A long time ago, way back in the long ages some people lived in Germany who looked a little different than we do. They were called "Neanderthals." The had big foreheads and thick arms and legs. They were very, very strong and could lift things that were almost as big as a car!

Not so long ago some men were working in the dirt along the River Dussel. They were very surprised to find some bones in the dirt. Scientists studied the bones and decided they were from a Neanderthal. Scientists started digging up that part of Germany, and guess what? They found more bones. They decided that the bones were more Neanderthal bones.

As scientists often do, when they made this amazing discovery they built a museum so everybody could learn about their discovery.

I went to the museum with John and Barb. We walked along the River Dussel and saw where the bones were found. The river is little right there--you could almost jump across it. But it is thick with vegetation. There is so much rain in that part of Germany it is almost like a German rain forest! The bridge across the river is green with moss.

In front of the museum is a statue of a Neanderthal. I want you to know what they looked like, so here is a photo of me sitting on a Neanderthal's shoulder. Don't you think he was big? I bet he protected his wife and children like a ferocious lion!

I'm glad I live now--otherwise I might have been dinner for a Neanderthal family!

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