Wight Weirdos » Germany Trip

Tonights update. Thursday

Martin — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:12:29 +0000

 After 2 trips out, one without cash and one with,
dave managed to procure some power steering fluid to get the van going
again. We were then making good time until hitting really bad traffic
on the A5. Took around 2 hours to do 15km. Of course certain people
decided they urgently needed to use the toilet despite us having
stopped only an hour before. I will refrain from naming and shaming or
describing our solution, lets just say it provided much entertainment
for more than just our convoy...  The next services saw some of our
party practically demolish the entrance to the toilets. Rest of
journey uneventful, arriving at the church at around 11. They
expressed surprise at how early we had arrived... Drive tomorrow
should be about 5 hours to Calais so we are leaving 8 hours before
ferry!

Brief update

Martin — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:43:20 +0000

Stopped part way to film another interview. Lovely old country house
abandoned by last occupant over 30 years ago when they fled east
germany. Talking to family who would like the freedom to home ed.
Further delays as dave seeks power steering fluid. Hope to be underway
soon but behind schedule. Again. Hospitality is again amazing. We have
been met such wonderfull kind people on our trip.

Final day at ferdinands homestay – Wednesday

Martin — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:37:26 +0000

Final day at ferdinands homestay today. Most of the group went out on
2 large inflatable rafts on the river elbe. We paddled about 15km or
so, with stops en-route for swimming and lunch. Our guide was great
and everyone pitched in well with the paddling. Lots of lessons in
teamwork and effective communication. The other group went mountain
biking for quite some distance, even crossing into the Czech Republic.
Now off to bed to the sounds of our noisy neighbours who are cal on
site again tonight. Tomorrow we head back to koblenz, possibly via one
of the mums from Jena  for some filmin. Falling  sleep so have  go
now.

Dresden – Tuesday

Martin — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:49:34 +0000

Today we started ahead of schedule. Amazing but true. We drove to the
station at Bad Schandau and got a double deck train into dresden. We
then headed to the  Zwinger via a large fountain (and yes, the kids
really did go via the fountain). There we met our costumed tour guides
who gave a good historical tour of the Zwinger and surrounding
buildings. Was very good and kids appeared to have enjoyed it but we
were in blistering sunlight the whole time. Around 32 in the shade
tonight. Now sitting next to dave driving me mad talking about steak
chips and mushrooms. Most of the rest are in an  open air pool playing
on a huge wide slide. All having fun by sound of screams! Found cafe
selling chips which is now becoming flooded with home ed kids! BBQ
later back at site.

Oh what a night

Martin — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:23:33 +0000

Sun night had been very quiet as all the holiday campers had gone,
leaving us alone in the campsite, just some hostel guests around. Last
night we were joined by a group of inner city kids being given a taste
of the countryside. By 230am i was ready to give them a taste of the
river too. Shouting between tents went on for most of the night. I
think they had finally run out of steam by 4am, but maybe i had just
reached the point of sleeping regardless. Then at 6am an alarm went
off in our tent. No-one appears to have a clue whose it is. Maybe been
planted?

Monday evening – after climbing

Martin — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:41:19 +0000

Composing todays email to the regular soundtrack in the adult tent.
Snoring. If they made it an olympic sport, boy do we have some top
athletes! Well, today was climbing day. A mix of climbing up ropes to
get up a rock face and traditional rock climbing - still roped on for
safety of course! I was never up for climbing but went with the group
to take pics and provide support. Some massive climbing skill from
several. Others struggled more but pushed themselves anyway. Good
support for each other across the group too which is good to see. Dave
made a stunning effort, seemingly climbing using nothing but
adrenaline! Not sure if he stayed still long enough to need hand and
foot holds. After climbing some went swimming while others went to the
labyrinth, a mass of rocks, tunnels and ladders. Then returned to camp
for yummy curry. Dresden tomorrow for walking tour. On a personal note
i'm starting to really miss Susan and the younger kids, but enjoying
seeing rebekah getting so much out of the week.

Monday

Martin — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:31:01 +0000

Yesterday we had a real taste of why we drove all this way! Hiked up
the Schramstein, a ridge of rocks a few miles from camp. It was hard
going especially for those not really used to hiking but everyone made
it. Hundreds of steps, a few ladders and some steep inclines lead us
to some stunning views stretching for miles. In the evening we sang
songs round a slightly reluctant camp fire and ate stew. Holly and
Rebekah have been doing their mother goose bit, keeping us all well
fed. Rebekah was pleased her mum taught her the sleeping bag slow
cooking method which the girls used to good effect. Today we go
climbing. Or rather they do. I shall be staying on the ground,
hopefully taking pictures and making lunch. Our first early start
today. I had hoped to email some pictures to go with posts but don't
have enough bandwidth. May get faster connection in Dresden tomorrow
in which case i will send some to update posts.

Saturday – From ferdinands homestay.

Martin — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:29:18 +0000

Filming this morning went really well. Improvements over last night
were really noticeable. Some really good interviews and a great piece
to camera recorded. Late leaving (again) because we wanted to keep
going with the filming. Really could have stayed in jena for longer.
Drive to camp site fairly smooth, aside from a couple of navigation
related issues... Location is stunning. Right by the river. Also right
by the railway so hoping trains not too frequent at night. Hiking on
schedule for tomorrow. Time for bed now.

Friday in Jenna (from Martin)

Martin — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:27:19 +0000

Arrived in jena yesterday about 430. We were late setting off as we
couldn't get up as early as planned after our late night and 22 hour
travelling day on thur. Fantastic hospitality here. Ever flowing food
and drinks, all arranged by the small school we are staying in. We
managed to film a couple of interviews but time was too short so i
don't think those involved were completely happy with how it went.
More interview opportunities today so hopefully we can build on
yesterday's experience. Chris and I have been chatting with the kids
about techniques for getting the most out of their interviewees. They
are really starting to pick up on key issues. Just need to help them
get those across well. Language barrier am issue to but the kids are
using a host of techniques to overcome that - all of their own accord.
They are really getting in to the trip.

itinerary

Susan — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:05:06 +0000

I’ve had a couple of people ask me about the itinerary for the people in Germany, this is what I think is going on when, but I’m not 100% sure. Additionally there will probably be evening walks or swims etc. and more filming.

Thurs 27th:

Travelling to Koblenz, sleeping over in church hall.

Fri 28th:

Travelling to Jenna, staying in a small alternative school, doing bulk of videoing, meeting German home educators.

Sat 29th:

More filming, tour of Jenna with some of the young people from over there. Moving on to Ferdinands Homestay in Saxony Switzerland (this is a region in Germany) setting up camp maybe a short hike.

Sun30:

Hiking

Mon 31st:

Rock climbing

Tues 1st:

walking tour in Dresden and visit to Dresdner Frauenkirche (“Church of Our Lady”) general town stuff (shopping probably!!)

Weds 2nd:

Some of the group mountain biking, some doing kayaking.

Thurs 3rd:

Travelling to Koblenz, swimming in leisure pool, sleeping overnight in a church hall.

Fri 4th:

Travelling home. Getting in about 9pm (hopefully)