September 16, 2000
How has Germany changed since you were there as a
boy?
Stephanie from Valley Elementary
Hi Stephanie!
Nice to hear from you! This question is a tough one,
but I’ll see what I can do.
Back in the 1950’s and 1960’s, Germany was still healing its deep wounds
from World War II. New generations of young people have helped this
country move ahead with an economy that is fairly stable and competes in
the world market.
There have been many technological advances since I was here as a
young lad, and they can sometimes be seen in the most unusual places! In
a
small town at the end of the Kiel Canal, for instance, several members
of the
crew went to a local restaurant where we discovered toilets that clean
themselves!! The entire seat revolves under a cleaning device that
emerges from the base of the tank. As it turns, it’s wiped down! I’m
sure
these are available everywhere, but this was just a small town.
Another change occurred when the Berlin Wall was dismantled, and East
and West Germany were joined once and for all. This brought thousands
of East Germans into the country looking for employment in regions that
were already filled with immigrants from several other countries. To
this day, there are cities with huge unemployment rates. Germany is a
strong country though, and will see this through.
Well, Stephanie, this wasn't a complete answer, but I hope it's enough
of a start to interest you in pursuing the matter farther on your own!
Your Teacher Aboard,
Lee Vogtman
