Halloween, A Ghostly Evening

Tis the season for a spooky thought or two. Pictured at the right is Prague's Jewish cemetery. Reports have it that because of crowding up to ten people were buried on top of each other. (I don't know if shorter or taller goblins were on the bottom.)



Rattlesdorf, where we live, has a beautiful cemetery. Germans are well known for their love of flowers and plants, both inside and outside their homes. The well cared for gravesites are amazing. 90% were not simply headstones with a geranium pot, but artfully designed lanscapes.
















R.I.P. (Rest In Peace) is well done.

A King and His Castle

Ludwig's Gorgeous View

On a much lighter note Sunday scheduling was to tour Neuschwanstein Castle,it was the inspiration for Disney's Cinderella castle. Ludwig II of Bavaria, known as the dream king, basically isolated himself in the mountains, ordering construction of the huge structure. He also commissioned Robert Wagner to write operas. The castle included a concert hall where Ludwig would have the music performed for him. (and him alone)

The Alpine region of Germany and Austria is beautiful. As we drove home we just had to stop in this valley and enjoy a Sunday walk. Many Germans spend their afternoon outdoors not at the store. Other than restaurants and gas stations stores remain closed. Yes, even the grocery has its lights off!

Dachau

"Work Will Make You Free "
reads the entry gate
to Dachau

Sometimes it is amazing the hardship man inflicts upon man--the memorial site at Dachau concentration camp was gripping. It opened in 1933, a few weeks after Hilter had been appointed Reich Chancellor, and continued functioning until American troops liberated survivors in 1945.
Our visit made us both more aware of the catastrophic crimes that were committed. Torture and fear were everywhere in Germany. Exhibits displaying photos and newspaper articles showed well the effective propaganda campaign that was launched.

It's A Good Thing!

As we pass cafes in many European communities, establishments are well prepared to have their outside seating remain utilized until snowflakes fall. In addition to propane heaters, colorful blankets are placed on chairs for people to use. So wrap that scarf around your neck, find the sunglasses and soak up rays before it really is too late ! Cappuccino, hot chocolate, or steaming tea a must!!

Rothenburg - A Bavarian Favorite

Saturday, October 18, we traveled two hours to Rothenburg, one of Germany's walled cities, well known for setting, architecture and enchanting shops. Bavarian citizens work hard to protect the beauty of their land. It is stunning and well kept - rolling hills and valleys stretch as far as the eye can see. This was the perfect opportunity for me to start Christmas shopping.

Reserved ( For Sunsets)

We were warned to be careful in restaurants, especially small ones not to take a local's favorite table or bar stool. No one said anything about country benches however. It was such a beautiful autumn evening, a little bit brisk, but one to enjoy. After finding coats and gloves we walked about 3 km before we approached a well placed bench, perched over the valley, a perfect spot to watch the day end!
Behind us, quickly peddling up the slope, was a German gentleman about 70 or so, language

barrier in place, he hopped off his bike (friendly), waving his arms and then pointing to a cushion he had brought along to sit on the bench with. Promptly sat down, manage to state, "every sunset me!"
He made his point-"I look forward to relaxing here and please remember that! As we looked back his face was filled with peace and contentment. How great!

Danger of Not Knowing German

This one is short but so me!
Tonight I ordered from the menu by pointing at a single dish.
Brie cheese, cranberries, whipped cream on lettuce and toast.
Combined with Katie's brats and kraut made for a good supper.
Oh yes, The beer was tremendous!!!
Tom

"Not Many Americans Come Here"

Wednesday night after Tom arrived home from the base he took a little nap and we went out for supper. Gabby, Paul's daughter, had given Tom a detailed area tour. She pointed out good/bad restaurants, medical office, pharmacy, post office etc.
Ebing (1 km away) has a tasty spot to eat according to Gabby. She was right. Bratwurst a major, major portion of menus in Germany dominated again. The establishment was busy, we felt fortunate to snag the last table near the bartender. Groups of gentlemen played cards while others visited and ate.

We ordered a beer (it's only polite to do that here) and chatted with the bartender, who knew a bit of English. It is required in German schools now, so people under 30 are the best to ask questions of. She was welcoming; concerned we were satisfied with everything and said, "Not many Americans come here, but you are welcome to come again." then filled us in on their Sunday buffet and told us how to make reservations for it.

Living the everyday brings as much satisfaction as seeing the sites of our world on weekends. And yes, small villages do have a quick grapevine. Two weeks ago, after living in Rattlesdorf for three days we dined out - as we paid and started to tell the waitress our story and who we lived with , she said, "I know!'

Off to Prague

After living in New Prague for about 25 years we felt it was appropriate to visit Prague and find out what inspired our Minnesota community. The City of Prague has a population of about 1 million people.
Historical areas of metro Prague possess amazing beauty and architecture. City squares are graced with cathedrals, museums and hotels. We attended an old style Latin Sunday Mass where Monsignor faced the altar instead of congregation. All of this service was chanted and very prayerful.


Connecting Old Town and Castle areas of the city is the landmark St. Charles Bridge. It's beautiful to look at the river from and people watch as tourists stroll by.


Pilsner Urquill is a very popular beverage, made in Plzen about an hour away. It's clear, golden and has a strong flavor of hops. Other than beer, Czech pastries and dumplings weren't bad either.


Journeying home we visited Karlovy Vary, a community well known for its beautiful resorts, glassware and china. Countryside, as we continued was sprinkled with villages, large fields and trees in full color.

October Sweepstakes Question

The past two days when we've been in Prague the name FRANZ KAFKA has surfaced several times. Who is this guy? I pondered that question at his namesake cafe in the old Jewish quarter. I was told he sat in this spot and wrote. A museum in the Mala Strana neighborhood features his life and works.

Your assignment-in 50 to 150 words explain why Mr. Franz is so well known. (educate us!)

Entries must be submitted to tomrohs@gmail.com. Deadline is 10/25/2008. Winner will receive a prize from Switzerland mailed to your doorstep.

Good Luck!

Simply more Octoberfest Photos

We found both the variety of tent decoration and personality of each tent interesting to observe. Remember that clicking on the photo allows you to see it larger.
Tom

Oktoberfest-Munich's Really Really Big Bash

October 5, the last day of the festival, we trained down to Munich. Beer, eats, bands, carnival rides and people from around the world were everywhere. Many German folks wore ethnic dress to the event and were as proud as could be of their outfits.

Fourteen tents, sponsored by local breweries, are the backbone of the project. Each featured their beer, a band and menu of gourmet goodies.

There was one small item I would change about the event- the pretzel recipe! Vendors were selling the artful, cardboard tasting things at 5E .(huge , yet disappointing) I am contacting Martha Stewart so she can either improve the recipe or turn the pretzels into a craft - maybe a necklace, holiday treetopper or doorstop like fruitcake etc. This needs to be dealt with by next year!



Below is a picture of the only beer merry-go-round we've ever seen!
Also, Katie in front of Beer Wagon.
(Remember, click on photo to enlarge)

Our German Home Sweet Home

The apartment we had planned on living in located in Bamberg was charming on the outside but was damp and not well cared for in the inside.(I'm being polite about that) After reflecting on the importance of a welcoming living space we created Plan B (punted).

The countryside in Germany is relaxing, beautiful, full of bike and walking paths, and has many small villages. Fortunately we found Paul and Luddy's upstairs to rent in Rattlesdorf 10 miles north of Bamburg. It has just enough room for us with quaint style. (it looks a lot like Goggins cabin, with beer in the frig)

Paul has two sisters who live in the U.S. (L.A. and Brooklyn, they married soldiers) Paul visited them once and will not make the six day drive from coast to coast again. "Enough of that, it was too far!" he said.

Daughter Gabby and son-in-law Ooly round out the gang.(maybe we will be like Everybody Loves Raymond!) They have been most welcoming. Last Saturday they treated us to one of their favorite dining spots, which did a great job of brewing their own beer and cooking up German fare. The wine country of Germany(Wurzburg) is near but our hosts have no interest in it. Good beer is all that's needed to be happy they tell us!

They don't speak English and we don't speak German so it is quite entertaining when we try to talk to each other. Lots of hand motions and use of German/English dictionaries trying to figure out what the other person means. We all smile at each other and laugh so as Luddy says "It's gut!"

(Editor's note:(Tom) Double click on photos to make them larger.)

Off to Swiss Festivals

The last weekend of September we visited Mark and Alli who are living in Lausanne, Switzerland located on the banks of Lake Geneva. We got on the road early Saturday morning, motoring past sweeping mountains and valleys on our way to Charmey for their autumn festival. The village of 1,500 people brings their cows down from the mountains, marching the animals down Main Street decked out with decorative bells and headpieces. A few goats, herding dogs and darling kittens also got in on the action.

Besides a parade of course there was food and drink. LeGruyere cheeses and fondue were showcased at festival stands. "LaFondue Suisse" is the country's national dish! I have the official recipe and menu suggestions for a fondue gathering. If you would like the recipe, simply request, and I will send it.

Since 1819 Cailler has been known for its chocolate, using only fresh Swiss milk from the Alps!(not milk powder) The company is generous - a visitor tour allows one to see, smell and feel the beans but most importantly also taste the various recipes for FREE!!! After the chocolate police note you've had about six samples they sternly look straight at you. Fully primed you now enter a Collier boutique of goodies!

The day concluded when we attended the most amazing parade filled with a band, balloon scarecrows and fireworks in Morges. A theater group creatively produce the event. ( Tom's camera ran out of battery so if you're interested in photos check Mark's blog: www.awellkeptman.blogspot.com

September's Grand Prize Winner

For those of you who keep up with us on a regular basis you know about our contests. Two were sponsored last month; "Name that Blog" and "What Is (Isn't) Stocked at the PX on Base?"

Mark Seeber , a 10th Avenue neighbor of ours won both contests. He creatively named our blog "Germany? I Thought He Said New Germany!" and was the first ( by the way, not only) entrant in the PX survey.


We personally delivered his prize to Switzerland. Three six packs of brew - including Munich's Lowenbrau and the economical Bitburger from the PX.

I understand to keep blog interest there has to be something in it for you! October's contest winner will receive a gift from Switzerland. Stay Tuned!

Katie

Please view Mark's Blog

Please view Mark's Blog for great photos and story of our last weekend. We currently have limited publishing ability and even when we do will not attempt to compete with Mark.

http://www.awellkeptman.blogspot.com

Look at "Beware...Warning Balloon Creatures" Really was a great time!!!
and also look at Desalpe - Charmae... Very Mooving

Again, great photos and one of us!

Tom and Katie

The Other Woman

In her sultry, commanding, breathy voice "Claudia" directs us on the autobahn or curvy, confusing country roads. She is our fearless "Navigon" created and engineered to get us to Point B without domestic incidents.

If Tom is racing down the road over the speed limit, she tells him, "beware!" When we need to turn, she informs us, "bare left in 2.5 km and then follow the road for 26 km. It all is just a matter of following the yellow brick road. If accidentally one followed the curved yellow arches to a McCafe, Claudia states,"make a u turn in 300 meters and return to ...

We don't know Claudia other than by her German voice. In my mind I see her as about 5'9", dark long hair, wearing a trench coat, big sunglasses and a scarf wrapped around her neck. Lurking by roadsides she saves marriages from ruin.