We are being invaded by the NAZIS!!!!!!!!!!!!

The day started out ordinarily enough. It was partly cloudy as we looked out our window at the buildings of Weimar, anticipating our day of sightseeing. We had no idea what sights we would actually see that day. Upon stepping out onto the street, we saw the first signs of what would soon take place. The streets were the same as the night before with one exception. . . they were covered with Police. Police in blue cars, police in green cars, police in black uniforms, police in green uniforms. Before long Chris and Greg were stopped by a group of police and asked for their identification. (By the way, you must know that Chris and Greg looked very suspicious with their black coats, dark pants, and full black beards.) Fortunately, Frau Lazda and Frau Thaens came to the rescue and explained to the police that we were a harmless group of students on a class excursion in Weimar. We soon found out that there was supposed to be a huge Nazi demonstration later that day. There would also be an Anti-Nazi protest with the intent of not letting the Nazis march through the historically and culturally important city of Weimar.

As soon as we heard about the demonstration, we had the typical stupid tourist reaction. . . "Ooooh, a Nazi demonstration let's go watch it!" At one o'clock we headed down to the demonstration sight. We watched as hords of police in their riot gear prepared for the demonstration. Hundreds of people filled the streets, a drum chor all dressed in white roused the people. The energy filled the air as the anti-Nazis filled the streets and decorated each other with "No Nazis" stickers. Naturally, we joined in the excitement. After all, protesting the Nazis was definitely a worthy endeavor. We waited, clapped along, and marched with the protestors. However, the Nazis had given a four hour window for when they would be demonstrating. After about an hour, we got bored. I guess we weren't die hard anti-Nazis. We wanted to see more of Weimar and do some shopping. I know, pretty lame. It was a really cool experience anyway. I can definitely see how people can get caught up in riots and demonstrations without really knowing what they are demonstrating about. The energy and emotion is overwhelming!

Later in the evening, when we needed to catch our train back to Wittenberg, we discovered that the entire train station was blockaded by three solid lines of Police and dogs. They didn't want anything to happen in the train station. We weren't really sure what to do, but Frau Thaens wasn't afraid! She marched right up to the first line of Police. You must picture for a moment a tiny 5'2" blond who maybe weighs 100 lbs marching up to the big burly, stern police clothed in black riot gear. Apparently, she explained that we were harmless students from Wisconsin in Weimar only for a class excusion. Meanwhile, Greg borrowed Laura's colorful scarf that she had just bought and wrapped it around his beard. (He had been stopped two times that day and asked for ID and asked what he was doing in Weimar and we didn't have time for him to be stopped again.) Soon a tiny gap in the police wall opened up and we were permitted to squeeze through. The same thing happened at the next line of police. Finally, we made it to the last line of police. A police in the last line told Chelsea to do something, but she didn't understand it. He then proceded to yell the same word at her, but the yelling really didn't clarify what the word meant. Luckily, Frau Lazda heard it and told her that she needed to remove the "No Nazis" sticker from her jacket. Upon hearing this, I quickly removed my sticker as well. Once we were through the last line the dogs started barking at us. Oohh, I am sure glad that the police were holding those dogs. Finally, we were able to board the train. One more sweep of the train by the police and we were on our way. And so concludes my adventure with the Nazis!