Domek letniskowy Gołdap

We finally reached Goldap, where our family came from. The town was quiet and peaceful, though it was invaded by the Russians in 44/45. That invasion led to about 2 million Germans and East Prussians fleeing East Prussia at the end of World War II. Sadly, around 200,000 died in the inhumane conditions of the flight. We saw our family's birthplace, but the farm where they grew up is now on the Russian side. On the way, after stopping at Wolfsschanzen, we drove through the Masurian lakes, past wide fields and meadows and along beautiful oak-lined avenues. East Prussia is known for its natural beauty, and its distinctive building style and houses are still used today. In several small towns, we saw many storks nesting on telephone poles.