A 70th Birthday, in the Beautiful Black Forest

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We arrived in Frankfurt, November 18th after a very pleasant, nine hour plane ride from Calgary. A little tired, but ready to experience family, friends and some good Black Forest cooking. After 1 day of re-coop and sleep we were in the thick of a 70th birthday celebration, Weiden style.

By 10 am Haus Gisela was full to the rafters with neighbours and friends come to wish Lucas’ sister Gisela, a Happy Birthday. Café and kuchen (cake) Gisela style.! The traffic didn’t stop until late afternoon when we pulled ourselves together and headed to a local hotel for dinner for 40. The entire Stiefvater and Behringer clan was there to celebrate Gisela’s big day.

Friday night, we ate, we drank and we danced to a one man band. It was great fun. The fun continued through the weekend as more family and friends streamed through Haus Gisela for lunch and café and kuchen. I know what all of you are thinking…. How did Cheryl communicate with this huge network of German speaking people. Well the truth is ,that though my German has improved, thanks to some coaching from Lucas, Ava , Marita and others…. It is not very good. One woman commented to Gisela, “Lucas’ lady is very lovely, Gisela… but she doesn’t say much!” Needless to say we ll had a good chuckle over that one!

I have to tell you that the Black Forest has a lot more to offer than great people, and delicious food. It also offers a truly beautiful countryside. Rolling green hills, (no snow yet), long leisurely hikes, and massive stone houses. Fortunately we had some amazing spring like weather and we were able to enjoy long leisurely walks through this pristine countryside almost daily.

No Germany trip would be complete without the traditional trip to Freiburg for Bratwurst and a wander through the most amazing vegetable market. The hot item this time of year is a green called Feldsalade. It is winter green and it makes the best salads…. Well ok… maybe Germany is all about the food. Freiburg has a cosmopolitan atmosphere that draws you in. Some great shopping, an amazing cathedral in the middle of downtown and a mix of old and new architecture.

Our last day in Weiden ….was you guessed it more, cooking, eating and visiting. Lucas and I brought some Canadian cuisine to the table with his famous beer chicken. There was lots of help in the kitchen, Gisela, Timmy and Felix were in there too. Tim thoroughly bathed 6 hens, Felix helped peel, chop and created the base for a great soup and Gisela made her famous German potato salad and carrot salads. Finally a sit down dinner for 17!

So after seeing all 501 Weiden residents, eating schnitzel and kuchen to the point of bursting…. I am sure I gained 10 pounds!….. We bid a fond farewell to Wieden and all those who so warmly welcomed us. Vielen Dank familie. Auf Wiedersehen. Wir werdin sehen in Januar!

Next…assaulted by India……TBC.

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Comments

[Kimberlyorr]

beautiful
Looks exciting, busy, with everyone cooking sounds familiar and Cheryl you fit right in! - How exciting "beer chicken" Looks interesting... I hope you took lots of pictures.

[sheri]

Cheryl, you have my blue scarf on!
Hello, nice to hear about your adventures, you write like it's a travel guide, so great detail! I've read all 3 travel bogs, but this will be my reply. I must say, I feel the same as you do w the Indian people, w the Mexican people on my 3 week visit this year. I think when you have the time not to tour but to relax in the Villages, you create a sincere exchange of friendship, even w the language barrier. Both wanting to learn off each other, both having something to give/receive from each other, even if it's only a 1/2hr interaction. We really enjoyed our experiences there, and for me, nurtured by Larry all the way, it was fantastic. Now home, in our new home, waiting for the Mt to get some fresh softer snow on it, before going up to play. We are having all our children for Christmas, it's had to wait patiently for them all to arrive, but it's fun preparing. Yesterday, I created Elise's bed, so they don't have to bring a playpen. We had a brother/sister family dinner last Friday, and had mom/dad on skype w us. It would have been my dad's mom's 100th birthday, so we all brought something reminding us of her to the table. We also called extended family together. The office has got lots of fun and cheer in it amongst the work. Linda and I are going out to buy Christmas cheer for cheque issue this week, to give out when people come in. We are now open from 9-4, so we feel the relaxation from this step. We ae having a Christmas decoration station contest this week. We are going to be doing how to give and receive feedback workshop next month, all to create a good healthy office w our Kaisen group leading the way (it's taking the place of health/wellness, each office will have their own group, but linked by a site, promoting fun in amongst the work, I'm finally buying in) Have a great safe journey, thanks for taking the time to write such detailed memoirs, Love Sheri

[Lucas and Cheryl]

Sheri's Mexico blog
Next trip you do a blog! Thanks for all the news!