"'Erfurt, A Wonderful Surprise

by ejflakes-Sep 11, 2002
I thought Erfurt would be a cold, old East German Town--and found a warm, modern city. Celtic warriors got the blue "woad" from that they painted themselves with before battle. Mountains surround Erfurt and on one you could only see a red chimney--BukenWald, the concentration camp! Erfurt was the center of Marco Polo's trade route. I toured the fortress that protected the city—Napoleon’s uniform was there!! I was offered Champagne in the tunnel. There was a "live" dig going on in the middle of a beautiful modern city--and yes they had found Roman ruins. And this was the home of Martin Luther. I was an American in Germany and eating at an Irish Pub--the Dubliner. The Inner City hotel--right next to the train station--beautiful, great employees, The younger native Erfurt”ians” would be thrilled I was an American--and promise they would come to America someday. Made me proud. The Messehalle where the show was held was modern, new, glass everywhere. And in the main Plaza there was the Carnival--just like in Rio or New Orleans. Many floats, lots of clowns, lots of kids and American 60's music blasting out.
Elizabeth J Flakes, Florida, USA"
pictures: Mrs. Flakes (left);Fondest Memory: Having Champange at the lowest point of the underground fortress. Neet! Mr. Volland (right), Erfurt Tour Guide, offers Champagne in the tunnel
bibliography:  Erfurt, A Wonderful Surprise, by ejflakes - Sep 11, 2002