Kim Harries
88850@udel.edu

The majority of my cultural heritage comes from Germany. On my father's side, my grandmother was born in and lived in Germany for her childhood. She could speak German, but I rarely heard her do it. My father's father was born in the United States, but also comes from a German background. On my mother's side, my grandmother was born in the United States, but has a German and Welsh background. My mother's father is completely German, but was also born in the United States. When I was about 10 years old I went to Germany with my family and my mother's parents. While we were in Germany we got to see the street named after my ancestors. The street was called Klepping Straussa. This means Klepping Street. My mother's maiden name is Kleppinger.

An interesting fact about my family is that my one Aunt lives in Alaska. When I tell people that they always ask if she lives in an igloo. That is not the case at all. I actually got to visit her once during the summer and it was hot enough to wear shorts. I think the most interesting thing about Alaska is that in the summer it is always light outside, and in the winter it is always dark. The children have to carry flashlights to school in the winter. Alaska was a beautiful place and I definitely recommend going there, but I don't recommend living there. My Aunt tells us how their temperatures are about 40 below zero throughout the eighth month winter!