Today I had a relaxing last day in Wentorf hanging around at my host family’s house, sharing meals with them, and preparing to leave.

In the evening, we all met up at Wentorf’s Maibaum celebration. Because May begins tomorrow, the Maibaum (or May tree) celebration is supposed to celebrate the arrival of spring. The weather did not fully cooperate with our calendar and provide us with spring weather, but it was cool to see a small town Maibaum celebration nonetheless. We got currywurst and beer and witnessed the festivities. I think the celebration was hosted by the Wentorf fire department because the people cooking the food and playing in the band all had Feuerwehr t-shirts or uniforms on.

This is the Wentorf mayor securing himself into the cherry picker of the fire engine.

In this picture, the mayor is securing ribbons onto the wreath at the top of the maypole.

Here is what the completed maypole looked like. I think the symbols on the pole are related to key professions and are similar to the figures on the Rathaus or the symbols hanging from the ceiling of my host brother’s classroom at the Waldorfschule.

This was the band who played throughout the celebration.

This was a calm and dear way to end my time in Germany. I hope that spring actually does arrive soon! I will carry my experiences from this month “in my mind and in my heart" (phrase stolen from Gerd), and I am grateful for everyone who helped make my time here special. I fly out in the morning, so bis später, Hamburg!