Days by the fire - nights in the tipi

It was particularly beautiful and fitting from Cranzahl, where the budding Native Americans were able to board the historic steam train of the Fichtelbergbahn and prepare themselves visually for the cultural leap.

By then, however, the first adventure had to be overcome. Although the railroad had been informed well in advance of the journey, it had not informed Regionalverkehr Erzgebirge and so unfortunately not all of the almost 60 children were able to fit into the rail replacement service between Zschopau and Wolkenstein. Fortunately, this hurdle was easily overcome.

After the three classes had split into two travel groups, the first group was able to explore the youth hostel and the surrounding nature as planned, while the second group took advantage of a longer stay in Cranzahl for a leisurely picnic on the really beautiful playground. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the youth hostel staff, especially the new manager Christin Follak, as well as Romy and the Fichtelbergbahn for reacting so spontaneously to the situation, because without lunch and a safe onward journey, it would probably not have been a great class trip.

But once all the pupils had arrived in Neudorf, the cultural adventure really got going and the children were divided into two tribes, built tipis, collected firewood, lit their campfires, explored the stream, listened to old American tunes and were very happy about their well-earned dinner.

The next day, both tribes also experienced many adventures, read tracks, created indigenous jewelry, learned archery, roasted their lunch over the fire and took part in cooking dinner. Time flew by and the tipis filled up with children who were both braver and more exhausted than the day before. On Friday morning, it was time to clean the tipis and pack up, as the steam train was calling us to return and thanks to the active support of Regionalverkehr Erzgebirge and its boss Mr. Lässig, all three classes were able to travel together.

Our tired warriors managed each of the four transfers without any problems and after about three hours of traveling, the students and teachers of the international schools had almost made it back to Reinsdorf.

What was particularly nice, however, was that the children from all three classes came noticeably closer together during these days and got to know each other better as a year group. They really made an effort and got involved in the cultural trip, which fortunately enabled us to leave a good impression in the Erzgebirge.