Baden Baden

After a quick stop in Koln, Germany, we arrived in Baden Baden that afternoon.:)  This beautiful little town is where many Germans head for rest and relaxation in the Black Forest.

There were so many beautiful homes...

And the kids were very ready to sprawl out in the apartment we rented after being in the car all day...

I had to bring my YNO friends with me:)

After a quick drop off of our bags, we headed into the city center for a walk and to find a place to have dinner...

I love the architecture here.:)

And we found a great little German restaurant just off the one of the side streets near the city center.:)

And of course we had to top off our evening with some ice cream!!

Tomorrow we are off to France!! Au Revoir!!:)

Koln, Germany - Thursday, May 25, 2017

May 25th was the first day of Jeremy and Elizabeth's break from school, and we headed off to Germany.  Along the way, we stopped in Cologne for lunch and then a quick tour through the Cologne Cathedral.  You can read more about the cathedral and its history here.

The Cathedral was started in 1248 and wasn't completed until 1880!!  It truly is amazing to walk around inside...there are works a=of art as far as the eye can see...

And then, we were off through the shopping district and back into our cars to head to Baden Baden, Germany!:)

It's Beginning to Look (and Feel) Alot Like Christmas!

It seems that the days are getting shorter with each passing day.  The temperatures are getting colder, and the calendar says it is already December 12!  This is the first December in a long time that I remember experiencing it being cold.  We have lived in a warm climate for the last 18 years, so the "feel" of Christmastime is a new experience for our family!

So, when some new friends asked us to go along with them to Oldenberg, Germany on Saturday to go to a Christmas market, we jumped at the opportunity to experience a German Christmas market for ourselves.  This small town is just about an hour and half car ride away from Groningen.  You can click here  for more information about the market, and you can click here for more information on Oldenberg, Germany.

We woke up early on Saturday and were on the road by 8 a.m. (thank goodness, Jeremy is on a winter break from his Saturday soccer games!). We arrived in Oldenberg at about 10 a.m.

The first order of business was to get a quick bite to eat and some really good German coffee!!!

 And some hot chocolate.:)

And some tea!!

Then, we were on our way to the market...

Elizabeth and her friend wanted to give some money to a small band playing in the town center.:)

Lamberti Markt is the Christmas market set up every year in Oldenberg, Germany.  Once you walk in and see all the small stalls with vendors selling souvenirs, ornaments and all the delicious German food, you start to feel like the Christmas season has arrived.:)

walking through the market

German Sausages

Too many sweets and candy stalls to count!!

TONS of cheeses!!

I know it looks like J is looking at the the nail polish in this picture, but he really is looking at the hand painted cottages up on the shelves!:)

So many varieties of pretzels!

I thought of my mom when I saw this....wood plank smoked salmon!!!

When the kids were tired of just walking around, there were some rides for them...

And. later on in the day, it is almost obligatory to partake in some gluhwein!!  This warm wine drink will keep you nice and toasty from your head right down to your feet!  To read more about what exactly gluhwein is, click here.

Guy, myself and our friends were fans, but the kids...not so much. Don't worry!  They got the non alcohol version!!  But, it was fun for them to try it out and get into the spirit of things!:)

And after our feet were tired from walking and the gluhwein was making us feel a bit tired, it was time for another quick stop in one of the German cafes for some great coffee and some fabulous apple strudel!!!

You HAVE to get apple strudel when you come to Germany....I think it may be a law!!:)

We had a great time at the Christmas market this weekend!  I miss my family and friends back home dearly during this holiday time, but it is so fun to make new memories and be able to explore Europe!

Until next time, Doei!:)