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Published: November 30th 2009
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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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Kimberlyorr
non-member comment
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.