Visit to Germany, Part 3

Aside from spending time with my sister and her family and traveling a good bit through Germany, and the wedding, my dad and I had fun visiting Münster and doing a little sightseeing in the area. Although, we both agreed that there wasn't nearly enough time to do everything we had wanted to do.

Plus, the fact that I developed a slight cold toward the end of my stay and we were both tired from so much activity, forced us to build in some R&R time and enjoy my dad and his wife, Ingrid's, backyard and their wonderful little dog, a German Pinscher. Of course, I totally forgot to take pictures of those relaxed times...

But here a few pics of me seeing a newly developed part of town for the first time (they did a great job with it!),

visiting the bi-weekly market (only one short visit!),

eating with my dad at one of my very favorite restaurants, Vapiano (it's already in several big cities in the US and coming to even more, just not anywhere near Savannah... sigh!),

- don't you just love that big olive tree in the middle of the table? - ,

drinking a cappuccino,

and another with a couple of yummy little pastries,

and visiting an old mansion right around where my dad and Ingrid live, but that we had never explored.

Isn't it something?

I love those bright colors!

It houses a museum at the moment.

Can you imagine living in a huge mansion like that? And washing all those windows?!?

It was a fantastic visit!

Danke, Papa!!

Tomorrow, I'll have some nature pictures I took over in Germany of all the different things we saw in the woods while going on some wonderful little hikes. After that, a couple of odds and ends, one art related. And then some knitting updates ... I've been VERY busy since I got back!

Thank you all for your great comments and visits! I hope to visit all of your blogs this weekend!!

Visit to Germany, Part 2

An especially enjoyable part of my trip was staying with my sister and her great family for a few days and getting to enjoy their company and play with my nephews. Oh, what fun it was!!

There was much climbing,

running,

launching of ships with important cargo (sadly, the ship took off down the river without a proper photo),

examining of bugs,

jumping for joy,

more climbing,

vital scientific experiments with the common dandelion,

driving lessons,

for for those future race drivers,

and merry-go-rounds for the young,

and the young-at-heart.

Of course, having such a good time can be quite exhausting and called for plenty of good food 

and rest in the sun! 

I had a most wonderful time! Danke, Caroline und Familie!!!

P.S. For those of you who asked about the custom of the bride and groom sawing the log in front of the church, I wrote about it in the comments of the last post. Speaking of which, thank you for all the heartfelt comments since I've been back!! 

Visit to Germany, Part 1

How to summarize a three-week visit that was so packed full of wonderful memories that my head and my heart still haven't quite caught up with all I experienced?!

Well, let me just say, there was no time for jet lag when I first got there! My visit started out with my cousin's wedding, which was one of the most heartfelt ceremonies I've ever attended.

The weather was beautiful (quite warm, actually), and it was an all around wonderful day, saturated with happiness!

The very next day, my dad and I drove to the Pfalz for a couple of days, a beautiful area where we used to live and still have a few family friends. While I didn't get to see everyone (there never is enough time), I did get to visit with some friends very dear to us!

We thoroughly enjoyed beautiful views,

quaint old villages,

ruins and castles,

and the excellent wine of the region...

It certainly was a very meaningful trip down memory lane, made even more beautiful by the gorgeous summer weather, although I must say that for a couple of days it felt as hot as it does here in Savannah! Soon, though, the temperatures would become more moderate and even fall-like to my very great delight!!

Stay tuned...

I've Missed You!!

Well, dear friends, I am back from my trip to my "other home" in Germany to visit family and friends. And what a joyful ride it was!! But more about that in later posts.

For now, I wanted to say: "Hello, I've missed you and it's good to be back in blogland!!"

Off to Münster...

Photo: Presseamt Münster

This is where I'll be on Wednesday and I can hardly wait!

I am almost packed. Ok, that's not true, but I will be packed by the time I leave tomorrow. I am definitely prepared for the long flight, which I am actually looking forward to. I have a couple of books, several audio books on my MP3 player, a couple of small knitting projects and a notebook to jot down ideas that always come to me when I am traveling. What do you like to take on long trips?

Photo: Presseamt Münster

While I am gone, make sure you visit Daniel's blogs now and then to keep him company. Unfortunately he has to teach and can't come with me. He's so sweet to hold down the fort!!

I will visit your blogs if and when I can, but for now I wish you a most wonderful three weeks!!