Friday, July 17, 2009

German Farms

I am taking a little break from the road trip pictures (there are just a few more) to share some photos of German farms. The farm house above is very special in that it is the house my grandmother (my dad's mom) grew up in. We all spent many happy hours there, and it is still in the family today, run as a hotel and pub.

Now, the farmhouse in the photo below (I don't know who the person in the picture is) is where I learned to ride horses. I started when I was 13 and during the following 6 years, I probably spent more time there than I did at home. Only a few minutes from our house by bike, this farm was a true oasis!
The following three pictures of typical farms I scanned from a book I have about the Münsterland, the area we moved to when I was 12 (before then we had lived near Heidelberg). In his job, my dad became acquainted with many farmers in the area and we spent much time and many vacations on those farms. Those are some of my happiest memories!


The following is a beautiful farm house close to my dad's house. I think we were more impressed by the big trees than the house, which is barely visible...
And here the buildings on a horse farm just around the corner from where my dad lives now - a beautiful place!
In looking through old photos and some books of the region around Münster, I was reminded again of how beautiful it truly is - with palaces, moated castles, farms, horses, old villages, houses, churches, the best farmers market in the region, and gorgeous nature. It has also made a name for itself with an important sculpture exhibit that attract international artists. Maybe I'll do some posts about it once in a while if you all are interested...

12 comments:

  1. Oh Silke - This was just wonderful! It makes me miss Germany so much . . .

    Hugs,
    Angela

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  2. I like these pictures. The buildings are huge! My favorite is the black-and-white photo of your grandmother's former home. I clicked on the link to the hotel and had to laugh -- the page was all in German, but then at the bottom it says "happy weekend." Kind of funny.

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  3. Oh - I so want to visit! But I want to visit with You so you can show me around! How lovely.
    :)
    e

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  4. oh that farm photo of the house your Grandmother grew up in is wonderful!!!! I love hearing the history behind a place!!!

    and your photos are wonderful as always!!!

    Hugs
    Diana

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  5. It just looks so tranquil. Very beautiful.

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  6. you and daniel need to have your pastoral dreams fulfilled - what a lovely place you come from my dear

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  7. Lovely Silke! Thanks for sharing!

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  8. Raina said...
    Beautiful and tranquil,heavenly for a child and so satisfying!
    The pictures are just wonderful.

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  9. I'm so glad you posted these pictures, what a beautiful place. I love the way some of the the houses are built with brick and the colors are amazing.

    I sometimes think a happy childhood with many good memories is one of the most important experiences in life. It really helps provide a strong foundation for adulthood. Thanks so much for sharing yours with us.

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  10. Hello again, dear Silke,

    I have a special award waiting for you on my blog.

    I hope you and Daniel are having a wonderful weekend!

    Hugs,
    Angela

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  11. What a lovely childhood you must have had! Thank you for sharing the photos, it would be a dream come true to live there!
    XoXo!
    Suzi

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  12. Hi everyone and thanks for all your great comments! I'm glad you enjoyed seeing some of the farms in my earlier life. It's just a glimpse, but I am glad I get to share it with you all!! Hugs, Silke

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