Germany is a beautiful country full of history.
I loved all the old building, castles, and downtown plazas and pedestrian areas.
Germany is very clean and the people are very environmentally friendly (all their trash must be sorted and vehicles need special stickers to drive in the large cities).
The people are different..we are used to southern hospitality and friendliness...but friendly is a not a word I would use to describe most Germans you meet on the street. Not because they are intentionally rude...they just aren't friendly.
I love the autobahn....Germans are the best drivers..everyone knows the rules and they follow them. No wonder they are safe drivers with no speed limit.
Having to pay to go to the bathroom was something that took getting used to. It didn't matter if you were eating at the McDonalds, in the mall, or at a rest stop on the autobahn ...you have to pay 50 euro cents. But I have to admit, when we stopped at the rest stop on the autobahn it was the cleanest bathroom I have ever seen. The toilet seat automatically cleans itself after every flush...so its was well worth it!
Having to pay for ketchup also seemed strange.
Germans like sparkling or mineral water...so you have to be careful about which water you get ...no gas/no bubbles!
The missionaries we saw are doing a great job...and made me stop and consider what my priorities should really be! Because in eternity, most of the things we value will be worthless.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Germany Day 14
Monday
We still had lots of souvenirs to buy, so Gary and Chastity took us back into Frankfurt to try to find some stuff to bring home.
Everything was so expensive, then when you figure out the exchange into dollars-you don't want to buy anything...but then you realize that this is one of those once in a lifetime opportunities and just quit worrying about the cost of every item.
We rode the train..and that was an interesting experience.
We ate at Kentucky Fried Chicken in the train station...it was good but its not the same...and of course it was alot more expensive. A 2 piece meal with fries and a drink was over 7 euro...which equals about $10.50.
See...I am not exaggerating about the cost of everything.
We still had lots of souvenirs to buy, so Gary and Chastity took us back into Frankfurt to try to find some stuff to bring home.
Everything was so expensive, then when you figure out the exchange into dollars-you don't want to buy anything...but then you realize that this is one of those once in a lifetime opportunities and just quit worrying about the cost of every item.
We rode the train..and that was an interesting experience.
We ate at Kentucky Fried Chicken in the train station...it was good but its not the same...and of course it was alot more expensive. A 2 piece meal with fries and a drink was over 7 euro...which equals about $10.50.
See...I am not exaggerating about the cost of everything.
Germany Day 13
Sunday
We had Sunday School in English with Bro. Gary. He did a really good lesson on the person of Jesus Christ. Then we had a regular church service in German. We recognized a couple of songs because they used the same music. Thankfully Bro. Gary translated for us, while Bro. Michael preached.
Then we drove to Frankfurt to have lunch with Bro. Gary's church. He has a group of Burmese people who made us a German lunch of ham, mashed potatoes, and sauerkraut.
I never saurkraut in the States, I don't even like the smell of it...but I ate this sauerkraut-it was delicious.
Then we had church in German..but Bro. Michael translated while Bro. Gary preached. It was a really good service.
We had Sunday School in English with Bro. Gary. He did a really good lesson on the person of Jesus Christ. Then we had a regular church service in German. We recognized a couple of songs because they used the same music. Thankfully Bro. Gary translated for us, while Bro. Michael preached.
Then we drove to Frankfurt to have lunch with Bro. Gary's church. He has a group of Burmese people who made us a German lunch of ham, mashed potatoes, and sauerkraut.
I never saurkraut in the States, I don't even like the smell of it...but I ate this sauerkraut-it was delicious.
Then we had church in German..but Bro. Michael translated while Bro. Gary preached. It was a really good service.
Germany Day 12
Saturday
Road Trip!
We all piled in the van and we drove for over 2 hours form Frankfurt to Weimar in what was Eastern Germany.
We went to the Buchenwald Concentration Camp.
I have read read lots of books on this time period, and I am familiar with alot of the torture the Nazis inflicted on not only Jews, but everybody they didn't like-gypsies, mentally handicapped, political prisoners, the elderly. But somehow that knowledge made walking through the camp all that much harder.
It is so hard to describe. I took lots of pictures outside, because of course you are no allowed to take picture inside.
When we entered the camp we walked into to the crematorium and saw the ovens and the cellar. Out of respect, it is a place of silence-but you could sense the weight of the atrocities committed there. It was such a mix of emotions, part of me wanted to puke..the other part just wanted to cry.
Then we went into the museum portion of the camp. They took the storehouse building and turned it into 2 floors of artifacts and information. As you entered a new section in the chronology there would be an English description, but the frustrating part was that most of the descriptions were in German, and I kept having to ask for a translation. Even with the language barrier, you could still figure out what you were looking at.
We also saw the disinfecting rooms, where the people were processed when they arrived.
It is a place I will never forget.
Then we left the camp and were going to go to the castle where Martin Luther translated the Bible into German, but exit from the autobahn was closed. But from the autobahn, we could see the castle at the top of the hill.
Its ok...I will just have to see it when I go back.
Road Trip!
We all piled in the van and we drove for over 2 hours form Frankfurt to Weimar in what was Eastern Germany.
We went to the Buchenwald Concentration Camp.
I have read read lots of books on this time period, and I am familiar with alot of the torture the Nazis inflicted on not only Jews, but everybody they didn't like-gypsies, mentally handicapped, political prisoners, the elderly. But somehow that knowledge made walking through the camp all that much harder.
It is so hard to describe. I took lots of pictures outside, because of course you are no allowed to take picture inside.
When we entered the camp we walked into to the crematorium and saw the ovens and the cellar. Out of respect, it is a place of silence-but you could sense the weight of the atrocities committed there. It was such a mix of emotions, part of me wanted to puke..the other part just wanted to cry.
Then we went into the museum portion of the camp. They took the storehouse building and turned it into 2 floors of artifacts and information. As you entered a new section in the chronology there would be an English description, but the frustrating part was that most of the descriptions were in German, and I kept having to ask for a translation. Even with the language barrier, you could still figure out what you were looking at.
We also saw the disinfecting rooms, where the people were processed when they arrived.
It is a place I will never forget.
Then we left the camp and were going to go to the castle where Martin Luther translated the Bible into German, but exit from the autobahn was closed. But from the autobahn, we could see the castle at the top of the hill.
Its ok...I will just have to see it when I go back.
Germany Day 11
Friday
Chastity took us to another cool castle called Ronneburg, just north of Frankfurt. This castle has a well that is almost 100 meters deep. When we pour the water down it takes over 12 seconds before you hear the water hit the bottom. It was the neatest thing.
This castle was different from the one Hanau, it was much older and alot more hands on. We climbed up to the very top of the parapet...those were the steepest stairs I have ever climbed, but the view from the top was worth it. You could see the whole country side. I also found some cool souvenirs, like a replica of the sword of Richard the Lionheart!
Chastity took us to another cool castle called Ronneburg, just north of Frankfurt. This castle has a well that is almost 100 meters deep. When we pour the water down it takes over 12 seconds before you hear the water hit the bottom. It was the neatest thing.
This castle was different from the one Hanau, it was much older and alot more hands on. We climbed up to the very top of the parapet...those were the steepest stairs I have ever climbed, but the view from the top was worth it. You could see the whole country side. I also found some cool souvenirs, like a replica of the sword of Richard the Lionheart!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Germany Day 10
Thursday
Today we had to drive back to Heidelberg to get the rest of our luggage, and to say goodbye to the Castellaws. It took us about an hour to get there and almost 2 hours to get back because of the traffic on the autobahn. The sky has been gray all day...the Luticks told us that duringh te month of November it will be gray and rainy almost every day...:(
On Thursday nights, the Lutricks have their mid week service. They go out into the town and invite people to come. Then after the service they feed everyone a meal, and take them back home.
Today we had to drive back to Heidelberg to get the rest of our luggage, and to say goodbye to the Castellaws. It took us about an hour to get there and almost 2 hours to get back because of the traffic on the autobahn. The sky has been gray all day...the Luticks told us that duringh te month of November it will be gray and rainy almost every day...:(
On Thursday nights, the Lutricks have their mid week service. They go out into the town and invite people to come. Then after the service they feed everyone a meal, and take them back home.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Germany Day 9
Wednesday
Today Chastity took us to a castle in Hanau. It had a large fountain with a rose garden in front, and big staircase, and the most beautiful ceilings. In every room the ceiling has a different design. The doors had lions for door handles, and the wood carvings were incredible. Each room also had unique chandeliers. Eveything was so beautiful. The castle also had a special exhibit of tarantulas from around the world. They were all the size of my hand, but some ofthem were kind of creepy looking.
Then we went to Subway, and had the 5 euro footlong special....I saved the receipt so you could see the taxes they charge here...one tax was 7% and another was 19%...that's insane!
Tonight, we went with Bro. Gary and another man to downtown Frankfurt and passed out tracts in the pedestrian zone. I still cannot get over how many people smoke. Even though we were outside and there was a breeze, my eyes and nose are still burning. Even when it got later and there weren't alot of people, I could still smell the smoke. The girls did a really good job, I was so proud of them! They just got out there and started handing them out! Most of the people were friendly, and a few even said thank you! There are alot of Arab/Indian/Muslim people here...and even a few of them took the tracts.
The weather here had been warmer than it was last week, so we aren't freezing anymore!
Today Chastity took us to a castle in Hanau. It had a large fountain with a rose garden in front, and big staircase, and the most beautiful ceilings. In every room the ceiling has a different design. The doors had lions for door handles, and the wood carvings were incredible. Each room also had unique chandeliers. Eveything was so beautiful. The castle also had a special exhibit of tarantulas from around the world. They were all the size of my hand, but some ofthem were kind of creepy looking.
Then we went to Subway, and had the 5 euro footlong special....I saved the receipt so you could see the taxes they charge here...one tax was 7% and another was 19%...that's insane!
Tonight, we went with Bro. Gary and another man to downtown Frankfurt and passed out tracts in the pedestrian zone. I still cannot get over how many people smoke. Even though we were outside and there was a breeze, my eyes and nose are still burning. Even when it got later and there weren't alot of people, I could still smell the smoke. The girls did a really good job, I was so proud of them! They just got out there and started handing them out! Most of the people were friendly, and a few even said thank you! There are alot of Arab/Indian/Muslim people here...and even a few of them took the tracts.
The weather here had been warmer than it was last week, so we aren't freezing anymore!
Germany Day 8
Tuesday we slept late again...we must be getting lazy.
We walked back to the pedestrian zone by ourselves, and went to the mall to order some breakfast/lunch. The lady at the counter didn't speak English and I don't speak German, so I just pointed and held up my fingers to tell her how many. It was quite interesting, but I did manage to get us some food.
This evening, Bro. Duke drove us back to the Frankfurt area. We were supposed to leave around 2:00, but didn't get on the road until after 6:00, so it was late when we finally got there. I was disappointed that it was already dark..since there are some really great views, but I loved seeing all the little villages lit up across the plains and the mountains.
We walked back to the pedestrian zone by ourselves, and went to the mall to order some breakfast/lunch. The lady at the counter didn't speak English and I don't speak German, so I just pointed and held up my fingers to tell her how many. It was quite interesting, but I did manage to get us some food.
This evening, Bro. Duke drove us back to the Frankfurt area. We were supposed to leave around 2:00, but didn't get on the road until after 6:00, so it was late when we finally got there. I was disappointed that it was already dark..since there are some really great views, but I loved seeing all the little villages lit up across the plains and the mountains.
Germany Day 7
Monday we were so exhuasted from the late nights and Sunday, we slept late.
Then Danica came over and showed us around Wilhemshaven. We ate döner at this Iraqi restraunt. To me they are alot like Greek gyros. Then we walked down to the pedestrian area with lots of neat shops and a McDonalds...they have alot of McDonalds everywhere. We also wlaked though the town mall. Then we walked down and saw the coast...or where the river empties into the North Sea. There were several large sailing ships in the harbor...kind of like pirates of the carribean. The big bridge turns sideways, lets the ships pass, then it turns backs. It wsa cool to watch. We also saw some German miltiary boats. On the other side of the bridge there were more military ships...because there is a German navy port.
This evening, Danica drove us out to a dairy farm and we had fresh milk...I am not a big milk drinker...but that was really good.
Then Danica came over and showed us around Wilhemshaven. We ate döner at this Iraqi restraunt. To me they are alot like Greek gyros. Then we walked down to the pedestrian area with lots of neat shops and a McDonalds...they have alot of McDonalds everywhere. We also wlaked though the town mall. Then we walked down and saw the coast...or where the river empties into the North Sea. There were several large sailing ships in the harbor...kind of like pirates of the carribean. The big bridge turns sideways, lets the ships pass, then it turns backs. It wsa cool to watch. We also saw some German miltiary boats. On the other side of the bridge there were more military ships...because there is a German navy port.
This evening, Danica drove us out to a dairy farm and we had fresh milk...I am not a big milk drinker...but that was really good.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Germany Day 6
Sunday morning started early, there was alot of things that we needed to get ready. This would be the Duke's first service in thier new buidling everyone was excited about the new larger space. We set upt he tables and made place settings. Apparently, Germans are very particular aou how the silverware is placed on the table...fork on the right, knife on the left, and spoon across the top.
The service went really well. The girls, Veronica Duke, and I sang while one of thier young men played the piano for us. Then they had some speical music in German. Bro. Duke preached in German-so all I know is that he was reading from the book of John. Mrs. Duke was going to translate for us-but after we were seated someone else came and sat on the rest of the row-and I couldn't aks her to move. So we sat there and smiled and nodded-but didn't understand a word-but the people seemed to like it-and that what really counts.
Then we went upstairs and had lunch...meatloaf, soup, potato salad, pasta salad, red cabbage, and desserts. I have tried red cabbage before, so I didn't get any, but I tried everything else. The table i sat at had a russian man and another man form Iran. When the Iranian found out I was from america-he asked me about George Bush, and told me that he think Obama is lying (LOL). Then we spent the rest of the afternoon talking and hanging out.
I learned alot about the Euopean government. For example, homeschooling is illegal in Germany and the Netherlands. You are required to send your children to the state school, or they will fine you. This practice apparently goes back to the days of Hitler, but its still a law they enforce. Hank (the large woman's husband) showed me his passport. It has a biochip in it with all of his personal information, and pictures of his children. without pictures of your children in your passort you cannot leave the country with them-because you cannot prove that they belong to you. Another interesting thig they told me about is a club in Amsterdam. The only way to get in is with a chip implanted under your skin. They scan you when you come in and all your charges are kept on file, then they scan you when you leave and your bill is deducted from your bank out-thats kind of spooky.
Later we sat at talked with the nicest guy (the same one who played the piano for us). He could speak some English and he was trying very hard to talk to us. He is studying medical engineering, and speaks 3 languages-German, French, and English.
It was a really good day.
The service went really well. The girls, Veronica Duke, and I sang while one of thier young men played the piano for us. Then they had some speical music in German. Bro. Duke preached in German-so all I know is that he was reading from the book of John. Mrs. Duke was going to translate for us-but after we were seated someone else came and sat on the rest of the row-and I couldn't aks her to move. So we sat there and smiled and nodded-but didn't understand a word-but the people seemed to like it-and that what really counts.
Then we went upstairs and had lunch...meatloaf, soup, potato salad, pasta salad, red cabbage, and desserts. I have tried red cabbage before, so I didn't get any, but I tried everything else. The table i sat at had a russian man and another man form Iran. When the Iranian found out I was from america-he asked me about George Bush, and told me that he think Obama is lying (LOL). Then we spent the rest of the afternoon talking and hanging out.
I learned alot about the Euopean government. For example, homeschooling is illegal in Germany and the Netherlands. You are required to send your children to the state school, or they will fine you. This practice apparently goes back to the days of Hitler, but its still a law they enforce. Hank (the large woman's husband) showed me his passport. It has a biochip in it with all of his personal information, and pictures of his children. without pictures of your children in your passort you cannot leave the country with them-because you cannot prove that they belong to you. Another interesting thig they told me about is a club in Amsterdam. The only way to get in is with a chip implanted under your skin. They scan you when you come in and all your charges are kept on file, then they scan you when you leave and your bill is deducted from your bank out-thats kind of spooky.
Later we sat at talked with the nicest guy (the same one who played the piano for us). He could speak some English and he was trying very hard to talk to us. He is studying medical engineering, and speaks 3 languages-German, French, and English.
It was a really good day.
Germany Day 5
Today is Saturday. The plan for the day is to go to the platz for the street meeting, and I will go with Mrs. Duke to get the things we will need for the meal tomorrow after church.
The stores in Germany are very different. Again we had to put money in the shopping cart in order to use it. They have bakeries and large meat and cheese departments. I also saw some weight watcher meals (like the ones I take to school for lunch). Thie time the store offered us some brown paper bags, since we had lots of groceries, but we had to load everything-the cashier will just sit there and watch you. Then you take it out to your car, and retune the cart, and you will get your coin back.
We went back to the church and Mrs. Duke made this delicious soup from frozen vegetables (Its a really simple recipe)! another family from the Netherlands also came to visit. This woman was at least 6 foot tall and had the hugest hands (she used to be a biker that also worked as as butcher) but she was so sweet. Sarah and Martha stayed at the church because it was getting late, and Beth and I went back to the Duke's house and chopped onions, celery, pickles, eggs, potatoes, and apples. We also prepared meatloaf, and I have a new recipe for German meatloaf-with lots of mustard. Lets just say that it was after midnight before we were finished, and we had church the next morning.
The stores in Germany are very different. Again we had to put money in the shopping cart in order to use it. They have bakeries and large meat and cheese departments. I also saw some weight watcher meals (like the ones I take to school for lunch). Thie time the store offered us some brown paper bags, since we had lots of groceries, but we had to load everything-the cashier will just sit there and watch you. Then you take it out to your car, and retune the cart, and you will get your coin back.
We went back to the church and Mrs. Duke made this delicious soup from frozen vegetables (Its a really simple recipe)! another family from the Netherlands also came to visit. This woman was at least 6 foot tall and had the hugest hands (she used to be a biker that also worked as as butcher) but she was so sweet. Sarah and Martha stayed at the church because it was getting late, and Beth and I went back to the Duke's house and chopped onions, celery, pickles, eggs, potatoes, and apples. We also prepared meatloaf, and I have a new recipe for German meatloaf-with lots of mustard. Lets just say that it was after midnight before we were finished, and we had church the next morning.
Germany Day 4
We had to get up early this morning and drive an hour north to Frankfurt. Since we were riding in a small bus we didn´t drive too fast on the autobahn. The Luticks had some other American visitors, so he took us all into the city. We saw the Frankfurt Opera House...which is a beautiful old building wiht its own plaza just outside the financial district (Frankfurt has like 20 major banks). Then we walked down the pedstrian zone-which is a street lined with shops (and Starbucks) but there are no cars. So we walked for about a mile and a half, then we went into the Old city. i think its called the Romanplatz-because they can trace some of the building back to the times of the Romans. All of the buildings in this area look like the German postcards. There was a vendor selling bratwurst-so of course we had to try some. There were also some actors/mimes in the plaza. One guy was painted all gold, and hte other had make up on that made him look like an old painting and they would stay in poses-so they looked like statues. It was really cool. Then we walked closer to the Main River and saw a Chinese man doing tricks while balancing objects on his head or nose. I bought a couple of souvenirs, but I am still in shock with the prices. Not only do I think theey ae expensive-but if you translate it back to dollars-then its really expensive. For example, I bought a magnet-nothing fancy-and it 3.4 euros or close to $6-for a plain magnet that might have been $2 in the Staes. We saw the river, then went back and ate jager schnitzel (breaded pork cutlet wtih mushroom gravy) and potatoes at an outdoor cafe. It was really nice, but it was a chilly when the sun went behind the clouds. By this time it was late afternoon, and we stil had a long drive ahead of us. Bro. Duke was going to drive us to Wilhelmshaven-which was on the northern coast. So it was back to the autobahn. As soon as we started driving, the girls were all asleep. Since we now in smaller car, Bro. Duke drove like a Geramn. We went over 200km-hour (160 km-hour=100 mph). It was really cool! We talked about lots of things and you could see the change in the country. The mountains were full of trees covered with gold and red leaves, mixed with different kinds of evergreens. We left the mountains and now that land was flat. We did stop at McDonalds for some food...but it was still expensive and not that great., but at least they had water with out gas (the people here drink mineral water-so you have to request plain water). We finally arrived in Wilhelmshaven around 9:30 and met all the kids. It hasd been a long day!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Germany Day 3
Today was a beautiful day because the sun was finally out!
Angie took us back to the Schloss (Castle) Heidelberg...becaue it turns out that we missed half of the outside grounds. There is a wall on the other side that is crumbled and you can see how thick the original castle walls are. It was pretty neat!
Then we went to back to the main street and visited the university museum and student prison.
apparently for the about 200 years the university was responsible for thier students and could punish them as necessary. So we went into this small building and up on the 3rd floor wwere these little cells with "graffitti" all over the walls that tells their story or advocates a cause.
Then we went to McDonalds and the Mac cafe. The McD's has a "starbucks" type coffee shop in it. The girls and I ordered 2 fries, 2 drinks, and a bottle of water and paid over 10Euros. That's like 15 American dollars! Needless to say that was the most expensive snack ever. But everything here is expensive.
Tonight they had English bible study and the girls were able to visit the church and see the print shop. We had a good time meeting the people. Tomorrow we will go see Bro. Duke in northern Germany for the weekend.
I am looking forward to the drive and seeing the rest of the country!
Angie took us back to the Schloss (Castle) Heidelberg...becaue it turns out that we missed half of the outside grounds. There is a wall on the other side that is crumbled and you can see how thick the original castle walls are. It was pretty neat!
Then we went to back to the main street and visited the university museum and student prison.
apparently for the about 200 years the university was responsible for thier students and could punish them as necessary. So we went into this small building and up on the 3rd floor wwere these little cells with "graffitti" all over the walls that tells their story or advocates a cause.
Then we went to McDonalds and the Mac cafe. The McD's has a "starbucks" type coffee shop in it. The girls and I ordered 2 fries, 2 drinks, and a bottle of water and paid over 10Euros. That's like 15 American dollars! Needless to say that was the most expensive snack ever. But everything here is expensive.
Tonight they had English bible study and the girls were able to visit the church and see the print shop. We had a good time meeting the people. Tomorrow we will go see Bro. Duke in northern Germany for the weekend.
I am looking forward to the drive and seeing the rest of the country!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Germany Day 2
We had a really nice day today...even though we got off to a slow start.
We went for a walk through town this morning with the dog. He is so obedient, more obedient than most children. Angie told the dog to lay down, while we went in the bakery...and he did.
The bread here is phenomenal! We had sandwiches this morning. Apparently Germans don't eat a hot breakfast. They will eat a sandwich with jelly(the jelly makes it breakfast and not lunch) or a boiled egg. The interesting thing is they also like thier bread cold. I noticed this on the plane too, when they served us dinner and the meal was hot and the bread was cold. Today, I stuck the bread in the microwave...and that made it even better.
We went to downtown Heidelberg andthe Castle today. It was cold and rainy, but we still had a good time.
The castle is really a neat place. Its so amazing when you think that its over a 1000 years old.
It also had a pharmacy museum that was kind of interesting. While we there we also saw lots of army guys (& girls), so we were curious about what was going on. Turns out they army was having a re-enlistment ceremny. So we stayed and watched. There were probably over 150 soldiers taking the oath, and they were going to have additional ceremonies tomorrow! HOOAH!
After we left the castle, we walked down this long path down the mountain and went into the town "pedestrian zone". Its a street wtih no cars that's lined with lots of shops. We saw really nice Christmas store, soem beautiful cookoo clocks, and Subaway, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks. A tall hot chocoalte was 3.50 euros (and that was a cheap drink) I think that comes out to over 5 american dollars, but it was chilly and we wanted something hot to drink.
The other thing that struck us as odd, is that the people do not like to have thier picture taken. I was taking a picture of this bakery wtih all this beautiful fresh bread onthe shelf, and the cashier began to complain. weird.
For dinner Angie made the a delicious meal! The meat had some long German name...but it was cut up pork with mushrooms in a cream sauce served over rice, then she also made a tomato and zucchinni au gratin casserole with vegetables grown in her garden in the back. Needles to say, it was awesome, and I plan to get the seasonings I need to make it again when I home.
We are having a great time, but hopefully the sun will come out soon!
We went for a walk through town this morning with the dog. He is so obedient, more obedient than most children. Angie told the dog to lay down, while we went in the bakery...and he did.
The bread here is phenomenal! We had sandwiches this morning. Apparently Germans don't eat a hot breakfast. They will eat a sandwich with jelly(the jelly makes it breakfast and not lunch) or a boiled egg. The interesting thing is they also like thier bread cold. I noticed this on the plane too, when they served us dinner and the meal was hot and the bread was cold. Today, I stuck the bread in the microwave...and that made it even better.
We went to downtown Heidelberg andthe Castle today. It was cold and rainy, but we still had a good time.
The castle is really a neat place. Its so amazing when you think that its over a 1000 years old.
It also had a pharmacy museum that was kind of interesting. While we there we also saw lots of army guys (& girls), so we were curious about what was going on. Turns out they army was having a re-enlistment ceremny. So we stayed and watched. There were probably over 150 soldiers taking the oath, and they were going to have additional ceremonies tomorrow! HOOAH!
After we left the castle, we walked down this long path down the mountain and went into the town "pedestrian zone". Its a street wtih no cars that's lined with lots of shops. We saw really nice Christmas store, soem beautiful cookoo clocks, and Subaway, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks. A tall hot chocoalte was 3.50 euros (and that was a cheap drink) I think that comes out to over 5 american dollars, but it was chilly and we wanted something hot to drink.
The other thing that struck us as odd, is that the people do not like to have thier picture taken. I was taking a picture of this bakery wtih all this beautiful fresh bread onthe shelf, and the cashier began to complain. weird.
For dinner Angie made the a delicious meal! The meat had some long German name...but it was cut up pork with mushrooms in a cream sauce served over rice, then she also made a tomato and zucchinni au gratin casserole with vegetables grown in her garden in the back. Needles to say, it was awesome, and I plan to get the seasonings I need to make it again when I home.
We are having a great time, but hopefully the sun will come out soon!
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