Train day today, as we took around 12 hours of trains and stops to cross from the extreme southeast corner of Germany to the northwest section, the Ruhr. Got into Ludinghausen, in Munster, after being picked up by our host, Wolfgang, at the train station in Haltern. When we arrived at his home, we were happy to finally get to meet the rest of his family: Dorothea, his wife; Julia, his daughter; Julia, his stepdaughter (no, not a typo, both are named Julia!). Bjorn, who was my family's exchange student in the 2003-04 school year, is pursuing studies in Asia with his girlfriend, so unfortunately, we were unable to see him this trip. To him, we send a hearty 'Guten tag!'

Had an excellent meal with them and some even better conversation before going to bed. Happy to be in Ludinghausen!