Dr. Margrit Zinggeler and her German Language and Culture students traveled the German Fairy Tale Route, summer, 2006. Dr. Zinggeler secured additional funding for the program, enabling students to participate at a reduced program cost. Below, is one student's story.

In the Footseps of the Brother's Grimm along the German Fairy Tale Route:

I would like to take a moment to thank you again; to thank everyone involved in making the decision to financially assist our tour through Germany. I know everyone at Eastern Michigan University will continue to talk about it well into the fall semester, if not for years to come. I am still extremely appreciative. It truly was a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip.

The group

I know you have received our itinerary, and thus know of the cities we visited, but there is still so much I would like to tell you about. Each city was enchanting. The weather was better than anyone could imagine ~ no rain for 10 days? in Europe? Who knew that was possible? J What could not be duplicated were the personal experiences that occurred due to the group dynamic. The ability for German students of varying language skills to help and learn from one another. We honestly spoke in German most of the trip. The only reason I’m not typing this letter in German now, is that I want it to sound natural and express myself as clearly as possible.

The Bremen Town Musicians

Some of my personal experiences that I will never forget include learning a card game, a German card game, having the rules explained in German, on a train in Germany. (It’s called “Dummkopf” and it’s very fun.) Learning the difference between “Eis” and “Eiswuerfeln”, and “Wasser mit Kohlensaeure” and “Wasser ohno Kohlensaeure”, and that I wanted “Leitungswasser” not “Leistungswasser” by repeatedly misspeaking. Yes, the language aspect of taking this trip meant more to me personally than the historical. I loved just listening to people speak. I loved having conversations with strangers. I never get tired of hearing how well they think I speak German. Their faces seem to say, “Are you sure you’re an American?”. We also spent an afternoon with some students from Russia, and it was very interesting to communicate with foreigners in German instead of English.

Grimm Brothers and EMU students

Each city was so unique and charming and historic that I could easily write pages and pages about any one of them. However, I know I can always revisit them someday, but there is so much that happened that was, well, priceless. The passion and knowledge that our professor/mentor/tour guide, Professor Dr. Margrit Zinggeler, had to share with us was amazing. She helped keep us focused on the Brothers Grimm, their works, their lives, as well as details we would surely have missed without her. Sometimes we would be distracted on the trains with different activities, and she would point out anything that we were passing that was worth taking note of. I wish every German student at EMU could take this journey with her.

Professor Zinggeler with the bust of Wilhelm Grimm

As is often the case, people tend to see more of other parts of the world than what is in their ‘own backyard’. We were often reminded of this by talking with many Germans whom have never visited the cities that we were able to visit, Alsfeld, Hann Münden, Sababurg, etc. I had previously been to Köln, Hamburg, and Berlin, so now, I really feel like I have seen a great deal of Germany; enough to be sure that it is definitely where I want to live someday.

Half-timbered houses

Basically, I don’t want to start rambling, but I sincerely want to express my deep appreciation for what your generous grant made possible. It was an equally educational and entertaining journey. It clearly made a lasting, positive impression on all participants. I hope you get a chance to hear the experiences of some of the other students as well; of the castles, the animal park, the sightseeing tours, and all the incredible adventures that we had during our travels along Germany’s Fairytale Path.

Medieval streets

If you would like to hear from me further, regarding any aspect of the trip, please feel free to contact me directly. I’m almost more than happy to talk about it.

I can be reached via e-mail at either: eanderson2@emich.edu or trent_jeroen@hotmail.com .

Wieder, vielen Dank fuer die Moeglichkeit fuer uns diese Reise zu machen.

Sincerely,

Edward „Trent“ Anderson

If you would like to read some of the Grimm Brother's stories in English or German, click here.

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