Munich

Strolling through the streets of Munich is how we passed the time on Sunday. After checking out of the hotel, we caught the bus and then tram to the Hauptbahnhof to store our luggage for the day since our train back to Frankfurt did not leave till early evening. 

The storage area was chaotic with people trying to find an empty locker. When Eric decided he had looked through enough occupied locker bays and we were just going to take our luggage with us, I took one stroll down a bay and with perfect timing, a young guy offered me his locker that he was getting ready to empty. We stored our luggage and to the city center we went. 

The girls found it neat to pass under the brick archways and see the old buildings and their details. We window shopped, stopped for a bite to eat, visited the church, and let the girls run around a park. There was a variety of street entertainment which were good breaks as we strolled along the streets. 

We also came across a gourmet dessert cafe which simply could not be refused the second time around. The girls chose a raspberry chocolate mousse torte, Eric selected a raspberry torte with liqueur flavored filling, and I selected the Maelu Exclusive, a chocolate mousse filling with a chocolate crunch surprise inside covered by handmade chocolate. The dessert tasting event went quickly at our table with all of us sampling the tortes. I must note the Maelu Exclusive torte ranks high with the Belgium Neuhaus truffles I truly savor. 

After our afternoon treats, we headed back to the train station. Emmie fell asleep in the stroller and we still had time to spare before our train, so we headed to another park. At this park, we discovered an enjoyable biergarten to rest and have some food and beverages before we boarded the train. 

Upon getting our luggage out and making our way to the platform, Eric thought we were too early. However, our car was the very first car at the other end of the platform, so we had to walk to the end of the platform. By the time we reached the car, it was boarding time. We were the first ones on, but it worked out so the girls could get settled in their seats. They enjoyed riding backwards on this car. I noticed on the way back that many of the Audi cars that had been stacked up on the car transporter trains were now gone in. When we initially passed this one town on Friday afternoon, it looked like one of the Big 3 parking lots at the factories with all of the new cars. 

Our train was eight minutes late arriving into Frankfurt. Luckily, our car was the closest to Frankfurt's main station, so we did not have a long walk to catch the train to Hofheim and the elevator to our next train was just arriving as we were approaching it.  We made it to the platform for our train to Hofheim with two minutes to spare. 

Since the night air was warm, I though it would be nice to walk back home. Emmie sat on top of the suitcase in the stroller and the girls had fun with the flashlights leading the way. This was all great till the last hill to our apartment. We should have then got a taxi as the exhaustion and tiredness set in quickly. We made it home safely after our weekend adventure and all had a good nights sleep.

Oktoberfest

At 9:30am, the train was already filled with everyone in their lederhosen and drindl outfits.  We thought we started our day early in catching one of the first morning trains to Oktoberfest as it opened at 10am, but apparently not. The crowd led the way out of the station, through the neighborhood, and to the large festival.

We entered the festival by all of the large rides, so the girls were very excited about the day's activities. In the morning, we walked around to enjoy the festival atmosphere before it became too crowded. By 10:20am, we saw signs posted on the tents they were already at maximum occupancy and heard the loud noise all around, despite the doors being closed. The girls took a mini-roller coaster ride before I found the sweets tent, where we took a chocolate truffeltorte and donut break from walking. Our trek around the festival led us to the Historical Oktoberfest.

This year marked the 200th Anniversary of Oktoberfest. They had an area specifically set-up with many antique items on display from past festivals along with a timeline. The area also included traditional decoration and food, plus entertainment from older Oktoberfests as this was a quieter and child-friendly environment, representing how the festival initially was. The girls enjoyed riding the ponies and seeing the horses decorated for a show in the arena. We took a break in the children's biergarten with little picnic tables.

This picture was taken at 1:30pm.

Our journey continued to the vintage ferris wheel. While we were waiting in line, the girls took a short nap as Eric and I were being herded like cattle into the boarding area of the car. Germans do not believe in order when boarding rides, so it is a rush to be first in line as it is just a large area in front of the rides and whoever physically gets nearest the ride, gets to take a ride. Once boarded, we all enjoyed the view from above Oktoberfest. It was incredible for how early in the day the festival was packed with visitors.

After our family ride, the girls selected the couple of rides they wanted to go on. Adeline chose the swings, while Emmie picked a bug she could control to fly up and down as it spun around. We all went on the bumper cars. Emmie was tossed around in the seat, but she loved it when we crashed into Eric and Adeline. At the last minute, Adeline choose the tall slide over the roller coaster. Eric took both girls on it and managed to get a little airborne with Adeline.

Before leaving in the early afternoon, we picked out our souvenirs. The girls choose the traditional gingerbread heart shaped cookie. I  saw some small beer mugs I liked when we initially walked into the festival, but obtaining a pair on our way out turned out to be a race around the park. We found the first one on one of the stand's shelves, but it was the last one at that stand, so we went to look for others. After searching four other stands nearby, we raced back to get that one. As we worked our way through the crowd and out of the festival, we were unsuccessful in finding one more until the stand at the entrance. Eric saw it in the window display and started to reach for it, when the stand operator questioned what he was doing. I believe we got the last two mugs.

We boarded the subway and headed to the University area for a quiet early dinner where we could enjoy our Bavarian meal and beers. Oktoberfest was a great experience and we had a fun family day at the festival.

To Munich

Early Friday afternoon, our friendly neighbor, Karolin,  drove me to pick up the girls from school and then onto the station, so we could begin our weekend adventure. We arrived early for our planned local train, which was good as the elevator was broken to ascend to the train platform. I lugged the stroller, lunch boxes, and duffelbag up the 2 flights of stairs while the girls followed. We made it to the top just as the earlier train was pulling into the station. We quickly boarded it while a young lady held the door open for me to get Emmie onto the train. We arrived at Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof with lots of time to spare since we took the earlier train into the city. Our first train trip was complete and we only had two more trains to get on and off of before the hotel. 

We found our way to the platform for the long distance ICE train. While waiting for our train to arrive, the girls ate some of their lunch and just observed everything going on within the train station. They were very anxious for our train to arrive. 

When our train did arrive, we boarded the correct car number. Due to it being a short stopover in Frankfurt, I was nervous about getting us and the gear on the train as it is quite hectic with people getting on and off with their bags. Unfortunately, it was the wrong end of the car I boarded, so we had to make our way through the entire car to the opposite end for our seats. I was very happy to have my seat reservations as it was a full train. The girls took their seats and enjoyed watching the coutnryside, going through the dark tunnels, and coloring their pictures. After a few stops, the train started to empty, so we had more room. This worked out great as the girls were able to get a little sleep before we arrived in Munich.

We arrived in Munich eleven minutes later than planned. Eric had phoned me about getting to the hotel on the street train (tram) so I was prepared when I got out of the train station. We disembarked quickly and made our way down the platform, looking for the tram signs. Eric's information was quite helpful as the station was crazy with so many people going in every direction. We did stop and get pretzels for the third train ride- our last train ride of the day.

I found the tram station on the north side of the main train station and had to wait only a few minutes for it to arrive. Thanks to some young guys, they made room for us and the stroller on the tram as there was no room with all of the people already on board. As the tram rounded the corner to the front of the station, my heart dropped when I saw the group of people waiting to get on. I had to jump off since I was in the doorway when it stopped, but quickly re-boarded. The girls were able to get seats together for the rest of the ride with the shuffling of people. 

We made it to our final stop near the Englisher Garten. Here we de-boarded the tram and walked to the hotel. We were welcomed into the lobby by many people in lederhosen and dirndls as they were already enjoying happy hour. We rested for a few minutes and then set off on walk to the Chinese Turm as Eric would not be joining us till later. He was at Oktoberfest with PRTM in the Käfer Wies'n- Schänke tent. The company was able to reserve a late afternoon time slot, which conveniently coincided with happy hour and dinner time. He did inform he was 1 of 3 guys not dressed in lederhosen. One guy was also not from Germany and the other one was from Germany, but his mom made him wear them so much growing up, he refused to wear them today.

We walked over to the Chinese Turm  to walk up the stairs to view the city, but it was closed. We did find a playground and then the biergarten. After helping some lost travelers from Oktoberfest who had been walking for over an hour, we sat down and consumed a large glass of Sprite.

In the early evening, Eric joined us while we were at the hotel's indoor pool. He enjoyed his evening in the beer tent.  He commented how when the reservation time is up, they completely empty the tents and close the doors. This then just creates chaos around the entire area as mass amounts of people are leaving and then you have those who are waiting to get into the tents. 

It was an early evening as Saturday was going to be a big day attending Oktoberfest 2010.

4 months and still enjoying it

This weekend marked our 4th month of living here. By our lifestyle, we must be adjusting. First, my weekend menu of zwiebelkuchen (onion cakes), Federwiesser (wine), and kurbiscremesuppe (pumpkin soup) was also the menu of many restaurants downtown. We have had our car now for  2 months and have put only 776 miles on it. Eric and I guess about 40% of the miles are from going to church on Sundays. 

Monday afternoon, we attended a puppet show, Der Froschkoenig (The Frog Prince), with Melanie and her girls. The children all sat in the front of the adults as they had little chairs just for them. The girls had a fun outing, even though they did not catch everything the puppets were saying. 

This upcoming weekend we are meeting Eric in Munich for Oktoberfest. Adeline saw the drindl I picked up for her and thought it was the best dress ever. She loves how it has a little apron, just like Cinderella's dress.  Saturday you might be able to catch us on the Oktoberfest webcam. Click for Oktoberfest webcam and information We are looking forward the weekend family adventure that starts Friday with the train ride to Munich.

New Discoveries

An Indian summer week brought new discoveries for the girls. We throughly enjoyed being out  and about in the warm sunshine, but I forgot to take my camera along the way to capture the moments.

Tuesday afternoon, we visited the Lotz family. Philip and Titus were very excited to show Adeline and Emmie Pirate Island. Near their house is a little river with a small island on it. The children had a fun time pretending they were pirates, crossing back and forth on the rock bridge, climbing through the trees, and walking along the shoreline. By the time we left, the bottom of their pants and socks and shoes were soaked.

Wednesday afternoon the girls both had play dates with their friends. They each a had a fun afternoon playing with friends from their school. Adeline taught her friend the American games of , "What Time is it Mr. Fox? and Mother May I". Adeline waved to her teacher who was driving by on a motorcycle when she was coming home from the playground. She found this exciting that her teacher was driving a motorcycle. 

Thursday afternoon, we walked through the fields to the local farm with Melanie and her girls. At the farm, we found fresh  apple cider. They set the cider out in a large plastic container and it is self- serve to fill your own bottles. Luckily, they had 1 liter  bottles for us to fill, so we could get some. The girls are already planning to go back with bigger bottles this weekend for more. On our way home, we watched the tractor collecting the potatoes from the field. Adeline found this neat how the machinery separated the dirt and grass from the potatoes as they went up the conveyer belt. As we continued walking along the fields, the girls discovered the farmer left little potatoes behind, so they each proceeded to gather a handful of baby spuds for us at home.

This week in school was International Walk to School week. It appeared more parents walked this week, but it may have also been due to the nice weather. On Wednesday, Adeline's school hiked up to the forest to visit the wild pigs and deer. The children fed the pigs noodles and enjoyed the warm sunny weather. Adeline is starting to sing the German songs she is learning in school and in turn, Emmie is also picking up on the lyrics.

Emmie is enjoying school even though she got a few bumps and bruises this week from playing on the playground. She makes it a point to say and wave good bye to her girlfriends before she leaves the classroom.

My German class is going good. The teacher also gave us a pop quiz at the end of one class. I did good though as I received a smiley face on my paper.  The interactive conversation is helpful as I now have small conversations with Adeline's friends before school. The girls think this is fun as I will ask them something in German and then inform them what is is called in English. Animals and their corresponding sound seem to bring the most giggles from them as animals even have their own language depending on their country.

Apples and Pumpkins

We spent the weekend gathering apples and enjoying fall flavors. The Indian summer days started cool ( low 40's), but by mid afternoon, when the sun shining bright, it warm and enjoyable.

Emmie gathered apples with her class Friday morning, so the girls made apple crisp for dessert. The aroma from it cooking was a nice welcome home for Eric from work.

Saturday morning at the market, we picked up a pumpkin and Federweisser along with our normal items. Click to read about Federweisser The tasty Federweisser reminded us of the Esslingen Onion Festival and how we had onion cakes with it. Next week, my grocery list will consist of onion cakes, Federweisser, and another pumpkin.

Saturday afternoon, the Lotz family came over. Our two families went for a stroll along the fields at the edge of Hofheim. We picked more apples and then fed some of the apples to the horses on the way back home. We came back to our house for doughnuts, apple pockets, and drinks. Unfortunately, they have only apple orchards and no cider mills for an afternoon outing of sweets to go along with the apple picking.

Saturday evening, I made pumpkin soup for Sunday's dinner. It was a good thing I made a large batch as 1/3 of it ended up all over the kitchen when I was pureeing it in the blender. Everyone else found the the pumpkin explosion in the kitchen to be funny when I screamed as it started exploding out of the blender. I was just happy to have it cleaned up quickly and the pumpkin raviolis did not overcook meanwhile for our current dinner. However, I should have taken a note with the blender incident, as I then burned the pumpkin seeds because I forgot to turn the oven temperature down when I put them in. Adeline did not mind though as she initially questioned why we were having pumpkin seeds even though it was not Halloween.

Sunday afternoon, I took a break from the kitchen and went to a Tupperware Party. I was Melanie's quiet guest as I did not have much to say. I was able to understand about 85% of what the consultant and many of the other attendees were talking about due to my German class and helping Adeline with her schoolwork. Eventually, I will comfortable with the conversation part.

I came home to enjoy the 1st batch of simple Pumpkin soup. Everyone ate a bowl of it, so that is a good sign.  Now I just need to find a few more easy recipes that make it a little more creamy and with a little more flavor for the next batch.

Batteries not required

This week was a week filled with simple and fun extra-circular activities. Adeline is in ballet class on Monday afternoons, so she is enjoying the poses and techniques she is learning. Emmie likes it when she comes home and shows her how to do them.

Tuesday afternoon, the school had a spielmobile (cargo van filled with outdoor toys) come to their playground area. The girls had different  riding toys to try out, plus test their eye hand coordination at tetherball. Adeline did a good job whacking the ball back to her friend on the other side of the pole. Some of the different riding carts had the kids pedaling with their hands, pedaling tricycle style with a rider on the front like a shopping basket, and a round saucer on a scooter for the kids to pull one another on. The most challenging toy was the Pedalo Classic, a balance and coordination trainer.  Click to see image of Pedalo Classic toy Adeline thought it was fun, but it took her a few tries for her to get the hang of it. Emmie had a fun time using her hands to maneuver it around the school yard. The girls also had fun playing Sjoelbak (indoor shuffleboard) and a few other games with wooden pucks and strikers.

Even though it rained early Wednesday morning, we were able to go walking in the  fields on the outside of town with our neighbors in the late afternoon. Judith and Zoe showed us where there are public apple trees, so we could pick some apples for our snack. We also passed an area where they conduct horse lessons, so all of the girls enjoyed watching the horses parade around.

Eric surprised us with an early return home on Thursday as his Paris meeting was rescheduled. I was thankful with his early return home since there was a bomb alert at the Eiffel tower earlier in the week. He did inform me he had some tasty USA food to make up for the tunafish pizza Lufthansa tried to serve him before he landed in Chicago on Monday morning.

In school, Adeline is answering math questions and enjoying the variety of teaching methods presented to her in learning the alphabet and its phonics. Although we do not think US school standards would be okay with having a picture of a filled beer mug on a worksheet, but here bier (beer) rhymes with vier (4), so it goes.

Emmie had a better week this week despite Monday's morning fall into the thistle bush on their return walk from seeing the wild baby pigs and deer. She appears to be Miss Popularity as all of the girls want to help her out and are having fun playing with her.  When we leave class, they all say, "bye-bye". She said this initially to them when  she left class the first three weeks of school, but now she says, "Tschuss".

The stores are starting to advertise and stock the shelves with Christmas treats, chocolates, and drinks. I, along with others, think it is too early to see these treats in the store, since we are just starting to enjoy the pumpkin, squash, and apple flavors of the fall season.