Duisburg is not a destination city or a sightseeing highlight. It is not even noted in the travel books, but there are treasures here that make it worth the visit. We visited with 90-year old Marianne today who is so full of life, it makes us feel so glad to know her. She sent greetings home via video with the eloquence of a news caster. The first shot, she was a bit shy, but once she got going, she was eager to share her experiences in German with her friends back home. And didn't hesitate in front of the camera.
She gave me a little spindle as a gift that is so sweet because it matches the spindle in her bedroom. We are "spindle mates" and both spindles are from Chemnitz, her birthplace. Very special experience for Gene and I.
Our afternoon was spent in the Franke garden, enjoying a bit of bad-mitten, a few new beers, (they are trying to help us reach our goal) and a bar-b-que. We also got the whole group to play the card game "Golf" which seemed to become quickly competitive. Sandra and her boyfriend Marlon joined us so we had all of the generations enjoying a picnic together.
We also re-visited the sight of the Love Parade where 20 young people lost their lives shortly before Melissa and I arrived last year. There is now a moving memorial of the event and shadowy images have been painted on the tunnel walls to remind the drivers of the faceless individuals who lost their lives there.
The group is waiting to teach me another new game, so got to go, but wanted everyone to know we are enjoying our time with the Frankes and are finding the treasures here in Duisburg.
Added note: Marianne skyped with Gene and Gloria tonight, she was so surprised to see them appear, she almost jumped. But once again, she rose to the occasion and chatted away to Gene and Gloria as if skype-ing was an every day experience for her. We all had a great day and Angelica won at "Golf".
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