Uncle Bob's Legacy

Bob's Journey to Europe

(As told by Robert McGill through his June - August 1938 Diary.)

Landing In Germany

Friday, July 8, 1938

We landed at Bremen H. I rode on train to Bremen and spent a few hours walking around seeing the city. We left Bremen at 12:40 (4 Berlin time).

I had a lot of fun ordering our first meal, we all ate sausage and potatoes and coffee (plenty good) $1.25. About 25 cents - Train ride to Berlin was quite boring. We were all tired when we arrived in Berlin. We had a lot of fun learning German and know several words now.

The people are very courteous and kind. Women don't wear make up. Soldiers are found every where. Many colored uniforms. Especially sailors.

Saturday, July 9, 1938

In Berlin we went first to American Express for mail and address for Hotels. P.B. Gentry had a letter. We walked around for 3 or 4 hours then went to Hotel and slept.

We got up at 5:30 o'clock and went to Dinner. We really had a tussle getting food. We are going tonight to see some of the night spots if we can find them.

I can spend 10 Marks per day (so far I am 12 marks behind). Everybody stares at us. It must be our clothes --- We walked about 10 miles. Stopped at a side walk and drank Rhine Wine 50 pg.

Sunday, July 10, 1938

Today proved to be the most interesting day of all. We went through Kaiser's Palace which proved of interest, also saw City Hall, Main Post Office, City Hall, War memorial, Armory, etc.

Went through private home of the Kaiser. Very interesting. At night we went to the Kaller and ate. Talked to a Brown Shirt (Hitler youth). Very radical - he hated Germany very much because of supression, etc. Then we went to Tarz. heard white heat and telephone racket.

On the train we met a man who spoke 8 languages. A 2nd Lt. in army on our way to Prag - Hope its fun etc.