Blogs from Chemnitz, Saxony, Germany, Europe

While we are staying here in Chemnitz, we've enjoyed some days filled with family, friends and lots of food! Ines and I enjoyed a nice afternoon and dinner together in Dresden while Ralf had meetings. She loves her city is always such a wonderful host. We had a night with friends at the local brewery for some of my foodie favorites. Each time we visit it's a regular stop! Martina and Johannes had us to their home for a delicious lunch and some nice relaxed time to catch up. Johannes is not able to travel by airplane any longer so we are taking advantage of our visit here in Germany to spend as much time together as we can. Later that evening, Friedi, Anja, and Fabian hosted us for a barbeque at their bungalow. Fabian is ... read more

Spent the day at Martina and Johannes home in nearby Gersdorf for a wonderful lunch of creamy zuchinni soup, pork tenderloins, goulasch, noodles, boiled potatoes, garlic bread (just a few carbs!) and strawberry sundaes and more wedding cake for dessert! The weather was great but the pool was a bit cold. Only Alec and Johannes were brave enough to get in! After lunch, we took another city tour of Chemnitz to see some of the sights we had missed the day before. One highlight was the Karl Marx statue gifted to Chemnitz by Russia and recently adorned with painted German flags on the head of the statue in celebration of the upcoming World Cup Soccer Championship. We also went to the Chemnitz square which is home to the Opera House, Theater, and St. Petrikirche Church (1888) ... read more

The rain and grey skies continue here in Chemnitz and throughout much of Germany as I understand. The flood waters are residing here but other areas are being hard hit. Some villages are completely underwater so we are thankful the worst of it seems to have passed for now in Chemnitz. As a result of all the rain and flooding we've had to make changes to our itinerary to see Buchenwald and the Mosel wine region of Western Germany. Maybe we will get a chance for a little travel this weekend but right now there is much to be done here and many other areas have had so much rain that planning an itinerary to avoid those areas may be difficult. So the blog won't be so interesting this time but at least will post updates ... 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

Last night we had the pleasure of celebrating Martina's 74 birthday. Her and Johannes hosted a festive party at their home with a catered dinner comprised of all the traditional German favorites: weiner scnitzel, tongue, meatballs, filets, potato croquettes, potato salad, and so much more! Such nice people! One man in attendance was 95 years old and he danced the night away with all the others. Again, despite none of the other party goers speaking English, I felt very much included and welcomed. A few even tried their hand at a few English phrases and I did the same. In honor of the event, I learned a new German phrase...Alles Gute zum Geburtstag...Happy Birthday!... read more