We started our day bright and early today for our company visit at Hoerbiger. This is a company that manufactures specific parts in various industries such as the automobile industry and the medical industry. The visit began with the CEO introducing himself to our group, and it was followed with two tours. The first tour was of their chip plant where they produced specialized chips for various electronics. The second tour was of their gear plant. They produced specific gears that are used in transmission boxes so that they last for a long time.

After the company visit was over, we got back on the bus for our second destination of the day: Oberammergau. Here we got on a gondola lift up the Alps and got some awesome pictures from the top of the mountains. On the ride up the mountain, the gondola lift stopped about half way up. It was a bit unnerving to be suspended in air for five minutes, but thankfully the ride continued and safely got us to the top.

After taking countless photos from the top of the mountain, we spent about two hours in the town of Oberammergau. Here we did some shopping and ate dinner. I bought a handkerchief with Edelweiss on it, a traditional Bavarian flower and for dinner I had bratwurst with sauerkraut and mustard. Something surprising I found was that the sauerkraut that I had with my meal was much less sour than the kind served back home. I typically do not like sauerkraut, but I really enjoyed it with my meal.

The town of Oberammergau was really oriented to tourists which made shopping for souvenirs easy. On the other hand, I think that I enjoy Augsburg more because it isn’t oriented towards tourists. Going to the shops and restaurants here feel more authentic and what actual Germans will visit. That being said, I am still looking forward to Munich tomorrow, even if it is also a popular tourist destination because of how big it is.

Servus!

Nate Ginck