The Ice Cream and The Grin! 

Ice Cream and The "Grin"!!!

This is grandson number two. His name is Joshua. Joshua is eight years old. He loves to read and draw AND play video games! He loves to look at German “Tank-a-Tanks” (his old baby word for “tanks”) and used to sit with his Papa for hours looking at books about the tanks. Joshua loves basketball and plays quite well for his age. Regarding his drawing--he can be quite imaginative and artistic(like his Mommy!)

As you can tell, Joshua also loves his ice cream!!! (I cannot remember when I last enjoyed an ice cream as the way Joshua does in this picture!!!)

There are many more wonderful things about Joshua. For instance, he looks like his mommy and is built like his daddy! (Handsome and “junk” in da’ trunk! LOL!) For you family members that do not know Joshua, you are missing out on knowing a delightful child with a great personality!

Rosie (Lokenani)

Lokenani

Recently, a friend of mine from Citrus Heights, California visited her German acquaintances to help them celebrate a "40th" birthday. While scheduling did not allow us to meet up until the day of her departure, it was, none the less, a happy experience to see one another once again!

I (we) have known this person, Lokenani (my Hawaiian name for her meaning "beautiful rose"), for over 20 years as well. We would see each other occasionally at work. We danced hula together and attended some functions together. When McClellan Air Force Base closed permanently, I lost contact with Lokenani. It would have been relatively easy for either of us to make the effort to keep in touch, but I (like many of you out there), get "too busy with life" and some of our friends, acquaintances, and family take a back seat. It wasn't until Lokenani contacted me (by a chance email that was sent to her from a mutual friend), that I realized, "...isn't it strange when you have friends or family and you never take the time to see or be with them or even contact them?"

So, with that said, my friends....
"Don't be STRANGERS to your Friends!"
"Don't be STRANGERS to your FAMILY!"

(Remember, you need not see them or be with them every single day--rather, keep in contact with them occasionally and let them know they are important to you. That you think of them on occasion and wonder what they are doing. Let them know that they are IMPORTANT because they are "friends". Let them know that they are IMPORTANT because they are "family").

Don't wait until they have passed from this earth and say,

"...I shoulda...I coulda...I woulda..."

Keoni (aka: "Oni-Boy") 

"...Watch and Learn..."

I thought I would post something different than my usual, “visit here...travel there”...

The little gentleman above is named Keoni. He is four years old and will be five in October. Keoni is my third grandson and quite a precious little fellow! Keoni means John in Hawaiian.

His personality is unique (of course I am partial!). He has his own mind and his own ideas about how things should be done. (Hmmm...maybe a book title... ”The World...According to Keoni!")

Just a couple of months ago, I returned home due to an emergency. I was visiting my daughter and the boys (I have two other grandsons) when Keoni decided he was going to draw me a picture of lightning. As he was gathering his drawing materials and was getting in to his “drawing” position (lying on his tummy!), he tells me, “Jama, watch and learn!” ...such a precious child! (Jama is what all my grandsons call me...long story)...

(Note: Other posts to introduce the additional two grandsons in process).

Cafe am Beethovenplatz 

Cafe am Beethovenplatz

During a recent tour in the city of München (or Munich as we from the States call it) we stopped at a delightful Konzertcafe called Cafe am Beethovenplatz.

We (the group) was offered one of three dining choices, (1) Schweinebratin mit Mehlkloß und Krautsalat (Roast pork with dumpling and German style coleslaw). (2) Nuremberg Brats mit Sauerkraut (Roasted Brats with sauerkraut) (3) Mischsalat mit gebratenen Pilzen (Mixed salad with fried mushrooms. All dishes were served with Brot (bread).

For drinks we chose Bier (Beer) and Radler (½ beer and ½ lemonade...very light and tasty!)

It should be noted that while we were offered only three choices, the Cafe has an extensive menu consisting of regional and international foods, various coffee specialties, traditional Bavarian beers and fine wines, regional and international delicacies patisserie. While the menu is not featured online, there is an extensive Getränkmenü (drink menu) available.

The Cafe is part of the Hotel Mariandl in München and has been in business since 1899. As mentioned earlier, the Cafe is a Konzertcafe, and features Klassik (Classical), Salonmusik, Swing, Jazz, Pop, Funk, Soul, Bolero, Bossa Nova, and on some evenings a DJ is featured.

We are looking forward to returning to München to tour at our leisure as well as sample the other menu items at the Cafe im Beethovenplatz!

Cafe am Beethovenplatz
Münchens Altestes Konzertcafe
Goethestrasse 51
Telefon 089 54 40 43 48
Fax 089 54 40 43 96
http://www.hotelmariandl.de

Langastof der Lillie

"Hers"

"His"

Landgastof der Lillie

During a recent trip to town of Triberg (located in Schwarzwald or Black Forest), my husband and I stopped in for a bite to eat at the Landgasthoff der Lillie. A cafe that (as their internet site indicates) may have been in business since 1608? (See website).

The interior of the establishment was clean and met our "newcomers to Germany" expectations of what a gasthof might look like. The staff was hospitable and courteous. If your Deutche is not up to speed, the staff does speak English. Service was schneller (quick) meaning we did not have to wait for menus, ordering of drinks/food, and ultimately the arrival of our orders. Presentation in our opinion was average, meaning it was attactive, colorful, but certainly not on the level of the “Gourmet” magazine’s presentation. But...who cares? The food was delicious (of course, we are very easy to please!) As one of my American friends living here in Germany stated, “...I have yet to taste “bad” (restaurant) food since I have lived here in Germany...” My husband and I are in total agreement!

My husband ordered the “Brats” dinner, which consisted of two very large brats served over hot vegetables with gravy, German potato salad, fresh vegetables and sliced eggs. His drink—the local bier. My order consisted of Swabian Spatzle (a buttery type of noodle...very flavorable), Schwein (pork) steak, served with a mushroom gravy. For my drink...my all time favorite...mineral wasser mit gasse (sparkling water). For dessert, we shared an apfle streudel mit ice cream as well as two cups of cafe to accompany the dessert. The meals and dessert were delicious. (It should be noted: while the Swabian Spatzle was tasty, I have [here in the Stuttgart-Vaihingen area] tasted other Spatzle which was not as dry AND more tasty. Again, please take nothing away from the Lillie’s Spatzle as it was tasty...but not “...as tasty...”)

So, my Lombardian friend...there it is-- my/our first food critique! Ha! (We are probably the last people to critique a restaurant or food since we tend to like all foods! ( A definite “Good” and “Bad” thing!) For me and my hubby to rate a restaurant OR a meal as “bad” really does mean that it is bad! LOL...interpret as you will!

Information:
Landgasthof der lillie
Inh. Josef Smetanjuk
Wallfahrtsstraße 3D-78098 Triberg
Tel.: +49 (0)7722 / 44 19
Fax: +49 (0)7722 / 36 54
info@lilie-triberg.de

Gutach Falls

Haus der 1000 Uhren

Schwarzwald

“The Romans described the Black Forest as an impenetrable wilderness inhabited only by wild beasts and barbarians.” (source: Insight Guides-Germany)

I recall having heard fairy tales and numerous other stories about the “Black Forest”, so imagine my excitement when we decided to take a drive to Schwarzwald!

The Black Forest is about a two hour drive from our home and I must say, a very scenic drive! Since this was a day-trip, we decided to visit only one of the cities within this area—Triberg. Triberg also is known to the visitor as home to Deutschland's Hochste Wasserfelle, or the Gutach (Germany's highest waterfall). The town is also known for the “Haus der 1,000 Uhren” or “The House of 1,000 Clocks”...not to mention the Cuckoo clocks and the Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Cake).

Our first objective upon arriving in Triberg, was to hike up to the wasserfelle . I am not quite sure how high the falls are as one guide books states the falls are 531 feet and another states 338 feet, while an internet site claims the fall are 530 feet (I will stay with the 530 foot range). The trek up to the falls is a moderate to difficult climb. (I say difficult as there are some very steep areas one must negotiate—all trail of course!). The hike up is filled with scenic flora and fauna and even little “critters” (squirrels with little pointy ears!) which seemed to be happy to pose for pictures as long as they had a peanut in hand to distract them! The falls themselves seem to be “broken” up in increments some of which have small bridged areas which span the falls—excellent for picture taking!

Having “conquered” the falls, we walked thru the main thorough fare of Triberg and having come full circle, decided to stop and have a bite to eat at a one of the local landgsthof. (Descripton is for another posting for my friend in Lombardia!)

We did stop at Haus der 1000 Urhen, not to purchase a cuckoo but to merely look and admire the workmanship. The establishment was founded in 1824 by Josef Weisser and is still owned and operated by his grandson.

The ride back home we were once again struck by the beauty of Deutschland! From the Rhine Plain with it’s rolling hills and farmhouses to the thick, deep, dark forest with mountains rising to some 4, 000 feet! We made a vow to return one day for a longer stay so that we could explore the Schwarzwald in more detail and at our leisure.

Birkenopf Memorial

Birkenopf Hill

Birkenopf - Rubble Hill

My husband and I took a short ride to a place called Birkenopf –“Rubble Hill” also known as Monte Scherbelino to the locals.

We knew from previous research, the city of Stuttgart was bombed during the second world war and that the top of this hill was created from the rubble to serve as a memorial.

The following is from a memorial plaque at the site:

“Dieser Berg
Nach dem zqeiter weltkrieg
Aufgetürmtaus den
Trümmern der stadt
Steht
Den opfern zum gedachtnis
Den lebenden zur mahnüng”

With my limited Deutsche and using various sources for translating, the closest I can come to translating the above is:

“This mountain. After second world war the rising tower stands made of rubble and debris from the city. The sacrifices that were made is here to serve as a reminder for those living.” (I welcome comments for the correct translation.)

The hike to the top of Birkenopf was lovely. The path to the top was angled in varying degrees and proved to be “good exercise” for me! (heh-heh...my eternal quest for exercise!!!) The path took us through a small forest and offered many opportunities for “rest” stops, i.e., benches located at various points along the trail.

As we approached the final steps toward the top, we came quite suddenly upon the “rubble”. Such a sight! We saw large pieces of buildings, arches, etc. Some were carved and some were plain. Some appeared to be columns. With our “vivid” imagination(s), we could only speculate what type of structures this rubble came from. To think, this debris was from a building(s) or structure(s) where perhaps (more than likely), there were people living, working, strolling, sitting, sleeping, etcetera! Quel Dommage! We were in awe, to say the least!

Burg Hohenzollern 

View from Burg Hohenzollern 

Burg Hohenzollern

“Hohenzollern Castle is the ancestral castle of the Hohenzollern family, one of the most well known dynasties in Germany. From the nucleus of a tiny chapel dedicated to St. Michael in 1061, the castle grew. The castle fell twice to bombardment of catapults, and assaults by archers and swordsmen and was leveled to the ground. Kaisers, Kings and Queens from the Hohenzollern Family throughout Europe have roots at this castle...Friedreich the Great of Prussia once lived here.”

A couple of weeks ago we had the opportunity to visit and tour the Hohenzollern Castle. As always we were excited to learn about the history of Germany!

Once at the castle, we were escorted directly to the “Ancestral Hall”. The walls are covered (literally) with the family tree. Imagine being able to (at a glance) trace your ancestry back to the year 1061!

Our group continued on thru the library. The library contains hand-carved oak cupboards, paintings of Wilhelm Peters, a painter of historical scenes, decorates the walls. These scenes depict myths and events in the history of the first two castles built on this site. The first castle built in the 11th century, was completely destroyed in 1423 after a siege of ten months. The second castle was never destroyed in battle, but after the family had moved their residence to Hechingen and the Castle was neglected and fell in to disrepair. Directly below the library windows is seating with small tables for each reader. As with all of our tours, our imaginations wandered and we thought of days gone by ... sitting in this library on one of these seats and gazing out one of the windows to the valley and plain below! What sights would have been viewed during those times?

We continued on thru the Royal Apartments. It is simply amazing to walk in the steps where Royalty once lived! At one point, my husband and I passed before a mirror in one of the Royal dressing rooms. We both glanced in the mirror and our eyes met...I turned to my husband and said, “...I half expected to see a face from the past looking back at me!” My husband echoed my thoughts...both of our imaginations running wild!

We strolled through the Castle Garden and were treated to vast panoramic view of the valley below. There are numerous villages which dot the Neckar landscape reminding us of a colorful painting. In the background, lies the Black Forest mountains. Simply amazing! We leave the Castle Garden and the courtyard and walk directly behind the Defence Tower and Bastions. There are eight bronze statues of the Brandenburg-Prussian rulers. After leaving the Bastions we turn and see two stone battlement guards in medieval battle dress. They appear as though they will move at any moment!

We were fortunate on this particular day to witness knights doing battle in the courtyard! It was very warm this day and the amount of energy used by these knights during their swordplay is unfathomable. Their swords are large and heavy and I can only imagine the difficulty in wielding such a weapon during battle.

It is always interesting to us that we are living in an area of the world where we are only "minutes from a location where historical events that affected the world are available to us! It is as though we are physically walking through the pages of an encyclopedia! Topics that have only previously been read about, are now alive!" Coming from and being educated in the United States, we have only read about these places we are now seeing and touring! It never ceases to amaze us!

Stuttgart's 2005 Fruhlingfest  

Frühlingfest

Well, try as I might...I could not find any historical information on the Frühlingfest, or a description of what a Frühlingfest actually is-- (I did find one phrase that might be apropos “...Herald the arrival of spring ...” So, what I will do is tell you about our experiences during Stuttgart’s 2005 Frühlingfest held at Bad Cannstatt.

We caught the S-Bahn train to Bad Cannstatt and arrived rather early (intentionally) so that we could all find seating together. The “we” is my husband and myself and a group of his co-workers—both civilian and military.

We really did not know what to expect regarding the details of a Frühlingfest, other than there would be beer tents, “oompah” bands, and people singing and dancing. When we arrived at the destination and found a “county faire” type of atmosphere. There were rides for the children, games to be played for prizes, food stands, AND...beer tents! It was the beer tents that were our ultimate destination.

Once inside we found that not many of the tables were filled just yet. Yay! We found the perfect table location, which was two table “rows” back from the main stage! The tables reminded me of large picnic tables that could easily sit 12 people comfortably with plenty of elbowroom. Our group easily filled one table and half of another. Once seated, many of our group ordered food, some of which included a plate of ½ a chicken and all the “fixin’s”, brats and all the “fixin’s”, schwein (pork) and all the “fixin’s”!!! Of course those infamous large steins of beer were ordered all the way around the table! (After all...the train was the group’s “designated” driver...and in my husband’s and my case...I was the designated driver!)

As we were sitting there eating, drinking, and talking, an “oompah” band was playing and songs were sung. Each song had a lively rhythm and catchy tune with German lyrics. Even though we were foreigners and did not know German songs, we felt as though we should sing along (even if we didn’t know the words!) There was a point (and a song) that the audience would shout (or was it sing?) “Oy...Oy...Oy”!!! Don’t know why...BUT IT WAS REALLY, REALLY FUN to respond with the “Oy(s)” when we were supposed to! There was another song (that I don’t know, but am sure before I leave Germany, will just “roll” off my tongue!” ) that the group responded to by singing right along with the band. Lots of fun!

As time passed, the tent started filling (I would say that tent could hold 800 people easily!) and a new band came on stage. This band was a little more modern, playing rock and roll, R&B, some “oompah” ...oh, and the proverbial “Oy...Oy...Oy” and the other sing-a-long. With the food out of the way, and more steins of beer coming our way, it was time for everyone to stand up on the table (I should say, stand on their bench. With stein(s) in hand all (not just our table) were singing, swaying, dancing (in place...on their benches)! A good time to be had by all!

I must say the most “refreshing” thing to me was seeing the different age groups (and ethnicities) coming together and enjoying themselves! The type of song did not matter nor did the age of the reveler play a part. If one felt like standing up and singing or dancing, then so be it...they stood and sang and danced! It did not matter if the song was a popular song, a hit song or not. No one ridiculed another person because he/she/they were dancing an old dance step, singing out of tune or (in our case) "lip synching"! It didn’t matter! All were there and all were having a good time! I think that is what we (my husband and I) will remember the most about this Frühlingfest festival...was...

“....it didn’t matter...all...there...were having a good time!”