Ravensbruck, May 22, 2009

Ravensbruck was designed to hold 5,000 women, but the population grew to more than six times that number, and the living conditions and treatment rapidly deteriorated, Between May, 1939, and June, 1944, an estimated 43,000 women were brought to Ravensbrück. During the next nine months, an estimated 90,000 more came.

The most serious overcrowding occurred after the evacuation of Auschwitz in January, 1945, when an unknown but significant number of Jewish women arrived at Ravensbrück. Toward the end of the war, transports from Auschwitz and other camps in the East increased the population to its maximum, some 32,000 women. The conditions were unimaginable. Barracks built for 250 women later housed 1,500 or 2,000, with three to four to a bed. Thousands of women did not even have part of a bed, and were lying on the floor, without even a blanket. When 500 Jewish women arrived from Hungary in the fall of 1944, they were placed in a huge tent with a straw floor and died in masses. The tent was placed there because of overcrowding caused by the arrival of 12,000 women with children exhiled from Warsaw and the Warsaw Uprising of August 1944. Testimony indicates 5 women were placed in one shelf in the barracks.

The prisoners were organized into categories, each with a distinctive colorcoded triangle, as well as by nationality. Political prisoners (including resistance fighters and Soviet prisonersofwar) wore red triangles; Jehovah's Witnesses wore purple triangles; "asocials" (including lesbians, prostitutes, and Gypsies) wore black triangles; and criminals (common criminals or those who broke Nazi imposed laws) wore green triangles. Jewish women wore yellow triangles, but if they were also political prisoners, they wore a red triangle and yellow triangle that formed a Star of David, or a yellow stripe on top of the red triangle. A letter within the triangle signified the prisoner's nationality. There was a separate adjacent camp that held about 20,000 men.

Exact statistics are impossible to obtain, because the Nazis burned many records before they fled. The camp memorial's estimated figure of 132,000 includes about 48,500 Polish women, the largest national group imprisoned in the camp. There were 28,000 women from the Soviet Union, almost 24,000 from Germany and Austria, nearly 8,000 French women, and thousands from other countries in Europe. There were even British and American women imprisoned at the camp. Approximately 117,000 did not survive. While no exact records are available, an estimated twenty percent of the total population was Jewishmore than 20,000 women.

The site of Ravensbrück concentration camp is just outside the town of Fürstenberg, Germany and is 55 miles from Berlin. The area is secluded but has excellent rail connections to Berlin and is known as a boating resort. Perhaps these geographical features, in addition to new housing, were an enticement to the SS (Schutzstaffel [storm troopers]) to work at Ravensbrück.

We stayed in former SS housing while at Ravensbruck, overnight on May 22 and leaving in the afternon, May 23, 2009.

Touring Berlin in the rain

On a rainy, but not particularly cold, day in Berlin, we met Gigi (about an hour late) outside of the train station. Our bags were checked into the 3 Little Pigs Hostel and we were mostly ready for a walking tour. Gigi made it interesting and purposeful, and before we knew it, we had walked two hours in the rain, and learned an immense amount about Berlin. Here are some images including: The Memorial to Victims of War, which stunned many of us in it's design and simplicity; The Memorial to books burned in Nazi bookburning riots, which some of us had seen an exhibit at yavapai College last year. The memorial is an open window in the ground to a large empy room with white shelves devoid of books; The Brandenberg Gate, which was undergoing a transformation for a major celebration, The Holocaust Memorial in Berlin, which was a series of concrete pillars and paths that we explored individually; The site of the former Berlin Wall, includine remaining wall, and the bricked lines in the ground all alond the last half of our tour; Checkpoint Charlie, and more...

Leaving Frankfurt

When we left Frankfurt on the 21st, it was very hard for most students (and host families) to say goodbye. Hugs, tears and a late entry onto the train caused us to nearly miss our reservations (they only hold for 10 minutes, and we had 1st class booths. We troubleshooted how to do it quicker, and more efficiently, and by the end of the 5day travel around Germany trip, we were a well oiled machine.

Justin's pics 2

Justin's pics

Here are some of Justin's pics

touching base

Just a check in...we are far too busy taking it all in to stop and post pictures, but rest assured that they are coming.  We'll be traveling back to frankfurt tomorrow and flying back early the next day.  See you in Phoenix on Tuesday!!!!!

Starting to say goodbye

This was the beginning of saying goodbye. On Tuesday (we leave Frankfurt Thursday) the students had a BBQ and gave a present of a NELA yearbook to each of their German Hosts, which was signed by everyone in the travel group. This is pretty good stuff...

More pics of the fun forest

This last pic is of your two trip leaders, alive, well and enjoying the day!

THE FUN FOREST

Man was this fun!!! I highly suggest it for anyone in the area.

Book binding day

This Monday, we worked with a professional book binder in the "paper room" at Ernst-Reuter. Each of us made beautiful books with images to represent each letter of the alphabet. Ask to see these. They are amazing, and show great crafsmanship. I;m definitely taking some new ideas home about final products.

presentations in classes

These pics are a little old (about a week, but everything is moving quickly here). These presentations are to the 7th grade English classes last week. Each NELA student spoke about a different topic and then we broke into conversation groups. All of our kids were great representives of NELA and America. All the rest of the week I heard about how much the German teachers (teachers of English and otherwise) enjoy this group of exchange students.

May 21-26 plans

NORTHPOINT TRAVELS- GERMANY- PART TWO

Thursday May 21

*This is a German holiday, some services will be closed*

6:00- Breakfast and room check for missed items

7:45- Meet at McDonalds near Hauptbanhoff train station

8:00- Load train (8:13 departure)

8:13 to 12:21- Train, journals, alphabet books, sleep

12:30- Walk to hostel (Three Little Pigs) 20 minutes

12:50- Hostel check-in and drop bags

1:00- Lunch

2:50- Train to Berlin Walking Tour meeting point (Gigi)

3:15 to 5:15- Berlin Walking Tour with English speaking guide

5:15-7:30- Dinner and strolling the sights of Berlin

7:30- Hostel time

10:00- Lights out

ALL TIMES AND EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Friday May 22

7:00- Breakfast and final packing

7:30- Depart hostel (bags in storage)

7:30 to 11:30- Berlin sight seeing

11:30- Lunch

12:00- Pick up bags from hostel, go to train

12:30- Train to Furstenburg (12:43 departure)

1:45- Taxi to Ravensbruk (Zummer Taxi)

2:15- Hostel check-in and drop bags

3:00- Ravensbruk guided walking tour with English speaking guide

5:00- Tour Main Camp on your own

6:00- Dinner at Ravensbruk Hostel

7:00- Free time in and around hostel

9:00- Berlin discussion and voting

10:00- Lights out

ALL TIMES AND EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Saturday May 23

7:30- Breakfast and packing

8:00- Depart hostel

8:30- Board train to Berlin (8:45 departure)

9:45- Arrive Berlin- locker or carry bags (TBD)

10:00 to 12:00- Tour selected sights

!2:00- Lunch

12:30- Train to Nurnberg (2:58 departure)

6:00- Dinner on train

7:30- Arrive Nurnberg

7:30- Uphill walk to hostel

8:00- Nurnberg Hostel check-in and drop bags

8:30- Blu Nacht evening group event

11:00- Lights out

ALL TIMES AND EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Sunday May 24

*As with all Sundays in Germany, many businesses will be closed*

9:00- Breakfast

9:30- Group tour of Nurnburg sights including Nazi Headquarters, Toy Museum, Torture Museum and much more!

Flexible schedule (lunch and dinner provided)

10:00- Lights out

ALL TIMES AND EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Monday May 25

9:00- Breakfast and packing

9:30- Assignment wrap up and school work time

10:30- Bags in storage

10:30- Group tour

Flexible schedule (lunch and dinner provided)

3:00- Pick up bags from hostel

4:30- Travel to train station

5:00- Train to Frankfurt (5:00 departure)

7:00- Arrive Frankfurt

7:15- Check in EasyBed 24 Hostel

7:30- Dinner in downtown Frankfurt with group

8:30 to 9:30- Free time in pairs

10:00- Lights out

ALL TIMES AND EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Tuesday May 26

5:00- Leave hostel for train station

5:15- Airport for check in

7:00- Breakfast

8:00- Flight departs for USA

2:00- Arrive Phoenix, AZ, USA

ALL TIMES AND EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Some notes for the next 3 days

Hi all,

A couple of changes and reminders...We will have our goodbye party tomorrow at a different place than originally planned. Mrs. Holitzky will give your German hosts details tomorrow.

If you still needed to show me pictures or albums, please bring them tomorrow.

Our train leaves Thursday morning at 8:13 am. Please be at the main train station Hautbahnhof, at 7:45 am in front of the McDonalds.

Thanks.

This is where Becky stays...

Important: A reminder about tmrw's assignment

Hello:

Please remember that Monday at school we MUST HAVE your photos printed for the alphabet book. These can be any size (as long as subject is clear) and can not be back to back. You will be cutting and pasting these into a hand-made, personally bound book.

You MUST show up with these printed photos ready. There is no option here. Get this taken care of, make phone calls, make arrangements, you have had a week to get this ready.

Thanks for your cooperation in completing this and many other assignments. Please remember that your participation in this Intensive is a graded and credit based course. The expectations include journal entries, assignments, photo posts, interviews and much more. Completion of all requests will certainly support your grade and credit.

Geneva Saint-Amour

Ernst Reuter Schule Images

This is the school we attend, and really, have come to love. We'll all be sad to leave it next week. It is quite large, and serves about 2,000 kids, grades 5-13. The NELA kids all have it figured out, but I am still getting lost there...

Becky shares these images she took around Frankfurt. Feel free to ask her why...If you leave comments on the blog, she can comment back about these photos.

What the Travelers think of Germany

Here's a video interview with the traveling students. Each pair was asked to choose 2 of 4 interview questions to address for this piece. The options were:

1) Share some facts or information you believe Americans should know about Germany or its people.

2) Talk to each other about the things you have in common with German teens and or your host.

3) Discuss some of the foods or meals you have experienced in Germany.

4) Wish your mother a “Happy Mother’s Day” and discuss what you did on Mother’s day or local customs on this special day.

Our German hosts had quite a time while watching this. This video is totally uncut, and may contain some factual errors. For example, Nutella is not chocolate, peanut butter and cream cheese, instead it is a chocolate/hazelnut spread. The video does, however, share the perspective of this group of kids...Enjoy!

Assignment for Wednesday

When:  Wednesday, May 13, 2009

What:  Alphabet Book Scavenger Hunt

Where:  Ernst Reuter Schule—Nordwestzentrum—and the park in between…

Who:  Of course, you can talk to each other, but this task is individual

Bring:  Digital camera, NELA memory stick, personal belongings

Why:  On Monday, May 18^th, you will be working with Sigmar Ohme, who is a teacher at Ernst Reuter and a professional book binder.  In order to “fill the pages,” you will complete this assignment by finding things that will represent each letter and also reveal your personality and preferences.

 

Please include selections from the following list:

• Favorite brand of shoes
• Lucky number
• Best hairstyle
• Most unique outfit
• Favorite musical group/artist
• Favorite plant
• Strangest food
• Tastiest food
• Listening to music
• Coolest clothing
• Texting
• Favorite color
• Abstract image
• Fountain or water feature
• Musical instrument
• Favorite pet
• Something you cannot find in the USA
• Cellphone
• Rendition or representation of the German flag
• Rendition or representation of the USA flag
• Elderly person
• Your new favorite word
• The car you would like to take home with you
• Young person
• Live animal
• Representation of beauty
• Representation of hideousness or disgust
• An example of scarfing (wearing
• German signs (exits, pets, U-bahn, etc.)

 

Remember:  it is not necessary to be literal in each of your pictures.  Have fun with it!  For example, your favorite type of pet may be a ferret, which is not legal to own in Germany.  Instead I could find a stuffed animal, a paw print, something the same color, a person who is acting like or looks like a ferret, etc.

Additional journal topics for the week of May 11th:

1) What did you do this weekend?  What is the one thing that you don’t want to forget?

2) How has your communication with your host family changed this week? What have you learned about the way you communicate with others?

3) What have you learned, in general, about yourself?

Schedule for the next few weeks

Plan for the next two weeks:

 Monday, May 11:

8:30 am:  Meet in Crew

10:30 am:  American presentations in 7^th grade English classes at Ernst Reuter Schule

11:30 pm: Meet at the Pogibonsai for an American lunch journey)

2:00 pm:  Meet your hosts at Nordwestzentrum to return home

 

Tuesday, May 12:

8:30 am:  Meet at school and join 10G class in a trip to the Senckenberg Natural History Museum in downtown Frankfurt am Main.

1:00 pm:  Lunch with American group on the river

2:30 pm:  Meet your host at school to return home

 

Wednesday, May 13:

8:30 Meet at school

9:00 Alphabet Book Scavenger Hunt  (your camera must be able to hold 26 photos)

                   **you must print this work by Sunday-find a printer)

Lunch on your own!

Enjoy your freedom—German-teenager-style (within a safe and familiar environment)

2:30  Meet your host at school/Nordwestzentrum (your choice, talk to your host) to return home

 

Thursday, May 14:   

Regular school with your host. Check the schedule in Building H for details.

Or

Meet at City Hall (stay tuned for more information)

 

Friday, May 15:

8:30am  Meet at Pogibonsai, depart for Bad Homburg (swimming/spa day)

2:30pm  Meet your host student at school for return home

 

Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17:

Host family activities

 

Monday, May 18:

Regular school day with your host (check the schedule in Building H)

 

Tuesday, May 19:

Regular school with host

Goodbye party at 5pm (planned by host families, look for more info soon)

 

Wednesday, May 20:

Climbing with hosts and other students  (high ropes course, zip-lines, etc.)

 

Thursday, May 21:

Travel to Berlin

Stay at 3 Little Pigs Hostel

 

Friday, May 22:

Guided walking tour of Berlin

Stay at Ravensbruck, site of former women’s concentration camp

 

Saturday, May 23: 

Berlin—Educational tour of Ravensbruck

Travel to Nuremburg, stay at Hostel Nuremburg

Experience Blaue Nacht

 

Sunday, May 24:

Visit Nuremburg Museums and Old Town; also Documentation Centre Nazi Party Rally Grounds

 

Monday, May 25: 

Travel from Nuremburg to Frankfurt

Stay in Hostel/hotel in Frankfurt

 

Tuesday, May 26:

Leave for airport at 5am

Depart Frankfurt at 8:25am for Phoenix, via Chicago

 

A few other interesting images from downtown

The trees that line this street are quite Suessical to me.

The ancient bathhouse ruins has walls from both the 11th and 16th centuries built on top of eachother!

Udo, the husband of Claudia, our exchange host, says that the poster isn't a translation error...it is art.



Also, our students are already wishing we had more time here. They don't think 3 1/2 weeks is enough!

Some interesting sights from Frankfurt

One thing I am finding quite interesting about Frankfurt is the combination between old and new. Here are some pictures of the Frankfurt skyline which may help you see what I mean.

You can also see how entertained we are with public transportation...

Lindsey's pics

Here are some pictures from Lindsey...home and after school activities...