concentration camp. I felt sick to my stomach looking at pictures of its prisoners and reading stories about experiments that they were used for. It made me feel so lucky to live where I live and it made me appreciate things a little more. I can't believe the incredible injustice that occurred during that time.

After out match, we went out to dinner at the Hofbrauhaus. It is one of the most famous restaurants in Germany and I can see why. Picture the most stereotypical Bavarian environment, huge mugs of beer, polka music, the people in those outfits that yodelers wear and loud, abnoxious people. That is this place. We had a lot of fun there and Chuck even polka danced with Erin and Jessica. Talk about funny. Don't worry - we definitely got pictures.

And that brings us to the present - we are on the road to Baden-Baden. One last thought that I had while I was looking out the window just now. I am so lucky to be in Europe right now. Not many people get to experience the things that I am experiencing. I am so grateful to everyone who has made this possible for me.

So, that's it for me! Next stop Baden-Baden - and then on to Paris and then home!

Sarah, #12