Wednesday, July 17th: I type this right now from the Schlosshotel Boitzenburg, about 90 minutes, but a world away, from Berlin. We have not had internet access the past two days, and we have been staying in a beautiful countryside castle that has been around since the 1700s. We left Berlin early Monday morning to come to this region and learn about various peace movements and continued attempts for sustainablity that have become a collective part of German culture since reunification.
Going back to Monday, we first took a two-hour bus ride to Zempow to visit the Peace Barn Association and its opposition to what is known as the Bombodrom. During the Soviet era, this region was used for testing bombs and for intense military training, and after the collapse of the Soviet Union and German reunification, the new democratic German government wanted to continue to use this region for military training, the testing of armaments, and joint training among German, EU, NATO, and US forces. Collectively, through civil disobedience, peaceful protests, and actions by the Reichstag, area residents have been able to stave off military testing and the efforts by area residents can now be seen as a model for how to peacefully resist military testing and training.
After visiting the Peace Barn Association, we took a horse carriage ride through a section of this region that used to be used for military training and still has live munitions that ultimately need to be removed. The area is in the process of being cleaned up and also converted to land for sheep grazing, crop growth, and hunting. We finished off by having dinner at the castle (which I must say is now used for a youth hostel) and then it was off to bed.
Yesterday, we spent the majority of the day in Prenzlau, starting off with a tour of the Schlosshotel Castle in Boitzenburg and then taking a 40-minute bus ride to Prenzlau. We spent about 3.5 hours at the Incentive Association EcoStation, learning about their attempts at sustainable education and development and seeing a great deal of farm animals and organically grown plants.
Finally, we finished yesterday with a home visit to a youth center where we had the privilege of meeting with someone who runs the Lutheran youth center and who also experienced life under the East German Stasi (or secret police). Because this man grew up in the countryside, he said he did not have to fear the Stasi as much as people living in the bigger cities. However, he did say that every village had at least one Stasi member living amongst them and people had to be careful as to what they said. It was seemingly very Orwellian and difficult for me as an American to understand or relate to, especially because I am so vocal with my opinions and self-expression. It also shows how far Germany has come, even within the past 20 years and it is clear that Germans really appreciate their own liberties and democratization of this country.
One last random note...This part of the country was so incredibly beautiful and the air was really fresh. I ran both mornings that I woke up here and last night I swam in a freshwater lake that was WONDERFUL:)!
Today, we start off with a visit to Ravensbruck, a concentration camp set up mainly for women, located in this region. We then return to Berlin, where we will spend our final three nights.
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