"Ich Liebe Is !"

That's our motto here in Germany! "I'm Lovin It!" McDonald's has become comfort for us - good old American grease! ( birthdays, airports and Saturday outings) Since more than one of you remarked about the number of times "BEER" is mentioned in our blog , we now have changed the subject to "GREASE".
Warning to all - No comments about either of us looking a bit chubby!


At McDonald's in Nurnberg we noted an annoying habit of Germans, they have tarnished the arches!


They seem to feel it is necessary to mark on your beverage glass or cup a full portion line.(.21, .31. or .51)


They can't just fill your Coke to the brim!!!!!!
Eating establishments consistently use this method of taking the joy out of spilling on yourself.

Another dining observation was made at Stadtcafe near us. Say you order that apple strudel you've been dreaming of for a time (no ice cream or vanilla sauce) but you would like it warmed. Guess how much that will cost you? .20E or 30 cents. Some people!


P.S. Most of the time ketchup is extra as is butter!

Back Across The Pond

Ms. Laurie Thorp, my airport chauffeur, dropped me off at MSP International Airport around 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Following a big hug and parting smile, it only took thirty minutes to pass security. After which I roamed the building, not making unnecessary purchases. (I guess you could call me the frugal traveler, as I also sponged off many of you. Thank you! Thank you !)

Since I had a two hour lay over at Chicago O'Hare airport I foolishly ate a Big Mac. (540 calories) When did McDonald's ruin the enjoyment of grease and special sauce with this
unnecessary information. I think they should follow the military's "Don't ask, Don't tell" policy.

International travel should be compared to Catholic purgatory. A 92.5 % full flight made
passengers crabby and flight attendants nasty. (Could you please complain to United for me?) Since airlines have a specific size and weight of baggage policy ,I think they should also have a rule that passengers must shower within 12 hours prior to departure.

I felt so fortunate to visit my homeland for three weeks. You all spoke English, did not charge me for toilet use and served complimentary tap water. Willy, the Belgian innkeeper, proudly stated his young daughter was his "gold". All of you are mine!


As soon as I touched down at Frankfurt airport, "the love of my life" (I think President O. uses this phrase) and I were back to exploring Europe. We drove around eastern Germany, beautiful countryside, but cities and towns show many scars of past neglect.


Graffiti artists left their marks on just about everything; buildings, bridges, signs, playground equipment, sidewalks, etc. To prove I didn't go AWOL, Tom snapped a couple of photos.

P.S. Hey Terry! Did my car get put away in storage? (Thanks for all your help!) Karen, you are so lucky to have such a fine, hardworking husband.

Country Mouse, City Mouse

We have enjoyed living in rural Germany these past four months. Rattlesdorf has provided a view of culture likely missed when traveling:

Elderly on bikes no matter the temperature.
Knowing you are an outsider by the stares when dining.
Sunday afternoon family country walks.
Farms located next to church in the village center.
Favorite Gasthaus in each community.
(Often more than one.)
Wonderful sunsets viewed from country benches.


But living "out" has its inconveniences.
Peacefulness may equate with stiffle at times.

Prior to leaving for her US visit, Katie and I had conversations on the desirability of moving to the city. A new experience was anticipated - coffee shops, markets, dining in private- no stares, bike to work and independent schedules for each of us. Pessimism strong, I made some inquiries into various rental options.


Well, guess what!


March 1 we move to our apartment on the Regnitz River in central Bamberg.
Quiet streets await and the Villa Concordia (water castle) as a view from our windows while swans swim past our front door.
The location is as good as it gets.
The apartment has great architecture.






Katie hasn't seen it. Signed the lease today.
I think I did good.
The Cathedral finished in 1237 is 600 meters away.
Many other sights are reachable in just short walks.



I will get better photos to share - these were just quick snaps.

Our building is in the background; three window across and two roof dormers.
Hard Part: Telling Paul and Ludy.
This has been accomplished -yesterday.

Katie will be happy to know:
I brought Ludy flowers today in celebration of their 52nd anniversary.
Paul's biggest worry - will we come back out to dine with them?
Of Course!