Grab Your Jacket! Go To Germany!

 

The day after Christmas we decided that we would take a trip to Europe! We did not want to celebrate Christmas in a hotel like we did the year before, so we waited to leave until the next day. It was perfect! 

Our first of many stops,  and countries, was in Saudi Arabia. We had breakfast and watched the sunrise over the desert mountains. It was cool to be so close to Mecca and to see all the of the people either going to or returning from their religious pilgrimage. Then we were off to Germany! 

We have some family that are also expats and stationed in Frankfurt, so we decided it would be good to have our kids and their kids have cousins to play with. The closest cousins in proximity. And we were glad we did it. All of the kids had so much fun! They enjoyed every moment that we had together. 

These two wanted bacon cheese burgers from Smash Burger, even if it was early in the morning. 

Lucky Dragon brought along his village of stuffies! 

They have monitors around the airport that would play live feed of Mecca instead of the news. Each plan ride and meal on the plane started with a prayer too. Kind of cool experience

As we drove away from the Frankfurt airport we realized that we had not driven in over 8 months! We have been passengers in all kinds of vehicles--boats, trains, cars, trucks, planes, helicopters, taxis, vans and cars. But never driven ourselves! FREEDOOOOMM!!

At first the kids were a bit hesitant to meet, but that all ended a few moments later with the PieFace came out to enjoy!

We had several game nights laughed so hard as we played. We played the "name game" and realized that we a family of competitive people! HAHA. We played "Wolf" (a modified version of Mafia). We played the "couch game" which is kind of like musical chairs. It was a work out!  

In true Lady Hiva fashion, we stopped at every bakery she could find and each night I would unpack several bags of bread in all varieties out of the car! 

One of our first places to explore in Germany was Baden-Baden. Just a few miles southwest of Frankfurt, it is beautiful. It is starting into the Black Forest and along the French and Swiss borders so there is a mix of cultural influence in the food, the architecture, and the language. 

So many walking trails and villas to see. You could spend a week just exploring a different trail every day. We were in amazement as we drove down windy streets and saw the different styles of homes. 

The reason we went is for the Baden-Baden Christmas Market. It did not let us down! There was good food, entertainment and plenty of places to shop. 

The two Muggles were so happy to see that they had the chocolate tools. Lucky Dragon fell in love with these in Belgium several years ago and was excited to see they could buy them now. Lucky Dragon bought himself a saw blade and Koala Bear bought a lock and key. 

When we would all roll up to a store front, the place looked PACKED! 

We loved trying the flame grills bratwurst at each of the Christmas Markets. That was a staple of our trip--that and candied almonds and hot cocoa. 

I had to buy a scarf because my new nose does NOT like the cold. It would hurt so bad! Note to self, next nose job, stay in the tropical weather! 

They had a portico with a creche exhibit! We loved seeing all of the different artist renditions of the Luke 2 Christmas Story. It was a perfect way to find a creche from all the countries we visited! 

There was a large tree that was powered by energy you created riding a stationary bike. It was fun to watch everyone try. The crowd would cheer when the lights came on. 

We were so close to the Black Forest, we decided to take a tour in! We headed from Baden Baden to Mummelsee on a really scenic drive. The small cottage strewn green hills backed by larger mountains were picturesque. Photos just don't do  it justice. 

Lady Hiva brought home a true Black Forest Cuckoo clock!

She was also excited to try black forest gateau. Although did not like it at all. The liquor soaked cherries gave it a flavor that she hated. 

We also toured near by towns in Frankfurt. One of those was Mainz. We loved taking the kids to Mainz Dom and basking in the beauty of the architecture. 

They had a farmer's market in the cathedral square. It was delicious to see and to eat! We bought some fruit and just ate it right there. We didn't have to worry about washing them before we ate! 

We drove down the Rhine and stopped at some castles and palaces along the way. 

We had to get them away from the water...it was only a matter of mintues before someone was going to end up IN the river. 

We went to Eltville. It was such a cute little town. The iconic timber homes surrounding a small chapel and cobblestone streets. It was a peaceful place to walk. 

I held cooking lessons while Lady Hiva dipped strawberries for dessert! It was fun to work with this kids. 

Germany is amazing and this was just the start of the trip! So much to eat. So much to see. So much to experience!