CGA ’53 Mini Reunion in Munich

 The “Bavarian Baroness” in Spain this suggestion did make
“Ve go to Munich next!” and that’s all it would take.

The planning was done by Romy, Beth and Bill
With Wee to oversee, support, and manage the till. 

We came from all over the U.S. of A.
For a reunion in Munich and 5 fun-packed days. 

We stayed in a small Bavarian town – Unterschleissheim by name
At the charming Alter Wirt Hotel where no room was the same.

The weather was cold, but the personalities were warm.
Semper Paratus needed this week to weather the storm.

Seven classmates together from the class of ‘53
How fondly they speak of time spent at the Academy. 

The official reunion began Monday with reception and dinner
The food and drink served was a clue this week we wouldn’t be getting thinner. 

For Tuesday’s walking tour of Munich, snow fell to the ground
From a church, to a market, to glockenspiel, our guide showed us all over town. 

Lunch at the Spatenhaus Restaurant with the Opera in view,
A hearty turkey meal with dessert - some drank the Spaten-Franziskaner-brew. 

The afternoon allowed for warmth and resting our feet
As we were bussed all around Munich’s important sights and streets. 

The evening was spent at the Hofbrauhaus dinner and show
We ate the wurst, drank the beer and are now in the Bavarian culture know. 

There was no complaint about Wednesday’s early rise
For the trip to Salzburg with Mozart and “Sound of Music” ties.

Our Austrian guide was full of information galore
As we walked around Salzburg for our morning tour.

A schnitzel lunch at St. Peter’s, Europe’s oldest restaurant by far
We ate in a private dining room, thanks to Romy, a reunion-planning star.

The “Sound of Music” tour in the afternoon was seen by bus
Seeing sights from the movie was interesting to many of us.

Dinner enroute to Munich at the Brauereigasthof Aying
A grilled plate and dessert for each the waitresses did bring.

Thursday to Nymphenburg Schloss was the morning plan for the day
The guide told the history as from room to room we made our way. 

Afternoon options included shopping, train confirmations and more
While six of us went to Dachau for a two and a half hour tour. 

Thursday evening’s dinner at the Alter Wirt for the final farewell
Some sentiments about CGA ’53, the wives were asked and did tell.

There was laughter and stories, tears, thank you’s and plans to meet again
Singing the class song and Alma Mater, one could see the pride in these CGA ’53 men. 

Friday a.m. brought goodbyes and trips to the airport or train.
Wouldn’t you know it the sun was out and not an inkling of rain? 

The spring reunion of CGA ’53 is now in the past
The photos bring fond memories that for a long time will last. 

Ein Prosit the Driggers, Madsons, Bruinsmas, Beth and Wee,
The Bascoms, Bud, and Olsons – no finer group I’m sure you’ll agree.

                                                                   -- Beth Smith