Berlin's Popstar, Angela Merkel

Friday was our big day at the Bundestag, arriving at 7am, along with almost 300 high schoolers in a similar program. We got to watch congress in action, with people shouting back to the speaker and talking to other people and not paying attention. It was more exciting to watch what the congressmen were doing until Angela Merkel came in. Seeing the Chancellor from afar was awesome, and we all watched her every move, from person to person talking the talk.

After the session was over, several of the congressmen came up to a large room to talk to us and answer questions, such as what is happening with the US dollar and Euro. All in German and interestingly entertaining.

Then off to the Bundeskanzleramt, basically their White House, where we were told we would have a photo taken with Merkel. All 360 of us stood on stairs, waiting along with 7 video cameras and several photographers. When she came in, everyone went nuts, putting a standin ovation to shame. She went right next to where I was for the photo, about 6 feet away. Nuts. So close. Then she said a few words, ended with wishing us the best and saying "bye bye" in her cute German accent. Next up was the US Ambassador Timken, who talked all in English as he knew no German. After the big shots left, we had a buffet and were able to wander around the grounds. Quite an entertaining time there, enjoying a gala at the German white house, all dressed up and looking spiffy.

Waiting to see Merkel with the camera crew behind me

Becky and I feeling the excitement

Here she comes!

The one and only, Merkelnator

Giving a short speech about our year in Germany

Vice-president of the Bundestag talking to us

PPPlers in Berlin!

Donta and I about to meet Angela Merkel