FwF Stand beim Hopfenbergfest

Hopfenbergfest September 2018

As is our tradition, “From Strangers to Friends” had an information booth at the annual neighborhood festival, or rather ‘block party’, in Hopfenberg this past August.

The Hopfenberg annual neighborhood festival is important to our project as Hopfenberg is the electoral district of our very own Marion Walsmann (CDU)- who, alongside her husband, has been a faithful supporter and long-time partner of “From Strangers to Friends.” 

A special thanks to the local partners who helped with putting up and tearing down the information booth!

Schlauchboote mit den Studenten und den Paten

Rafting Excursion on the Saale

Our rafting excursion, which took place on July 9th, began in Erfurt- where we boarded a bus to Großheringen. Once we arrived at our destination, all students and partners received a short introduction about rafting and water safety. After which, life vests were handed out, and each raft was ‘armed’ with a paddle. We could not have asked for more perfect summer weather!

After a good half hour of paddling, not all of which could be called elegant, we arrived all in one piece at the foot of the Rudelsburg- where we received some long-awaited refreshments.

Once we were refreshed, we set straight into hiking to Rudelsburg. The views from the castle were simply not to be missed! During the hike, our ‘perfect’ summer weather, about 40 degrees, became almost unbearable. After our descent from Rudelsburg, we boarded our rafts, and headed to Bad Kösen. Although many of us suffered through and paddled the entire way, several decided to cool themselves off by swimming beside the rafts.

In Bad Kösen we decided that a small walk to a cafe was in order. We finished off the day with some well-deserved cake, coffee, and ice cream.

Pictures by Dana Kittel and Falko Goethel

Mühle im Mühlenhof

Mühlentag on Pentacost

On Pentecost Monday, we went on a day long excursion to see the mills. Our first stop was Kranichfeld, where we visited the mills. Afterwards we headed to a locally-owned goat farm in Greußen. We were even able to do a goat milk taste test; needless to say, we enjoyable ourselves very much. Towards the end of the day, we made our way over to Rockstedt for a live mill demonstration. 

Through the generosity of one of our partners, we were able to experience quite a lot of local cuisine on our tour; for example, getting to try delicious cakes and traditional Thuringia Bratwurst.

Pictures by Dana Kittel and Hartmut Schermer