Market Experience

European Markets are a joy to browse.
(remember you can "click" on the photo to enlarge it)

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Set up in the small villages they bring products to the shopper
instead of the shopper driving to the mall.
Offering a range from

Meat












to Nuts

Chickens Dead or Alive

The markets offer an experience to purchase clothes, shoes, tools, kitchen gadgets .

Trucks themselves are amazing in design.

Even in the cold

It makes a pleasant way to spend the day.

Classical Music -NO SLANG

Germany very much values classical music. Since arriving our favorite radio station in the car has been Radio Bayern - (Raadio Klassic). Selections are excellent. Most we have not previously heard. Possibly the language, while German, is spoken in a soothing voice and happier than most German - Katie would say "more French".

I decided to explore our local symphony, Bamberger Symphoniker. It originated in 1946 comprised of refugee musicians from the German Symphony in Prague. All concerts are sold out due to their popularity and intimate but beautiful concert hall. (Normally I would insert a photo here but was behaving well and did not bring my camera. The following link will show you what I saw: http://www.bambergsymphony.com/startseite.html?&L=1

How does one get a ticket if said concert is sold out? Park in Symphony ramp, scout for single elderly woman (husband probably tired from week and didn't want to attend) and look lost. Ask prey for directions. Success on first attempt. Her daughter lives near Seattle and she has visited US eight times. Perfect English also. Happy to help: She talked me past angry ticket guy at door and gave guidance to a small table in the corner where returned tickets were available. Saved from embarrassing myself asking for tickets at the door ( see blog from Wed Dec 31 - Berlin City of Drama and Dreams - miss our editor, she writes so much better!) I purchased perfect seat.

Fellow next to me was an elderly widower who provided enjoyable conversation. My favorite line after a few minutes of talking:

You don't sound American ...
NO SLANG

Tom Left in Germany Alone!

The chief editor of this publication has taken a three week sabbatical visiting friends and family back in the States. I the photographer for this publication will attempt to write and blog on in her absence.

Katie left for the home country this morning at 6:35 am. "It's the army" is a phrase often heard (invoked) over here... so we arrive 10 minutes early, wait anxiously for bus driver (bus is parked), knock on door 5 minutes after it's supposed to leave and then return to wait in car deciding if we should leave for the train station. (Katie was well prepared having purchased a 29 Euro train fare to avoid a stau (major traffic jam) on the autobahn). Her driver wakes up from slumber in bus, turns on lights and is immediately ready to pull away without passengers. We run to the blue bus with stars and stripes painted on it, throw on the bags and wave good bye to each other.

Katie is the sole passenger on a wonderful double-decker bus for the 2 1/2 hour ride to Frankfurt. Her lower level cabin has tables for card playing and dining while the upper compartment has full glass for viewing the sights. My biggest concern for her was that the bus driver seemed incapable of conversation or only spoke German. She'll overcome that difficulty, I'm sure.

With her gone, I've taken to redecorating our home. The lovely crystal dish from Poland should be displayed and admired. I think it looks much better without the M&M's.

We feel strongly that too much copy could make this blog boring. Consequently, each one needs a photo. Certain members of my family (Gretchen and Phil) believe I am incapable of food preparation and have concerns for my ability to survive alone these next weeks. Following is a photo of my supper. Quite colorful and nutritious, don't you agree? PS: Glass has cranberry juice, not beer!

Weary Travelers Stop By

Tom and I rolled out our red carpet for New Prague friends this weekend. (what this means is, we sleep on the air mattress, not you) Al, Jeanne and son Eric Bisek drove up to Germany from Rome after a brief stop in Innsbruck.
Our guests were greeted with German treats: big baked pretzel, meats, cheeses and you guessed it, local brew. Bamberg has more brew houses than any other area worldwide.
To start their tour, Friday night we visited two pubs, dining on meals of wurst and kraut or fries. Entertainment following supper was card playing elbow to elbow with locals. Monica, our favorite bar maid , was excited to meet more Americans. She needed to get the facts, so they could be put on the grapevine.

Saturday morning Tom motored Biseks into the countryside, bragging about the beauty and showing off Banz Abbey and the Big Church of the Little Sisters. Afternoon scheduling included a walk down Bamberg's cobblestone ways to the Cathedral and then...


Al's eyes lit up and then teared as we began our pub crawl. He closely watched as beer was drawn into mugs designed specifically for the brew. Al wasn't sure if he had died and went to heaven or what. He was also impressed with architecure and ambiance in these special places.

Sunday morning by 7:00 a.m. Biseks had their bags loaded and were off to find their Czech roots near Prague.
(Dear Al, Jeanne and Eric, I am really sorry I forgot to put lettuce on your sandwiches. I did remember the chocolate and potato chips in your "to go" pack.)

Frites, Waffles, Beer and Chocolate

The big four foods of Belgium are each tempting, depending on your appetite and time of day.


Liege's Sunday market was packed with vendors and shoppers. Just about anything you wanted or needed could be found; clothing, toys, fresh fruits and vegetables, hens (actually I'd love to have a bird or three so I could enjoy a daily egg, sunny side up!) or gourmet cheeses.

Tom's choice of calories was frites! Europeans favor mayo with theirs and eat them with a small fork. Proper folk don't want to get fingers soiled. It is disappointing they don't let go of more than one small, thin napkin. It's embarrassing to wear what you ate all day!

B and B Weekend in Belgium

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Coffee brewing is a good rise and shine aroma, but the most tempting smell is that of chocolate croissants. Willy, our innkeeper was also a professional chef and baker. The three mornings we woke up in Belgium, Willy raced in with a basket of breads he had baked "himself" he explained with pride. Fresh orange juice, a pot of coffee,(usually Europeans only allow a cup unless you beg for more) an egg, meats and cheeses. The last night we stayed, I had a nightmare
we overslept and were 20 minutes late for breakfast. Willy was offended, had no croissants for us and sped off in his car to market!!



Curious is a word I would use to describe this Belgian setting. Ann, Willy's wife, had decorated in a French New Orlean's style. An artistic woman, at least 20 years younger than her husband, she liked to dabble it seemed. She painted murals, shopped for the inn, and cared for a variety of animals.( two cows, four ostriches, six sheep, a flock of hens, several kittens and Casper, the house dog)
I put my foot in my mouth when I asked Willy if his family liked to eat the meat and eggs from their animals. He shrieked, "No! We have them to be nice! For the children! For guests to enjoy!"


During breakfast chit chat ,Willy revealed to us that Ann's ex-husband lives in the basement of the inn! For the children you know. Ann and her-ex had two kids, ages 7 and 9. Willy is the father of a darling four year old daughter. So here's the floor plan - Ann, Willy and Kids - third floor, second floor - guests, first floor - common area and basement the ex!? We did see him getting out the vacuum one morning. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

International Travel Alert

On Friday, shortly before high noon, we were in Luxembourg City at the Cathedral of Notre Dame. I was, as usual when visiting a church ,lighting votives in memory of Aunt Gene and Uncle Stewart. They use to light candles at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Golden Valley. Because a two euro coin was the smallest I had, I was lighting four votives (.50 is the going rate)

Innocently, I was intent on the job at hand and had laid my super-insulated gloves down beside me. There was a colorful couple milling near, a shady looking old guy with a young chick on his arm. Votives lit, gloves no where to be found, and couple vanished! A crime had been committed, in a cathedral, in broad daylight! What is this world coming to?

So my message to you is BEWARE! And my question is, do you have any spare gloves?

The Real Heidelberg

Travel guides proudly write that Heidelberg is one of Germany's top destinations. However, last Saturday Tom and I were the only diehards looking at the bright, full moon from the bridge over the huge castle. It was freezing! A local gentleman told us it was colder than it had been for forty years! (don't worry I had my long underwear on)

Every hour we sipped a hot beverage ( coffee, hot chocolate, tea , gluhwein, etc). Housed in the old town district is the city's world-famous University. 28,000 students attend college. We peeked into classroom buildings and viewed several art exhibits.



I purchased my first pair of reading glasses, time marches on you know. Germany's coffee giant, Tchibo, stocked them. They have a lifestyle shop, changing most merchandise monthly. Affordable and good quality items in my opinion. I've also bought a winter coat, cheese knives, chocolate grinder, CD, brownie pan, placemats, pillows and Tom a travel grip. (coffee is sold every now and then)

Heidelberg has many beautiful buildings because it was not bombed in World War I or II. Residents seem to enjoy the finer things of life. The largest U.S. Army Base in Europe is in this city.

And Katie Shops For Tom

Since Christmas I've been feeling guilty. Tom and I decided to celebrate the season, not purchase it. One day while at the Base library there was a box of free paperbooks, I noted Obama's recent book,"Change We Can Believe In". Good deal!
Tom likes current events. Wrap it up and give it to him with a holiday hug! I did. He thanked me.

I felt like I had shorted him.Recently when I was roaming the PX Store this wonderful gift jumped off the shelf! Five days a week, alone at his desk, Tom humbly eats his sandwich along with fruit and chips. (I cut his dessert) Germans are always reusing things, so why not save a few plastic bags. Childhood memories fill his mind as he opens up his delightful lunch!

Tom's Shopping Spree

January, a traditional month of retail sales, caught Tom's attention this year. First he bought needed essentials; black gloves, travel grip(we hardly ever stay around the apartment on weekends, it's 70 square meters ) and reading glasses.

Mr. Shopper rushed into a bath and beauty store to buy what he thought were "must have" items. For years in our bathroom a rather large rubber duck was a permanent resident. He was always cheerful, why kick him out? (the duck, not Tom) Anyway, back to the story, Tom paid big bucks for this pair of German birds he felt needed to reside with us. They do make you smile!

A Stained Glass Masterpiece

The Cathedral is the unmistakable landmark of Cologne, mighty spires and pointed gabled roofs can be seen as one approaches from any direction. Since 1164 the Shrine of the Magi has been housed here. Daily thousands of people seek out beauty and peace in the church.

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Cologne's most famous international legacy is, of course, Eau de Cologne. In 1709 Italian chemist Giovanni Maria Farhina developed the fragrance. We stopped by her home to check out the scent; it was light and refreshing, very nice.

In search of nourishment ,we stumbled upon Fruh Brewhouse, another landmark. Lighthearted conversation and laughter filled the air. Four Polish tourists asked Tom to snap their photo. Of course he did and then got chatty. They were in town for an Andre Rieu concert, driven all the way from Poland. A seed was planted, Tom wanted to go too! (me, not so much) Lucky us, tickets were still available!

What we learned was this: arenas are places for showmanship and big screens bringing action up close with tacky, flashy lights. He's the Lawrence Welk of classical music. When intermission roled around we wanted to hit the road. One problem, arena doors were locked and you first have to find security to get out and then promise to go home and stay home!

Two Beautiful Cities

Salzburg and Innsbruck, Austria are favorites of ours, to ring in 2009 we drove south to visit them. Churches surround the heart of old Salzburg, their bells chiming is music to your ears. A quick afternoon city stroll and bite to eat were all we had time for.

We had reservations in Innsbruck for two nights of lodging at Adler Inn. Mozart was also one of their guests. Austrian Alps are perfect background for this special place. Many European cities host large, large parties and fireworks to usher in the New Year. Innsbruck was packed with people and anticipation.

Fireworks over the river and mountains were breathtaking. Speakers bigger than any I have ever seen or heard , blasted out accompanying fanfare music. P.J. used this setting to pop the big question to Sara. They plan to be married in the fall of 2010.

Good Friends and Good Food = Good Time

Our always friendly landlords, Paul and Luddy, treated their family and us to an evening supper at Hofen's Gasthaus. This well known establishment brews their own beer, makes lieberwurst (this wurst, that wurst, everywhere a wurst; in Germany anyway), cooks for you, and then does the serving of plates too!

We laughed, ate and drank together for a couple of hours. Holidays in every country are for fellowship, even when you don't speak the same language.