vailian

 
This tree is marked on our map, it is one of the oldest oaks in Germany. There are no signs pointing to it, and to get to it you have to drive about 30 miles from here and walk through the fields and past the sewage plant, and when you get there are are no markings or souvenir stands, just a grassy clearing and some stones to sit on.
But it has an unbelievably strong aura, a majesty and calm. We found ourselves just sitting in silence, thinking about history and life. I was there with the Ossie and our Berlin friends... I didn't do any tree-hugging, but believe me the urge-- against all my better judgement and principles-- was very strong. (The others couldn't resist)