We rode a bus to Kaunas (about 3 hours away from here on the way to Vilnius).
Got on a plane to Bremen (Germany), and arrived with time to spare. It was a good thing, too, because our suitcase was completely destroyed! Thank you, Ryanair! They handled it well, though, and got us a new suitcase. Luckily none of our things were damaged and we were able to continue on our way (we transferred all of the stuff from the damaged suitcase into the new one on a bench at the airport, and left the old, broken one behind next to an airport trash can).
We rode a tram to a train station, and then got on a train to go to Dortmund (our first destination).
On the train to Dortmund, we were delayed for 150 minutes due to freezing rain. All of the messages over the loudspeaker telling us what was going on were in German. Luckily someone in the seat ahead of us was able to translate. It was at this point that I realized I know way more Lithuanian than I do German. Which is not too much!
The train was giving away free coffees (well, when there was electiricty) and soft drinks to appease us. This is what my coffee cup and napkin told me:
Savor the Voyage.
Anyway, we made it to Dortmund, and Nina and Tim were waiting for us at the train station. Nina was an exchange student in Long Prairie when Steve was in High School (his Senior year prom date!).
Steve and Nina (we were out for a wintery walk...Tim and Nina's backyard looks a little like Iowa).
Tim and Nina were very hospitable. We celebrated the New Year with some friends of theirs and got to experience some of their traditions (lots of fireworks -- like last year in Lithuania, eating food made with a Raclette Grill -- a tradition we might have to make more common in the United States, and playing "SingStar" -- a lot like competitive karaoke).
Tim invited Steve to go with him to a Hockey game (Nina and I opted to stay in and read books). It was more fun this way for everyone.
Tim lent Steve a scarf and jersey for the game (cheering for the Iserlohn Roosters).
Tim and Steve.
We also went out for brunch to meet up with another friend who studied abroad in Long Prairie. Inga was there the same time that Nina was, so it was like their 10 year reunion (the last time they'd all seen each other was when Steve visited 5 years ago).
Nina, Steve, Inga. Steve did not get the memo to wear purple.
Steve with Inga and Jorg
Steve with Tim and Nina
We were told that Dortmund usually only gets about 3-4 days of snow each year...I think we were there for all of them. As soon as January 1st came around, it started snowing and didn't stop. They accused us of bringing the snow with us (and looking back, it does seem to be a trend...it snowed quite a bit in Tallinn, and last spring while we were in Sweden...hmmm).
Snowy rooftops.
That's part one. Part two: Essen with the Bavendiek's will be soon!
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