Today we woke up slightly later than usual, discovering stiff and weary muscles we never knew we had. We loaded the buses for a two hour ride, which brought us to a Paddle Boat on which we took a three hour cruise. We saw many castles and vineyards along the way. Many found the cruise to be a peaceful and recuperative experience after the many miles walked.  We had a brief shopping trip, and then returned to Köln for a farewell dinner.

Mike Solomon

Today started off with a boat ride down the Rhein River. It was an amazingly beautiful trip. Various castles, quaint little towns and mountain scenery were all breathtaking! After the boat ride, we stopped at the town of Rüdesheim and everyone went shopping to buy all sorts of unique German made gifts. Purchases included everything from chocolate to clocks to wooden sculptures. Everyone left the town happy and with bags filled with gifts.

Melissa Bands

Today we took a relaxed boat tour of the Rhein River. It was such a needed break from the long pilgrimage of World Youth Day. We got to see fabulous panoramic views of hills, vineyards, little villages, and castles carved into the mountainside. The boat brought us to the little town of Rüdesheim, which was the quintessential German village. Its small shops and beautiful flower boxes made it the perfect end to a great your.

Kathy Bands

The 10 day trip to Germany for World Youth Day is hard experience to describe. The two days spent in Munich were difficult due to the time change. On the 2^nd day we visited Dachau, which was eye opening to say the least. The next day we took an 8 hour bus trip to Köln where we saw the Dom, and had our first encounter with the large crowds of World Youth Day! We walked everywhere, and saw things that have been once in a lifetime opportunities. There was always a full itinerary, and a long day ahead. The hike to Marienfield was exhausting, but the feeling of actually being “one in a million” people is amazing. However, the really awesome part was that everyone had something in common: the belief of the Holy Trinity and the unity of the world through Christ. Overall this experience has me and really helped me to renew our faith, while teaching me more about my religion.

Becca Parrill

Now that I am at the end of my journey I finally have time to reflect and think of how truly amazing this trip has been. First of all, it’s beyond anything I could have imagined. Being in a foreign country is an experience in itself. Along the way I have made so many new friendships that I know will continue. This experience really opened my eyes and made me see just how many people share my beliefs and have gathered for the same reasons I have. This pilgrimage has definitely strengthened my faith and I am a better person because of it.

Mae Richardson

During the last twelve days there have been so many ways that God has been present in this experience, but three specific things come to mind. The trip to Dachau was sobering, yet awe-inspiring - a very humbling experience. “Awe inspiring” is not a phrase usually associated with such a place, but there was no denying God’s presence. While it was humbling to think about the darkness of the human soul that was needed to perpetrate such evil, I found myself standing in awe of those who were strong enough to not only survive, but to maintain faith in such circumstances.

The second moment of awe was the vigil at Marienfield. It was an intense experience of the universal Church. One thing that drew me to conversion to the Roman Catholic faith at 18 years of age was the fact that it was larger then any political or geographic boundary. In the field with the flags of every color around me, it was the first time that I had seen it clearly with my own eyes. Having one million people join together in the true meaning of Eucharist was breathtaking.

Lastly, Christ was present in the form of Wilfred, a man who guided us out of Marienfield, and whose kindness was awe-inspiring. During our trip out to the vigil we passed through three quiet towns who greeted us joyfully. However, on the return trip these quaint towns were overwhelmed by the volume of pilgrims returning home all at once. One by one these towns were shut down because the transportation systems could not handle the numbers. Out of the blue, Wilfred showed up, and led us through the fields, woods and nature trails around each of these little towns… going 6 kilometers out of his way to lead us to our buses. Other groups were stuck for up to 8 hours, but because of the generosity of this one man, our group was able to continue on.