Our morning began with rehearsals in the KRG gymnasium where the Wind Ensemble and small groups will perform a joint concert on Thursday evening. Students settled in with their host families, weathered jet lag and sounded fantastic as they played for their German student hosts. A walking tour of Neustadt, complete with official welcome by the mayor's office (including the much-anticipated "bretzel") oriented us to our beautiful surroundings. Guided tours included the history of the town and many plan to return to the town center to explore narrow, cobblestone streets with half-timbered houses and bakeries at every corner! The sun is shining, almond trees are blooming and flowers adorn doorways and window boxes.
Our afternoon was spent in Heidelberg, an old university town with requisite castle and river views. Ice cream was the popular snack as we strolled the main pedestrian street and market square. All are beginning to appreciate the rich history and stunning beauty of this region of Germany.
