Darmstadt, Germany with teenager
Feb 20th, 2002, 04:24 PM
#1
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Darmstadt, Germany with teenager
My son has the oppurtunity to go to darmstadt, germany this summmer with a small group of teens for a few weeks. I have tried to research the area but have not come up with a lot of info. It seems like a beautiful area, but some of the parents are concerned about the general idea of travelling especially since some of the terrorist groups did much of their planning in Germany. I KNOW that things can happen ANYWHERE at ANYTIME, but with the continued evidence of planning and attempts, now in Rome, if anyone can tell me more about the area, I would appreciate it. I have read all of the pros/cons of travel at this time and am thrilled that my son wants to go and that he will have this chance. It would just be helpful and reassurring to have more info. Thank you in advance for trying to calm some anxious parents.
Feb 21st, 2002, 03:22 AM
#3
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Darmstadt is close to Frankfurt, which is a great city to visit (Museums, flea-markets, etc). Darmstadt itself has some fine Art Nouveau buildings, but my impression is that it is a mainly industrial and residential town. <BR><BR>As far as safety goes, I'm afraid that has to be up to the parents - is it an organised trip with adult supervision, visiting a school or college, with organised activities, or will the "group of teens" be left to their own devices? I'd be much less happy about the 2nd option. Has your son been away on his own before? How old is he? "Teen" covers 13 to 19 - there is a lot of difference between these!<BR>Will he (and his friends) be able to cope responsibly with alcohol being available to over-18s day and night (legally!)? I think that the risk of terrorism would be far down the list of potential dangers (which are no greater in Germany than in the US, in my opinion). Kids gain a great deal from going abroad, but its really up to you to decide whether the level of supervision on this trip is right for your son.
Feb 21st, 2002, 10:18 AM
#5
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Pat,<BR>Notable safety related news from Darmstadt involved American youths throwing a rock from the overpass killing passengers below about two years ago.<BR><BR>It is not a main tourist city, industry and residential mostly. It is close enough to do day visits to Rhine river medieval towns as well as to Heidelberg. There is a ruin of Burg Frankenstein on a mountain near the city.
