Rain Rain Go Away! More on that in a minute but first a few details about Johannes 80th birthday party, our main reason for this trip. The party was held at a Gasthaus about 20 minutes from here. Martina is a "hostess with the mostess" by nature so the dining room was beautifully decorated and well stocked with an amazing variety of food and drink. This was the first time we've seen Johannes and Martina since their time in Florida. I recognized several of their friends and family from other events but several others recognized me from the hours of video and photo footage they've been coerced into watching from the 2 month Florida adventure. All very nice people and my German is getting a little better so am comfortable with greetings and small talk. Additionally, ... read more

Blessed to be back in Germany! The main reason for this visit is to celebrate the 80th birthday of Ralf's dad, Johannes. We arrived Tuesday morning and by the time we got settled at the Bungalow, we were just in time to enjoy the Tuesday sauna tradition with Ralf's friends. Such a nice group of people and the more I get to know them, the more we are able to communicate, even without a common language. For some reason, the adjustment to the time change has been more difficult this trip but after a few sleepy days and long naps, today (Friday) I finally feel human again. Also contributing to the drowsiness has been the very cold, grey weather. This morning it was only 45 degrees in Chemnitz...brrrr...I know Minnesota family and friends, you are feeling ... read more

There really aren't words to describe the Christmas Market experience in Dresden. There were several market areas all within walking distance in the downtown district. Each one of them was filled with festively decorated booths selling all things related to Christmas and all sorts of food vendors emitting the most amazing aromas. People bustling through the aisles, all bundled up in boots and scarves but most of all enjoying the festivities of the season. Street performers singing Christmas carols (or Russian love songs...see pictures!) and Gluhwein bars on every corner. The hot spiced wine is one of the traditions of the market. Ralf and I explored the markets during the day, then enjoyed some ice skating back at the hotel, followed by a nice dinner and more Christmas Market with Ines in the evening. It was ... read more

In tradition, we spent Tuesday night at the sauna and then to the Greek resturant afterwards with a group of Ralf's friends that has had this tradition for years. This time after the outdoor sauna people would go out of the sauna cabin and jump in the snow or rub the snow on your body and then back in the sauna for another treatment, then on to the relaxation room for a beer or wine., then repeat this three times. Afterwards a nic relaxing dinner at te Greek resturant in nearby Limbaugh. Prior to the sauna we enjoyed some time in the festively decorated hotel lobby at the Folklorehoff and then at the home of Ralf's friend Friedi, his wife Anya and baby Fabien. That little guy really likes me! Can't wait for grandkids some day....Jamie ... read more

After a traditional breakfast of rolls (brötchen, meats, and cheeses) we ventured out to the Christmas Market in downtown Chemitz. I had been in this same area this summer so it was fun to see it transformed into a winter wonderland with cobblestone streets lined with vendor booths selling everything from Christmas crafts, sausages, winter wear, spiced nuts and gluhwein. There were lights and decorations everywhere and it snowed all day while we shopped and explored. This evening we are attending a birthday party for Martina. More tomorrow...... read more