Keep Looking Over Your Shoulder

When in Italy caution is needed for several reasons.

You are left alone at the inn-"La Rocchetta". After being given a key at check in, the continental breakfast put out, Innkeeper Marco was gone. No other guests, no staff for two nights. This would be great if we were 25 years younger, had friends near and a keg of beer. But in a foreign country when you know about six words of the spoken language it was odd. Friday night about 1:00 a.m. for excitement two police cars stopped and were questioning someone outside our front door.


Marco reappeared Saturday morning as friendly as could be. He explained that other guests had not come because of cold weather, but tonight we would not be alone. His daughter (the family does not live at the inn) would be hosting a birthday party for 20 friends in the inn's breakfast
room, on the same level as our bedroom. He had told her no screaming and hoped we didn't mind.


Since this was our last night in Italy we went out for pasta. As we walked home, the evening rain picked up, so we ducked into another restaurant for a drink. The first person we see is Marco; he, his wife and friends are enjoying drinks as the party is on at the inn.

***
Your money, Italians want it! Apparently they don't realize you can read numbers and add. Starting at the toll both on the autostrada, toll guy kept an extra euro. Three different restaurants over billed us, two of them we called on it. (one bill was increased by 30%) Each business had a mob cousin at the front being important, but basically doing nothing. All used a bit much hair gel and one dude had a gun in the middle of his navy sweater. (Sorry, no photo of creepy guy.)

***




Run for your life! That's what you need to do before a motorized vehicle hits you. It doesn't matter if you're on the sidewalk, city hall plaza, in front of church or at a crosswalk, Italians put it in gear and floor it down their narrow streets. Look left, look right, look over your shoulder and they still may hit you straight on!!!!

Dear Uncle Calvin

"Wishing you a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year. Hope you are well! "

Love,
Katie

Christmas cards are that annual greeting we like to receive, but are time consuming to put together. (with love of course)

This year I had planned to send a beautiful, unique German designed card. After searching many stores, in several towns and the internet my conclusion was this - 1. boxed cards like those sold in the U.S. are not available here 2. single cards are pricey (3 to 4E) 3. if a holiday greeting is sent, often it is a postcard and 4. Germans don't usually send many Christmas cards

So our card this year is an American Hallmark design, purchased on an American Army Base in Germany, stamped in Austria, addressed and signed in Italy. Also included is a brief, cheerful form letter (sorry!) and a photo collage of smiling faces.

Happy Thanksgiving (Pumpkin Pie Included)

We woke up at the Golden Alder Hotel located in Innsbruck, Austria this morning. After pulling curtains back a most beautiful view was at hand, breathtaking Alps surrounded us. Bright, blue sky and crisp air accented mountain magic. Morning brunch was bountiful, like Thanksgiving should be, so we overate and then wandered
around cobblestone streets.





Christmas markets were set up already selling decorations, toys and most importantly Gluhwein. Wednesday night after arriving, we stood under a heater (and the stars) sipping a steaming mug of wine. Tyrolean culture folklore dominated themed booths.






By noon we were driving over the Brenner Pass en route to Italy. LeCrumb Cafe had stocked pumpkin pie , so we devoured it out of its tin, without whipped cream, as an afternoon snack. Very thankfully we celebrated the holiday in style. (what kind of style I'm not sure)

Pumpkin pasta at "Alla Borsa" in Valleggio sul Mincio, Italy completed our Thanksgiving feasting.

PS. We hope you all enjoyed watching the Macy's Parade today!
(Tom takes the photos, Who writes this stuff??)

Countryside Beauty

Fifteen miles north of Rattlesdorf are two rare jewels featuring Baroque architecture. Banz Abbey founded by Benedictines was set on a hilltop in 1069. Today it still brews some pretty good beer, offers cafe dining and has fantastic walks around it.






Vierzehnheiligen two miles away is a pilgrimage church for many people. A shepherd is said to have seen 14 saints at this site. It is absolutely beautiful inside and outside. Well worth a trip to see!

My BIrthday Report - No Cake or Candles

Well yesterday, November 22, was my birthday. Tom didn't whip up a cake but it was a good day! He had
flowers for me and a DVD of the complete seventh season of "Everybody Loves Raymond".

As usual on weekends we hopped in our auto to see the sites. We stayed close, within 30 miles, finding some great scenery and stopped for lunch. My choice of course, I needed a taste of America, McCafe! European McDonald's are nicer and more expensive than the U.S. A Big Mac, large fries (its was my special day) and a mocha for dessert were really rather tasty.

In the evening Tom had invited Paul, Luddy, Gabby and Ullie (our landlords) to go out for dinner with us. They surprised me with a champagne toast and poinsetta. Really nice folks to celebrate with.

Beauty of the Bavarian Forest

Our Sunday Morning Walk
Nature At Its Best

On The Road Again

This weekend's pick for adventure was Passau, a small German city that shares the border with Austria. It is known for several reasons; location(at the confluence of three rivers-Danube, Inn and Ilz), a spectacular old town area,museums and cathedrals.

The world's largest church organ (17,300 pipes) is located in St.Stephen's Cathedral. A local organmeister skillfully delivered a concert of dramatic classical selections. I wanted to request he play Phantom of the Opera as an encore. Noon concerts are common on Saturdays in Germany.

Two hot tips for frugal travelers.(these are different than eat in your car and don't forget napkins) 1. Be sure to read local posters to know what's going on and cost.(maybe free) 2. If the museum you're in doesn't interest you much, check out the view as I did. Boat watching on the Danube was much better!

This region of the Bavarian and Bohemian forests is famous for glassmaking. Dating back to the 14th century artists have been crafting pieces. One hundred plus workshops are scattered in Germany and Czech Republic.

Everyone Lives In Reality

Part II About Dirty Stuff (sock monster blog)

One of the luxury experiences of German life I do not look forward to is the base laundry mat. Paul and Luddy have a small washer/no dryer .(common here) Luddy has concerns about us not pushing the right button, so she offered to do our wash. (but no ironing, smart woman) Tom is shy about his briefs being hung up to dry for two days in the basement so....

Hence laundry is shoved in a bag to be cleaned in industrial sized machines. I'm sure the machines were cleaned by someone other than me at least once. $1.25 to wash and a quarter for 15 minutes of dry time. It's very important to check that the machine was not left on hot or you will be donating clothes for someone's Barbie dolls to wear.

Bring quarters, don't count on the change machine working, be there at 7:00 a.m. before unsupervised children arrive, take along something to read, soap, it's OK to take wash out of machines if its grown roots and don't be over conversational with others, it seems to bug them.
Fold wash quickly, remind self not to whine so much, this job is done for another week.

Of Course France Has Great Shopping

Until last weekend I had only purchased needed basics. However temptation was strong and I weak. Creative French displays lured me in. Do your part and boost the global economy, show you're American and be materialistic! (Note to self- enroll in the art of window shopping 101)

Now, so I can feel French in my apartment kitchen, lovely serving dishes and hens grace the room. Madeline, Cheri and Colette have become my imaginary flock of three. I'm not counting on fresh eggs but the hens do bring a smile.

Yearly, about a month before my birthday, Tom starts encouraging that maybe this purchase could be my present. He gets rather nervous at gift buying times. He knows I have no interest in jewels, furs, or perfumes.So what does a guy do?

I Think I Want To Be French!

Croissants, chocolate croissants and macaroons what more do you need? Oh! There is wine if you like too! The generous, friendly French sing, "Bon jour!" and insist you sample their warm cookies. "Merci! Merci! Ooh-la-la!" one responds.

When I die I want to go to France! Tom says, "The women are thin and men rugged!" (possibly a wine inspired comment) Creative, compassionate and free spirited they thrive in the countryside. (count me in!)

Speaking of the countryside it is stunning. No building sprawl eating up beauty, just gently winding roads and mountains to appreciate.

A short editorial comment - Germans are stern and don't greet often on the street ,unless they've run a criminal background check on you. The French put out a welcome mat. Moral of story - smile and believe in cookie magic! Sounds good to me!

Doing The Laundry

I admire the French for their directness. Both innkeepers and shopkeepers warn everyone not to leave anything in cars. Unfortunately (I don't know if it's the French or foreigners) thieves seem to be lurking, breaking into autos of unsuspecting tourists. This warning sign was pretty clever and to the point.

One of the quickest ways to make friends with locals is this; look for them circling parking lots, distinguishable by chic scarves or berets, start smiling with your parking pass held high waving it. They get the hint and zoom in, "Merci ! Merci!
Madame!" You've just saved them 3E. Passes are good for 24 hours and often after a few hours it's off to the next village for further adventure.






Europeans are more conscious of conserving water, energy etc. As we were leaving Bergheim Tuesday instead of it being wash day it was air out our bedding day. Window shutters wide open and bedding draped over flower boxes up and down the street.

They're Still Willing To Put Up With US

The 10th Avenue youngsters from across the street, Mark and Alli, met us this past weekend in the Alsace region of France. They drove three hours from Switzerland and we four hours from Germany to the land of croissants. Of course there was lunch, window shopping and people watching.

Sunday morning's schedule was "a big hike" up the mountain to castle ruins. Sweeping vineyard valleys and village rooftops dotted countryside landscape. CPR was not needed for any of us. It was one of those panoramic Grand Canyon wows!

Culinary Excellence

This publication has an equal photo opportunity clause in its mission statement, so not to slight Tom here he is!
The clinic had a potluck baby shower celebrating four little to-be bundles of joy. Mr. Congenial brought a chef salad with homemade dressing out of Martha's Quick Cook . He hasn't changed, still the pleaser.

Brown bread is a Bavarian favorite and our local bakery won an award in 2008 for their loaf. On Fridays in addition to baked goods, beautiful brown eggs can be purchased. The egg yolks are a bright orange and look gourmet when fried over easy.

What is a Giggle?

In an effort to keep monthly blog contests fun, November's question is:
"What is a GIGGLE?
A culinary giggle that is.

Shopping at a German grocery usually proves interesting for me - -
What is it? How much does it cost? What does it taste like? Where is it in the store? How do I cook it?

A couple of weeks ago I found "GIGGLES" at the market. So what is a GIGGLE? Do you put it on your cereal? Shake it on your eggs? Mix it into your meatloaf? Add it to cookie dough?

You tell me! Please submit all answers by November 22 to tomrohs@gmail.com.

This month's "can't live without it prize" will be from the country of France. (we're going there this weekend to find it)

P.S. October's prize of delicious Swiss chocolate went to Anne Butzer of 10th Avenue in Minneapolis. Congratulations and remember there is no reason for you to share such good stuff!

I Love Evening Walks!

Has a winner of the election been declared yet??? We went for a walk on election eve which was one of the most "normal" experiences we have had in some time. The evening is clear and we started out on some streets in town. A small group in a back yard started singing Amazing Grace accompanied by guitar. They were very good!

Walked past the meat market and bakery. Unusual that they are open in the evening, but each had a customer. (Tonight's walk of four miles took us past three bakeries not including the one in the grocery.)

Then as we walked toward home ten pumpkins were lit in a side yard. We had seen no others in all of Germany up until this moment. Americans had to be near.As we stood there admiring them an elderly woman came out and introduced herself as Analise. Pantomime and broken Eng-Germ ensued with her bringing her son-in--law out. He, being American, could speak English. His wife is a German gal who is a dental assistant. His father just shipped a 55 Chevy over for him to have. Good to talk with someone on the street.

Over the bridge and past the cemetery illuminated with numerous votive candles.

We then walked out into the country admiring the stars, quarter moon and Venus. Fog started to rise. Continuing on to Ebing, listened to church bells, read about St. Jakobus of Ebing and then on to the Plus Grocery store near home for ice cream. Remember we have to eat what we buy tonight as we have no freezer. Went well with raspberries and chocolate. I love Monday walks!

(Katie would like to let you know that Tom is writing his own blogs sometimes.)( And Tom would like you to know that Katie does the same sometimes.)

One Foggy Night

Gorlitz is a city of 50,000 residents balanced on the border of Germany and Poland. Mostly spared by World War II bombings, the town retained its cobblestone walks and architectural gems. Country reunification has presented challenges for both East and West Germans. The West feels heavily taxed to rebuild the East; while East feels forced to pay higher prices, has lost industrial jobs and some social services Communism offered. (child care was free for those employed)

Culturally East Germans have always placed a high value on the arts and it shows. We stumbled into a Cathedral concert complete with organ, orchestra, brass and choir. Much like westerners, easterners don't turn heat on any to soon either. Blankets and cushions were offered for your comfort. (just like at outdoor cafes.) For a minute we thought we were at a Minnesota football game, but no steaming hot beverages available.






Stepping out into evening fog, which had created a mysterious feel, we strolled across the main square, stopping at Brasserie for a meal and then returning to Hotel Bon Apart.










(Totally out of character for Tom and Katie) We sat at the hotel bar and laughed about writing our novel. The setting was all there for us--European culture, possible crime, history, fog, and an old renovated inn with interesting characters stopping by.

Could It Be the Polish Mob?

Saturday, Tom and I crossed the border into rural Poland. I don't believe in driving and taking photos at the same time (Germans can't drive and be on the cell phone) so at his insistence I began taking all the great pictures he was missing. I offered to drive but you know men!

"Just put the camera up and click, it's digital, it doesn't matter if it's not good!" "OK!"

Well ,we turned onto this winding, small road for farm shots and an old church. A mile in, all at once, we met about six cars going the other way. Pulling up to the church Tom said , "Just snap it!" So I did! Well I didn't get the church but weird stares from four people, three of whom are pictured above. Oops! We didn't really want to see a church--did a U turn--and headed out! Tom was a bit jumpy, "Why did you take their picture?" He said just snap it and I did! Interestingly enough we passed the same six cars then coming back to the church.

Could be the start to a suspense filled travel novel, don't you think? We watched our rear view
mirror until the border. The coast looked clear!

Germany Notes

As we drive down the road there are items we note that seem to only occur in Germany.
Keep in mind that this blog is also a diary, that each one of these listed items could take up a blog posting and that it will be easier for us to remember later if noted now. This may, therefore be a blog that raises more questions than it answers.

• 4-wheeled aircraft in left lane of autobahn
• Sunday hikes in the country
• Sunday strolls in city
• Flowers, flowers and more flowers
• Fog in the morning
• Fog in the evening
• Seattle climate
• Priority roads
• Blinds outside windows
• Small refrigerators
• No freezer
• No ice cubes
• Eat all ice cream purchased night purchased
  
• Music in the churches
• Magnificent churches
• CNN only
• "Do you have your ID?"
• How many user names and passwords are really necessary?
• Wash day
• No dryers
• Open windows twice daily
• Elderly on bikes with umbrellas
• Flash when driving - your ticket is in the mail
  
• Borrowed from Mark - wurst, this and that
• Shops closed Sunday
• Gas voucher
• Tidy - Noted difference at border
• East vs West German now united?
• Recycling American style
• Beer by the single bottle
• Windmills for electricity
• Cobblestone - no high heels
• Where to next weekend?
• Which beer tonight?
• Handy
• No flushing toilet after 10 pm
  

Tom

Cafe Le Crumb

A recently opened, international, mobile cafe is about to launch a pilot show on the Food Network. Based off the German concept of packing a little snack for the road, ( people have been seen drinking milk or orange juice out of the carton at roadside stops) Le Crumb's chef pulls out one of her shopping bags and tosses ingredients from the fridge and pantry into it -- then shakes twice, adding a little bit of salt and pepper or sugar and spice, whatever is needed.



Bon Appetit! Lunch for two! Or roadside snacks!



Beverages are cost prohibitive in Europe. A can of Coke is 2.5 Euros or $3. for 12 ounces. (I never charge Tom over one Euro) Restaurant beverages are also small, ice and tap water are only in your dreams. ( I think Europeans don't drink much because they try to avoid paying to use the WC (water closet/ toilet/ ladies or men's room, usually a half Euro or so.))

Le Crumb's specials this weekend included: animal crackers, pretzels, potato chips, fresh carrot sticks, turkey, ham, sandwiches- salami and cheese with mayo and lettuce, candy bars, brown bread (from the award winning bakery in Rattlesdorf) Coke and water. Napkins and little pickles were overlooked.

Next weekend Le Crumb will venture to eastern France and Luxembourg, maybe.

Before the weekend began it was felt we only needed to hire one hungry rodent to clean the car. After this trip it will take two or possibly three to do the job.



We Think It's Ugly Too!


1996 Saab 60,000 miles

Leather Interior, 5 Speed

Needs New Radio!!!