Whew!! 13 months here have really flown by and now it is time for the next chapter!! A review in photos of all the fun I have experienced living abroad here in Germany.
Tag eating for cheap
Hauptfriedhof

Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe
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The Schnitzel Rule (my rule)/ Tips for learning, using a new language
Please, take a moment to watch the video. I originally made the video for my younger brother as part of a conversation we were having (via Whatsapp) and he thought I should share.
The poster, in which I referenced, is located towards the bottom of the post/blog, along with some of the words in a language that i use in English that are not English.
Original Language Word
German Schnitzel
German Brotchen
Spanish Guacamole
Spanish Tapas
Russian Czar
British English Rucksack
Turkish Yufka, pida
Italian Tiramisu, cappuccino
Laufenburg and Leistal, Switzerland
What a wonderful adventure–driving through Freiburg, Germany (where we stopped for a Cappuccino), we continued on the #5 interstate, through border control/inspection, and into Switzerland!! We were able to change countries in a matter of about 2 1/2 hours, which to my American mind, is just outstanding and so surprising.
I, with passport in tow, felt giddy to be going to Switzerland and was anticipating a stamp in my passport. Alas, it would not be possible as the border control did not have a stamp and only did visual checks. Bummer, alas that is the rule. The inspector said that passport stamps are usually only available via the airport.
I gawked as we drove thru Basel, Switzerland, which is 2 kilometers from the border, inside Switzerland. Remembering, albeit too late, that Switzerland is neutral and not part of the European Union, I did not think to convert Euros to Swiss Francs but I was in luck.
Upon arriving in Laufenburg, already having crossed the Rhine (Rhein) River, we pulled off in the Aldstadt (historic) district, which in part borders the Rhine. Opening the car door, the scents of a Swiss Spring filled the air with beauty and grace and the air smelled of sweet things verses grilled sausages (which is often an occurrence in Germany.) The Videos tell the rest of the story and how I was in multiple places at once (and we went further into Switzerland and shopped in Leistal.)
I can attest, Swiss crafted cheese and chocolate are absolutely amazing!!!
Adventure/Travel Tips

Seek out local events, read/seek the local posters and attend local events (there are often free, inexpensive venues)

Hear music? Hunt down the source, ask a local about something interesting in the area. Use your senses, get “lost” by wandering and treasures will unfold

Try the local fare and cuisine, ask the server the daily special, purchase chow from a food wagon/truck

This is a great tip but by also checking out the postcards before endeavoring on the daily adventure, a postcard will also some highlights of the town/area you might not otherwise known of previously and thus will discover awesome things while hunting the sites
Original Paintings available
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Original, signed, new, ready to hang, mounted canvas” $1,500 or best offer (will accept as low as $499)
Homemade Vegetable Lentil Soup, a one pot wonder
Ingredients:
1 large can of Lentils
1 large Leek, sliced
3 Large Carrots, peeled and sliced
2 small onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon curry spices
2 tsp dill and Italian seasoning blend
a pinch of salt
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
2 chicken bouillon cubes
2 litters water (roughly)
Put on low/medium heat for about 20 minutes until the carrots and vegetables are tender. Serve warm, absolutely yummy and very filling.
Saturday Evening Folk Concert, Schloss Gartenhalle
While walking to the tram one day,a poster, advertisement caught my eye. To my delight, it was featuring, showcasing an upcoming concert, featuring Folk Music from across the ages and the globe, instantly causing giddiness for me, even more so when I found that the event offered free entrance!!!
Delightfully, Thomas and I dressed for the occasion and off we went for a beautiful evening of enchanting music, which included folk music:
John Phillip Souza
Williams (English Folk Song Suite, Seventeen Come Sunday, Intermezzo, Folk Songs from Somerset)
Galle (Bohmischer Traum)
Llan Alcazar
De Meij (Songs from the Castskills)
Manilow/De Meij (Copacaban)
Grainger (Irish Tune from County Derry)
R. Hariman/Bernaerts (Lord of the Dance)
Please, listen to the videos below. I hope you enjoy the music as much as we enjoyed it.
Director: Julian Reichard
#Ettlingen #Folkmusik #Musikverein
MV “Harmonie” Ruppur
Spring time, Baden Wurtemburg (Southwest Germany)
April marks the one year mark of my being here in Germany, wow, time sure does fly!! The natural ways have thus also come full cycle since I have arrived with all of its beauty and splendor!!!
The Earth is awakening, bring scents and blossoms of new growth and splendor!!!
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