Photo Gallery Bush in Stralsund
Bush and Merkel discuss current political issues at a press conference held in Stralsund's city hall.
Stralsund has been preparing intensively for Bush's visit, even vacuuming the city's historic market square.
The protests start before Bush's arrival: This Greenpeace poster hangs from a bridge in Stralsund.
Protestors, of course, could not be seen at the official welcoming. Bush greets Merkel with two kisses on the cheeks.
First Lady Laura Bush and Merkel's husband Joachim Sauer (right) are both present. This is the first time Sauer has appeared at an official function with his wife since she took office eight months ago.
After their arrival, Chancellor Merkel and President Bush greet handpicked residents of Stralsund ...
... who then present Bush with a local specialty: a barrel of herring. President Bush takes out an imaginary fish, prompting a smile from Merkel.
The chancellor and her guest wave to the audience gathered at Stralsund's historic market place.
... then both hold short welcoming speeches. Bush compliments his hosts about the weather.
Afterwards, the two leaders meet in the office of Stralsund's mayor to discuss politics.
And while the president is there, he signs the city's guest book along with his wife.
Thursday night's barbeque in the small town of Trinwillershagen will be the high point of Bush's visit. Noshing on this wild boar, Merkel and Bush want to deepen their personal relationship in a casual atmosphere. And Bush says he wants to learn more about life under communism in East Germany from the 50 invited guests.
