Munich, Germany (CNN)A man walks by and wipes a tear away from each
eye.
Who knows what's he been through or how many miles he is from home. He is a stranger in a new land, taking his first steps of a new life.
Hundreds of migrants and refugees -- like this man -- this week filled a train station here in Munich, hoping that this stop could be one of their last ones on their grueling journey from lives of war, violence, poverty and oppression.
CNN has been following thousands who arrived by boat in Greece, traveled on to Macedonia and Serbia, then moved on to Hungary. The southeastern German city of Munich was their latest stop, landing them in the heart of Europe and in a country with one of the world's strongest economies.
They are among thousands who have made such a voyage (and hundreds more who died along the way), producing Europe's largest migrant crisis since World War II. This rush of people has challenged countries throughout Europe, including more prosperous ones that are prime destinations for those in search of a better life.
Germany is a top choice, given its economic opportunity and inclusion in the EU.
While migrants are supposed to apply for asylum in the first EU country they land in, Germany appears to have relaxed its policy. These changes include letting some migrants apply for asylum even without documentation.
This policy has given people hope.
Many spent the last of their money just to get to get here. Others have put their lands in the hands of smugglers or Mother Nature or the perils of such an arduous trip, just to have a chance.
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