A String That Connects Us - KK

The first day we arrived in Germany I felt weird. I really didn't know why exactly. 

We immediately went to a laundromat which felt like the lap of luxury compared to hotel sinks and tubs. Perspective is everything.

Always up for a hike, I volunteered to get us a snack. We had not eaten all day and a little nourishment was needed.

While on the hunt, I walked toward what I believed was a supermarket based on a street sign. However, it was soon apparent I was in a residential only area with no shops. Headed in the same direction was an elderly gentleman. He kindly showed me that I was actually going toward a farmer's market. Even better. We walked together, the two of us and talked - a gift to me.

Everyone at the market was very nice too and the cheese man was especially so. I think he felt my admiration for his profession. :) Sweet grapes, a fresh pretzel and some serious cheese filled my bag and was our well-earned laundry snack for later.

So about the older man - I wondered who he was. What did he believe. Was he a grandfather? What did he do each day? If this was 75 years ago would he have spoken to me at all?  Lots of mixed emotions being in Germany.

There is a certain darkness here. And while the German countryside is truly beautiful, I wouldn't say it feels good to be here even though I've met lots of interesting characters and to be fair, our last stop, Ireland, is hard to top.

Frankfurt, where we started was almost completely destroyed in WW II. There is very little in the way of historical buildings. My family lived about 30 minutes from Frankfurt before they immigrated to the US. Though I've studied much about early 20th century Germany in college and beyond, I still wonder what it must have been like to live here as a Jew many years ago. Everywhere I went I imagined who had walked there in prior generations.

My family was Orthodox then and I am here during a sacred time of year for Jews. I unexpectedly feel more sensitive than I thought I would.  I'm unsure about these feelings and perhaps that doesn't matter anyway. But I do believe there is a string that transcends time and connects our hearts to those who came before us. That does matter. 

Shanah Tovah to those who celebrate.

Danke ich muss gehen. (Thanks I must be going)

Soon we will head on a new path as we continue to chase the sun. I look forward to finding some new light.