Quaint little villages just as you picture it outside of Frankfurt. I never realized it, but Frankfurt which is only 15 kilometers away is an amazing International gem of a city. A melting pot of customs and cultures. Our 'hood' and quite frankly my 'weg' (alley) is quite international. Mainly Germans, but quite a few from other countries. We are luckly to have lovely German neighbors that have been showing us the way. I've quickly learned that there's a 'way' and there's a 'German way'. If it snows even a dusting....you shovel your walk and driveway...you shovel the sidewalk in front of the house, then you sweep - hard to believe....but you sweep (with a regular old broom) the snow....then you salt! Germans are so dilligent that they have this done before the sun even rises. Our driveway is narrow, steep and cobblestone.....let's just say it's been interesting and slippery. The language barrier is not too bad - and I'm taking my german lessons......it is a hard language...and the kids are leaving me in the dust. I find Germans to be very gracious people....as long as you try a little German, they do their best to flip to English. I've met a few people in town that will help me with German...if I return the favor with English......that's the way to do it. Most Germans won't extend an invitation to their home......and my relocation specialist's head spun around when I asked if there were any holiday house tours, or garden tours in the spring. That would be a very simple...NO! I am bound and determined before I leave the country, to see the inside of one of these beautiful German homes in town. We'll see if it happens.
One of our lovely streets
Would love to see one of these......
Can a family of '5' really be quiet?
We have yet to determine the answer to this question. German schools let out at 12:30....can you believe it? Luckily the International Schools have hours similar to those in the states. Home at lunch everyday.....and with things always closed on Sundays - there have got to be some 'German Super Moms' out there and there's a whole lotta stroganoff and wurst going on! Everyday from 1-3 is quiet time.....peaceful and quiet. Kids have a warm meal and do their homework. All day Sunday is quiet time....no lawn mowing....yelling....no kids coming down the 'weg' on their scooters saying 'yee haw' - (can't imagine who that might be). We're adjusting nicely and haven't had the Polizei at the door and we're a month in..........
Berlingers or bust!
What's wrong with this picture.....there were 6
Berlingers are great way to make a good impression in the hood.....a cross between a good old crispy creme and a dunkin jelly donut. Most Germans have Kaffee und Kuchen in the afternoon. Berlinger and coffee - not bad! There are so many lovely bakeries in town...and in the afternoon you sit and have your treat....you just have to speed walk home.....if you know what I mean! (major calories) I'm adjusting to this custom quite well!
Junior - Junior
It ain't no blinger.....but I've fallen in love with Jr. No SUV's to be found in this country. I'm a long ways from getting my German license.. a written test is to come in the months to follow, but quite frankly, I think I should have earned my license just by navigating down the street and into my garage each day. Just have to lay off the berlingers so I can actually get out of my car once I'm in the garage.
True confession - there have been times I've just simply closed my eyes and hoped for the best as I pull into the garage. Requirements for Junior - Junior were simple: automatic and great nav! Mission accomplished! I do have a bit of a complex though...as everyone time you pull in or out there's bound to be someone watching in the hood.
