Christmas in Germany

As I sit down to write this entry, Germany has been our home for two years.  I think back to the day we were scheduled to fly from Connecticut to Germany, and the awful snowstorm that hit the northeastern seaboard. We ended up arriving a day later than expected and walked into our new home in Kronberg with boxes from floor to ceiling (and 3 days before Christmas).  Our relocation agent had put up a Christmas tree so the house was filled with the aroma of Christmas.  I'll never forget how Noah peeked out the window (and if you've been here you know it's a bit like a fishbowl...and everyone knows what you do and where you are in the house) and saw his cousins David and Megan.  My eyes just filled with tears - so happy they were here to help us move in and be here at Christmas....but so worried because I didn't know a thing...or know a person.

Frankfurt Banhof with Dave, Heather and the kids! (2009)

  Somehow we made it.....and today I sit and glance at the Christmas tree now filled with ornaments from places we've traveled throughout Europe.  I look at the paintings on the walls and each tells a story of somewhere we've been in the last two years on this journey.  I think of my Christmas card list which now includes friends from all over the world.  

This time of year is always a time of refection.  No matter where you are in the world, Christmas is a special time.  Living in Germany at Christmas is especially beautiful...the last two years we have had snow on the ground...but this year it has been mild (and rainy).  We were able to walk through some Christmas markets which transform the local villages into real life fairy tales....with twinkling lights, and of course the taste and smell of the ever so popular gluhwein.  Caleb had his fair share of kinder punch...and reported to his entire class that he is 'hooked' on gluhwein.  I guess it's better than what he told his kindergarten class after a trip to Belgium and his remark (that made the Primary newsletter nonetheless) 'I love beer'. 

Living in another country and culture has proven to be rewarding....but challenging at times as well.  As an expat - your friends become your family.  Your support network.  Most of our husbands travel the globe, and it truly is a blessing to have friends that have 'been there, done that' and help out at a moments notice.  One challenge is saying goodbye to friends.  It's just part of the lifestyle....but I can honestly say I haven't gotten used to it.  We said goodbye to dear friends this year that arrived in Germany when we did.  They are now off to Australia (which is home for them)...and we look forward to a visit down under in the not too distant future.  Noah is already saving his money for his trip to Australia when he graduates. I have no doubt this will happen!  This experience has made the world a much smaller place.  I often tell Noah (now that he's in 6th grade) that when I was in 6th grade, I had to write a paper on the most interesting place I thought I'd ever go.  I chose Maine.  Now being a Wisconsin girl, I couldn't even imagine how great it would be to see that part of the US and the eastern sea board.  Eat lobsters....and be out on the ocean - that would be a crazy adventure for sure.  I never even imagined I'd be living in Europe, and still pinch myself when I look at what my kids are experiencing.  They look at the world so differently than I ever did at their age.  They are accepting of other cultures and ways of life.  It is very refreshing.  When Caleb talks about his new friends at school...I never know if they are from India, China, England....he never mentions color...just their names! (and I have to be honest - sometimes the names give it a way...and I never know how to spell them...but he sure does)  It always gives me goosebumps...and I am very proud of how all of them have adjusted.  I said in one of my first posts - that we will be forever changed from this experience.....and that continues to hold true.  It is an ongoing adventure...and we are truly blessed to be able to experience it as a family.

I certainly miss my family and close friends, and during the holidays it's especially tough.  It's these times of year that make me feel very far away.  Tim knows and recognizes that I am most homesick when I am out of my routine....when the kids have breaks from school....and people scatter all over the globe, and there isn't that daily visit with friends that speak english.  We usually plan our trips around those breaks (and as you know there are many)....and we are thrilled to take a trip to somewhere very sunny this holiday ( I still can't believe it)....I will keep it a secret until my next post as it is a surprise for the kids.  Although my very savvy daughter has clued in....and has told me to close my tabs on the computer......gotta love it!

We were so blessed to have many visitors over the last year.  Dear friends from the US traveled to spend time with us.  We also had several visits from family - we are so very lucky.  Grandma Do and Pa (Dave and Doreen, Tim's parents) have visited 3 times in the last year.  Amazing!  As soon as we hear when someone is coming we start counting the days......and of course we never know how they make it through customs with all the bags of pop tarts and chocolate chips they bring with them.  We would love to have you visit.....so plan your trip - and we'll pencil it in.  I've gotten really good at being a tour guide...and there's so much to see - and all so close to Frankfurt!

Trip to Umbria, Italy (Summer 2011)

We spent a week with Dave, Heather and the kids in Umbria

Caleb with Megan and Hannah - loving every minute

Skiing in Austria (February 2011)

Hannah and her friend Ashley skiing

Ben and Emily Mabon visiting in the spring

A trip to London with the our dear friends Dave and Laura Mabon

Our 19th wedding anniversary - took an 'antiquing' trip to Belgium

The Hernke's visit us in Germany

My college friend, Joan and her family visited

Dad's and daughers (Italy, 2011)

Tim & Dave in Umbria, 2011

My sister Ellen and her husband Tom visit

Although I miss my peppermint mochas (Starbucks doesn't have those in Germany).....and my XM holiday tunes (don't have that, either)......we do love our time here in Germany! 

Here's wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas....and a New Year filled with love, laughter and good health (and maybe a visit to Germany)

Merry Christmas!
Luke 2:13-14
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

PFD's

It's been awhile since I've had a moment to update my blog.  Of course crazy things have happened in the past month or so......but now that kids are settling into another year of school, I have a moment to just 'be'. 

Keep in mind that we've now been on this adventure in Germany for close to two years - how time flies.  I always say when I look in the mirror everyday I don't see it.....but pictures tell a thousand words.  Maybe a few more grays....certainly a few frown lines - but I'd have to say I think a whole lot more smile lines are apparent due to this adventure.

We just got back from summer back in the U.S.  What a treat.  Family, friends....convenience.  As we boarded the airplane with our 6 suitcases packed just to capacity I knew I forgot at least one thing on my list of to dos.  I checked most of the boxes....but of course forgot about one thing.....

I forgot to take my dress to the tailor.  Ok - no biggie - there are tailors in Germany - I can handle forgetting that one.  Thankfully I didn't forget something like Reese's peanut butter cups or my two jars of Jiffy or chocolate chips. 

So I started unpacking the numerous suitcases full of everything possible...and came across the dress.  It's not like it's a special, one of a kind dress....but it was a dress I wanted to take along to Italy.  We were leaving in 5 days - so I figured I'd take it to my little tailor in our village.  So I headed off into town to the nearest schneiderei (tailor). We had some friends visiting from the U.S. so I dragged Hannah and our friends daughter along with me.  I open the door to the tailor shop and of course, it's a young, somewhat cute German man.  I open with my usual pick up line, "Sprechen Sie Englisch"...and I get my usual line back....just a little.  I proceed to put my lovely blue linen halter top dress on his table and try to communicate to him that I need some 'padding' put in the dress because it's a bit too low in the back.  Now if you're a woman reading this you will clearly know what I'm in need of....it's fairly simple.  The man looked quite puzzled.....actually maybe more than puzzled would be a fair comment.  So at this point in the conversation I turn to no other that my 'cooperative, supportive, kind and good german-speaking daughter'.  The color has pretty drained from her face as she knows what I'm going to say next.....My next line of fire....oh, my daughter speaks good German....she can explain.  Ok - not so good when you have a young man tailor, and two 14 year old completely mortified girls with you...that know exactly what they have to try and communicate to this man.  Hannah gives me a look..but tries to explain.  She simply says (in her best german) my mom needs some padding .....and without her even finishing the sentence he says, 'ok'....your mother is klein (which means small).....I could pick up that word from the conversation....and she needs some  - and he points to his chest.....As you can imagine the room was a bit uncomfortable....but of course with a smile on my face I agree...and think he clearly understands.  It will be done in 5 days...because he has to go shopping for something special for me.  I talked him into speeding it up a bit and would back to pick up the dress in 2 days.  Needless to say...walking home was hilarious...as the girls re-enacted the entire conversation - with hand motions the whole way home.....I definitely developed some new smile lines from that conversation.

Well - two days later I head back to the tailor.  Hannah goes with me without hesitation...she just can't wait to see the end result.  As the little bell chimed and we walked in the door I could already see the dress....it was hanging right in front of us.  I kind of knew there was a problem as the dress seemed to be a bit heavy on the hanger.  The same young man comes to greet us.....Guten Tag.  I now can get a glimpse of the dress.....houston, we have a problem....a BIG problem and let's just emphasize BIG.  He takes the dress off the hanger and lays it in front of us.  Hannah and I started to giggle and once we start...there's no stopping.  He definitely needed to find something special for me.....and he did emphasize 'klein' the first time around....so let's just suffice to say that what was placed in front of us resembled personal flotation devices - yes PFD's.  I honestly think that they probably will end up under a seat on an airplane and will certainly allow any size person to float comfortably down the Atlantic.  Luckily he was a very wise tailor...and didn't sew them in....just simply pinned them.  He wanted to make sure they were the right size.....needless to say we were able to communicate - please unpin...and return the PFD's to their original packaging.....and I think I will opt for 'au natural' when I wear the dress......

So.... we've been here close to two years...and there still are times when I just sit back and giggle!  You have to..... otherwise I would have way too many frown lines!  So - next time you walk into your local tailor...or you simply see a PFD.....please think of me!  (and giggle...because everyone needs a few more smile lines)

Until next time,
Auf wiedersehen

Second time's a charm

Usually it's third time's a charm...but I'll go with second this time around.  Last year we had only been in Germany 6 weeks and were off for our first official Euro ski break.  Isn't it crazy that the kids get a week off and they actually call it 'ski break'.  Well - what's a person to do with an invite like that, but to ski!  So we headed to the Alps.  I still have a hard time saying, 'I'm skiing the Alps' given the fact in Mr. Timm's 6th grade class at Herbert Hoover Elementary I had to think of the most exotic place to go in my life....and I wrote about Maine.  So as you can imagine actually skiing in Austria is still a lot to imagine and we feel extremely lucky.

Packing a family of 5 for any trip is a challenge - but then you add in all the ski gear - need I say more. By the time Tim got home from work on Friday you couldn't even walk in the front door.  Suitcases, LL Bean bags with zippers bulging, and of course my personal favorite part of skiing vacations.....games and all the fixins' for apres ski.  We had a bit of a strategy after last year's trek to Austria remembering most of the EU has ski break at the same time....most head to ski.....and there seems to one way up and one way back.  Our strategy was to wake up at 5:00 and hit the road.....and as I said before:  second time's a charm.  The traffic was spotty, but not like we experienced last year with the autobahn parking lot.  We were skiing with a group of about 40 including kiddos.....so some texts were exchanged along the route....and re-route....and excitement built as we climbed the windy roads to our hotel.  It's always fun driving these roads with a passenger who has a fear of heights (that would be me).  It is breath-taking and nerve-wracking at the same time.  The kids are always saying, "mom, you really don't want to look down right now, but look at that!!"  I also love Tim's comments on the fact he's amazed there are no guard rails......oh well, who needs those anyways on icy, hairpin turns?
For all the snow we got in December, it's amazing that there really wasn't much snow when we arrived....but that soon changed, as another couple of feet fell (or 60 cm - look how far I've come with the metric system in 15 months) the first two nights we were there.  I was well-informed that the hotel was going to be 1800 meters up....ski in / ski out and no town but get a load of the picture.....

It was amazing.....all nestled in the mountainside.  Tim was like a kid in a candy store...loving every minute of the fact he could ski in and out...and his wife wasn't going to be asking for any money as there was no where to shop.  It was incredibly beautiful to see the sun shining and a clear, blue sky.  I could swear that the mountains were covered with powdered sugar.
Once we unloaded and unpacked it was time for the moment we all dread as a family of 5.  Ski rental!!!!  Could Nike ever invent a comfortable lightweight 'air' ski boot?  Once you figure out the kids weight in kgs, height in km, and European shoe size (which is not the same as the UK or US), and you try to decipher what they're trying to ask you in the Austrian dialect of German......I was about ready for apres ski....and we haven't even skied yet.  The kids were troopers and got everything sorted....mom was the weakest link.  I can never get my heel in the ski boots - can anyone relate?  I will admit that this is the first trip that I can actually say I've mastered it. (just the getting ready part - not the skiing part)  The entire Schmidt clan could latch, lace, buckle, snap, zip, and ski on their own!  Another milestone accomplished!

Caleb mastered the poles...and the cutest outfit (no mom bias)

Noah skiing through the deep stuff

Hannah and Ashley -the teen skiers!

With our good friends Donna and Wes and family

As I look back at all the pictures I've decided that it's a good thing there is no 'snow security' because we all look like ninjas.  I went up to one guy in our group one afternoon and told him that his kids were covered and skiing like champs.  He replied, "thanks, and I have no idea who you are".  With the helmet, the ski, the neck wrap everyone looks the same. But I definitely stand out on the slopes - I'm the one taking the enormous side to sides.  The skiing was great even for a rookie like me. I had never experienced skiing through powder - so that was an adventure and softened the fall a bit. This year was especially nice for 'mom' as the whole family skies a heck of a lot better than me...but with a group this size there was always someone ready to ski with me.  I even got to do a few runs with the kids on their way to the blacks....Hannah had a group of teenagers to ski with which was a treat....and ski school for the boys is always a hoot.  Caleb spent the last day doing a slalom race and took 5th place.

I will say that the apres ski was one of the best parts of the vacation.....the adults met in one room and the kids entertained themselves with cards or scattagories.  Good wine, good conversation, good stories.  Skiing stories are a bit like rehashing 18 holes on the golf course (which I can never do)...but for some reason men can recite every mogul, bump, icy patch and remember every run number they skied throughout the day.  That was pretty easy for me as I pretty much stuck to 3 runs....all blue with no moguls, icy spots, or steep parts!  But I did make it to the top of the mountain and was part of the family pic this year!  Another milestone.....second time's a charm. 

Apres ski rosy cheeks

So all in all the whole group had a great week!  No major injuries.....no drama....just good old family fun!  We came a long ways in a week of skiing.  The ski boots never comfortable...but a little advil helped with the aches and pains.  As we turned in our equipment, (and could actually walk in regular shoes again), and loaded our stinky ski clothes in the car for the trek back to Germany we all came away with great memories of skiing in the Alps.  Since the second time was a charm we look forward to what the third time brings!

Now this certainly is a holiday!

Now when I usually think of a holiday I think of a special occasion.  But now that I have lived in Germany for over a year, holiday has taken on a whole new meaning.  You know what....Europeans have this holiday-thing down.  The kids get three weeks off for Christmas, and I love every minute of the European school schedule.  Now keep in mind we only get 6 weeks off for summer....so it all evens out in the end.  We booked our first ever......10 day.....crazy long....holiday to Tenerife.  I must admit a year ago I had no idea where Tenerife was or anything about it....so my German may not have improved but by golly my geography sure has!  All I knew about Tenerife was that is was one of the Canary Islands (who knew)....and I'll be the first to tell you there ain't any canaries to be found....but the Canaries are a group of islands southwest of Morocco that are owned by Spain.

As usual I packed the bags (except for Hannah - she does her own packing - and she is darn good at it...puts me to shame - she's forever whipping out some cute outfit - and all I have are mismatched shoes).  I had a flashback to my childhood as we stood in the airport check in line.  We had 20 inches of snow on the ground in Frankfurt...and darn it we were heading somewhere warm...who needs a coat, right?  Back in the old days (as my kids say) I was (and still am) the youngest of five kids. I can remember loading the car for our annual trek from Wisconsin to Florida for springbreak.  My dad would have his bermuda shorts on before we crossed into Illinois.  So flashback...as I looked around at the other customers standing in line heading for sunny Spain...they had on coats and hats...and we were sporting a lighweight fleece and flats. (no socks)  But as I noted before, not Hannah....she was appropriately dressed and toasty warm. Watch out Spain the Schmidt clan is a comin' your way.

As we got to the ticket counter it was a bit like a scene from 'Meet the Fockers'....when Ben Stiller got upgraded to first class, and everything seemed to going just right....we got upgraded - no questions asked (and we didn't even ask) - although we did stand out with our spring/summer attire and maybe he just felt a little sorry for us.  But in any event....we will take it!  Sold!  As we boarded the plane and got our family of 5 settled in, it was time to begin this magical thing Europeans call holiday...maybe a mimosa, or one of those nice warm towels...but all I could focus on at that very moment was the incredible amount of coughing, sneezing, wheezing and who knows what else circulating all around us - blowing right in my face - I can never reach the thing to turn it off......how in the world will we actually get off this flight without catching some crazy, exotic bug....and then landing in some island...ok..just sit back, relax and stop worrying.  Of course the rest of the family is settled in...it just takes 'mom' a bit longer. 
Our flight from Frankfurt to Madrid was quite easy - who can complain when you're sitting at the front of the plane.  As we got off the flight attendant said, "buenos dias" not 'guten tag'.....my holiday had begun.  Although as we walked to our next gate I did notice there were an awful lot of Ugg boots and parkas everywhere...hmm....it will get warmer after this next 3 hour flight, right? 
We weren't so lucky on the next leg of our journey - no upgrade - and as a matter of fact we were scattered all over the plane....and it was a full - filled to the brim - luggage jammed in overheads kind of flight.  As we took off the flight attendant started going over all the safety items in spanish, then german....and finally english.  Those are the moments when you feel a long, long ways from home.  The flight was uneventful, although we could see the beautiful sea below us and that got our adrenalin flowing. As we got off this leg of our journey I really didn't spot any parkas or Uggs...I think we're going to be ok.  Of course the kids are stripping off their fleeces and baring those wonderful pasty white arms.......Our Spanish holiday has begun.

It's a lot of concrete right smack in the middle of the Ocean

We spotted the taxi stand and waited for a taxi large enough for 5 people and their baggage.  These taxis are not made for families of 5, so just imagine something like a cross between a mini van and a station wagon pulling up.....the driver proceeded to flip up a jump seat in the way back....and who gets that seat you wonder?  Another flashback to my childhood....and being the youngest of 5...my reserved spot on our family treks was always the hump.  So amongst all the bags there sat Caleb...with basically just the top of his head and his eyes peaking through all the bags....youngest dudes don't ever get the best seat in our family.  Although I did feel a bit bad as this is the kid who gets carsick after a few minutes on the autobahn (but then who doesn't).  After a 10 hour travel day it was just about perfect timing for the clan to get the giggles....and it all stemmed from taxi driver.  This sweet, very petite Spanish man. "Look how big dad looks.  He looks like a giant", one of the kids said.  I'm sure that not all Spanish men are this small, but at this moment, in our taxi....it was most certainly the case.  Tim was sitting in the front seat next to our driver...and granted Tim is tall....but I'm not kidding when I say that I think our driver could have fit into Tim's shirt pocket....he could have been a pocket pal.  It just struck us as funny.....and once one domino falls.....they all go down.....where is that sangria when you need it!  Actually it wasn't too far off...as we walked into the hotel this wonderful Spanish man (also quite small) greeted us with punch and sangria......I am loving Spain!

The view from our balcony

Needless to say the weather was perfect.  It was sunny and bright every day.  I so miss the sun...this is just what the Doctor ordered.  We didn't need a fleece the entire time....and the sunsets at the end of day made it feel like groundhog day.....remarkable.  We were the only Americans at the hotel(and the only ones reading the Bush novel - which stirred some discussion one morning at breakfast). The Canary Islands are frequented by the British (English) and the German.  It was awesome hearing English and having an English menu everywhere you go - Big Bonus!
Because Tenerife is a volcanic island, the sand at the beaches is black.  Some of the resorts have brought in white sand, but the black sand was interesting and it is said that it has radioactive currents that help with healing arthritis....don't know what truth there is to that...but you never know it might come up one day when you're in need of silly trivia.

The water temperature only varies 3 degrees during the year.

The flowers were sparce - not nearly as beautiful as Hawaii or the Bahamas

We chartered a sailboat one day....and our Captain Frank guaranteed we'd see whales or money back.  I wasn't too sure....now dolphins, yes.....but whales?  We sailed out about 5 miles and sure enough...even though most in the fam were feeling a bit green.....we saw whales.  Pilot whales...that are only found in Japan, Hawaii and Tenerife.....and they feed on giant squid.  Who knew?  Another bit of trivia if you ever end up on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire". 

It is pretty amazing to be on 'holiday' for 10 days.  And I've been converted...because a holiday is a special occasion in my book..... and this trip was certainly just that.  We are very lucky to be experiencing this...and we're soaking it all in. 

I was amazed as I looked around the pool and didn't see people on cell phones...but really relaxing.  I walked the pool deck one day and couldn't get over the number of people reading 'Girl with the dragon tattoo' in a million different languages.  I've gotten used to the topless women...it's a cultural thing and quite frankly I don't even notice anymore.  One thing that is quite universal whether it's a U.S. vacation or a European holiday is a simple game of Marco Polo......same in every language.  I loved my aqua yim (gym - but he pronounced it yim) instructor....and even though it was absolutely the most embarrassing, humiliating thing I could have done (according to my kids)....I thoroughly enjoyed it.  They really loved it when I waved to them across the pool....they about died.  I did notice by day 4 that the clan usually headed to the beach about 3:15.....just as Aqua Yim was beginning.  It was refreshing to see my husband relaxing....enjoying a bit of peace...and the kids enjoyed his undivided attention.  One thing I just have to mention is the New Year's Day parade.  It wasn't a Disney owned hotel, but Disney characters are universal....and to see a Spanish, nicely-tanned Mickey and Minnie was priceless. 

Overall I will take a 'holiday' any day.....and it is really the first time that by the end of the trip we didn't yearn for one more day.....it was time to go home.....it was back to routine and reality.  It was time to put on the layers....and the Uggs.  And that's ok with me!