Hitlerland - American Eyewitnesses to the Nazi Rise to Power, by former Newsweek staffer Andrew Nagorski, is an insight on 'interwar' life in Germany, from the view point of American journalists and socialites who lived there. Many were initially impressed when the Nazis took over.

It began over 250 years ago as trees planted to help travelers find their way, Germany's Avenues Route, the tree lined Deutsche Alleenstrasse. A journey through nature and history down shaded tunnels formed by ancient trees, witnesses to travelers from oxen carts to the present day.

Known as Elderflower Cordial in Europe and Elderflower Syrup in the US, it is fragrant, refreshing, easy to make and comes from the elder shrub found in the wild almost everywhere. And in Germany it is used for everything from a topping for ice cream to a 'cure' for arthritis.

There is a Fairy Tale Road in Germany, which, as it follows in the footsteps of the Brothers Grimm, leads to a castle filled world of fantasy, sagas, myths and legends, through forests, beautiful countryside and medieval villages.

In many regions of Germany May 1st, May Day, really is 'Tanz in den Mai', Dancing into May. Beginning the night before with Walpurgisnacht, when witches were believed to come out of hiding to join in the festivities, and continuing with traditions around the Maypole on the day itself.

Sweet Woodruff is the scent of Spring, and added to White Wine it becomes May Punch, Maibowle, a popular May time drink in Germany, joining May Day and all the other traditional festivities and customs. Its season is brief but perfect for those first warm spring evenings.

Strammer Max has been one of Germany's most popular 'anytime' meals for generations. Delicious and simple to put together it's an open faced sandwich combination with regional variations, here are the recipes and all of them are worth trying.

The first day at school is a milestone in the lives of German first graders. Whenever possible parents and grandparents escort the new pupil to school where, after welcoming speeches and songs, photos taken for posterity and with a Schultuete held tightly, it's time for school life to begin.

Asparagus with Orange and Lime Hollandaise Sauce and Schwabian Asparagus Soup with Pancake. Two delicious German recipes for Spargelzeit, Germany's White Asparagus Season.

One of Israel's Righteous Among the Nations and recipient of Lev-Kopelev Prize for Peace and Justice, Berthold Beitz is a German Industrialist who saved the lives of hundreds of Jewish adults and children during the Holocaust, and was a main contributor in the rebuilding of Germany's reputation.