The Journey

     An hour delay at CVG had me panicky because I had only an hour and a half layover at JFK.  All ended without problem.  Everyone with Delta was so accommadating that it made even the delay acceptable.  AND my luggage met me at FRA. 

     In FRA the signs were clear and my hotel was walking accessable.  The receptionist was friendly, my room ready even though it was hours before check-in time and the concierge not only gave me directions to where I wanted to go, but gave them to me in print, IN English.  It was so easy I felt very well  welcomed. 

     I  visited the Römer ten years ago and felt in had gotten even prettier.

 I did not know that was possible and the surprise was extremely pleasant.  I feared it might have deteriorated. This old reconstructed city section teemed with people  many of whom were tourists, but not all.

     The group meet-up in the train station and the subsiquent actions had a few SNAFU's but nothing that was not easily overcome.  But I have to admit a good night's sleep probably made it a lot easier for me than the others who had not slept for twenty or so hours. 

     After roughly a four-hour train connection, we were greeted in Ilmenau by University personel and a van that delivered us straight to our lodging. This felt great for me, I can only imagine how it felt for the very tired travelers. I have had great room from day one, clean, spacious and comfortable. It did take three moves to get into the one I will use for the next thee weeks,  but even this had no dampening affect. 

     I dropped off the bags and met the tired group in the lobby from which we strolled through residential  districts to a department store.  This had to be done because no stores, and I mean No storess are open on Sunday and we had to have food for the day.  Many things as we were making our way to and through the store caught my interst but by then I was on overload, too overwhelmed to react to much.  In our lodgings, ín German "die Jungendherberge", the group met in a central area, ate our purchases as a group and put a perfect finish on a great first day.

     I made one very big discovery.  Anyone to whom I smiled or spoke, smiled or spoke in return.  However, if I did not smile or open my mouth, no one seemed to mind.