Wednesday was Vocation Day, where we all got to meet some wonderful people and learn more about our professions in Germany.
In the evening we joined some Rotatian friends for dinner in the city, followed by drinks and conversation at the home of Dagmar Gaßdorf.
On Thursday we had a guided tour of the Zollverein coal mine complex at Essen. This Unesco World Heritage Site was very interesting. We had lunch at the Kokerei cafe and then visited the fantastic Red Dot design museum.
Afterwards we had a great BBQ at the home of Stephan and Sybille Vocke. The famous TV personality Sybille prepared a wonderful Currywurst for us, and Jess Jessie Wolf and Karina helped wash it down with some more grappa!!
On Friday we visited Villa Hügel, the former home of the Krupp family. What an amazing history and beautiful surrounds.
After lunch we had a guided tour of the Aalto-Theatre (opera house) in Essen. Another beautiful building where we all felt inspired to sing, dance, make costumes and sew wigs!
We finished our week with a farewell dinner hosted by our friends from RC Essen-Centennial. The restaurant had a great view over the lake and city.