Kevin and I were a bit down yesterday so we decided to take a little day trip to Rüdesheim am Rhein to get our spirits up. Rüdesheim is a picturesque town in the Rheingau (Rhine River wine region). Parts of the Rheingau are credited for the early adaptations of Riesling (sweet white wine), my favorite. The Rhine River is a host to many beautiful villages, vineyards, and castles so it was a perfect decision for our day trip. Oh and its only a little bit over an hour away from our village! We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Rüdesheim and can’t wait to go back!
The vineyards are vast and sprawling. Its absolutely gorgeous! Kevin and started discussing a romantic over night trip. We stumbled upon a hotel atop a mountain overlooking the vineyards, village, and river. We think it’ll be a perfect location for a little get-a-way. There are walking and hiking trails meandering through the vineyards as well.
Once we parked (which was a feat) we headed toward the Seilbahn which is like a cable car system. The Seilbahn took us up to the Niederwald park which holds a panoramic view of Rüdesheim. On top of the mountain there was a restaurant, the Niederwalddenkmal statue, and gazebo.
The statue was erected to commiserate the German Empire and the uniting of the German people. It reads, “In memory of the unanimous victorious uprising of the German People and of the reinstitution of the German Empire 1870-1871.” The figure on top is called Germania and holds the crown of the emperor in the left hand and the Imperial sword in the right.
After snapping a few pictures, we went back down to the village to walk around the shops and see the sights.
Kevin and I were impressed with the number of weingartens (exactly what it sounds like) and lovely little restaurants. So much of the little village looks like it is right out of a story book.
Even though it was a bit chilly and overcast yesterday, we managed to find a few things to remind us that Spring is here!
A little Ostereier (Easter egg) Shop.
After seeing as much as we could that day, we were pooped and headed for home. It was such a pleasant little day trip. We cannot wait to revisit the area and go for a Rhine river cruise!
So, this past Sunday Kevin and I met up with some friends at a FCK Kaiserslautern ( that’s the team) soccer game!
We took the train from our village into Kaiserslautern. The trains were PACKED! Filled with rowdy fans.
Kevin and I both decided to wear jerseys to the game. Pretty normal idea, right? I mean they were both red, and red, white and maroon are the FCK colors. I wore the smaller of Kevin’s 2 jerseys. Initially I had NO intention of wearing a jersey, but Kevin persuaded me. So, we get there and people are staring, no, GLARING at me. Kevin, like a dude says, “They’re probably just impressed that you’re an American girl wearing a German soccer jersey” or something to that effect. So, I shrug it off and keep walking along until we come upon one of the scarf vendors. (Almost everyone wears a team scarf so naturally I had to have one) This is where we see that our team, FCK, has an intense rivalry with the Bayern (Munich) team, amongst others. Many of the scarves were decorated with lots of explicatives and crocheted middle fingers waving. I was shocked and amused by this, but then it hit me. I was wearing a German national jersey from the world cup in 2006. The player named on my jersey, Schweinsteiger, plays for the Bayern team normally. I WAS WEARING A RIVAL TEAM JERSEY!!!! I felt like a Judas…just call me Benedict Arnold. Kevin swears he didn’t know, but he has been to a game before AND bought a scarf at one of these vendors. Makes it hard for me to take his word on it. Lol. So, I quickly bought a scarf and kept my cardigan on for the rest of the day to ward off any unwanted stares. (The scarf Kevin bought me is so cute on one side, but happens to be reversible. On the opposite side it says “Wir scheissen auf Frankfurt, Mainz, und, Bayern.” I’ll let you translate that one).
Kevin and I decided to take this picture to commemorate the Jersey Blunder of 2014.
After the scarf adventure, we met up with our friends to go into the game. Photo op! (Courtesy of Shannon Feeny, fellow Vol)
Random stadium pics. Fun Fact! Some of the 2006 World Cup matches were played here!
So, Kevin told me that these games are kind of crazy. I figured it couldn’t be worse than game day at Neyland. VFLers, am I right? It wasn’t worse, but it was equally as boisterous with a quarter of the people…which kinda makes it crazy. Soccer fans are a very spirited people.
Of course all the chants and cheers are in German so we were just kind of yelling along with the tune. I did get a couple of them down, thank you very much. The cheers are LOUD. There are drums and people calling out different chants and cheers with megaphones which was pretty impressive.
Kevin & Co. having a good ol time.
I bet you are wondering if we won. Well…we didn’t. We lost 1-2 to VFR Aalen, from Aalen, Baden-Wurttemberg. The way fans accept the defeat of their team is very different in Germany than in the states, especially in the SEC. After SEC losses you might be mad but its usually directed at the other team for being cheaters OR at the refs for also being cheaters OR other fans for just not being loud enough OR even yourself because your spirit just wasn’t enough to push your team to sweet, sweet victory, but hardly ever the players themselves. We like to be encouraging. Germans take more of a “tough love” approach. Here, when your team loses you get mad, pointedly and decidedly, at the players themselves. You curse them and throw things at them and tell them that they better get BACK to that practice field ( which is very close to our house 😉 ) and PRACTICE until they are able to DEFEAT the SPARTAN 300 with NOTHING except their BODIES and a SOCCER BALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (The fans were speaking in German so this is just me guessing and paraphrasing)
Maybe if FCK wins their next match we’ll know that “tough love fans” are more effective than “encouraging fans” and us Vols will know what to do this upcoming season lol.
Anyway, we had a great time and we can’t wait for the next one!! Oh and not mention all the fun we’ll have celebrating the World Cup in Munich this summer. (The World Cup is being held in Brazil, but they put out huge jumbo-trons in the big cities and people gather to watch the games together. Like a huge outdoor sports bar) I may turn out to be the biggest soccer fan yet. We’ll just have to see!
On an unrelated note:
We’re finally supposed to get our household goods! They are supposed to come in tomorrow, just in time for Franz and Shannon Walkup (my brother and sister-in-law for those of you who do not know me) to arrive! I’ll be so happy to have some of our comforts of home with us FINALLY. Franz and Shannon, you’ll have to excuse the boxes and mess!
Also, we had another Hail and Farewell event last week where I was announced as the new FRG leader for the 635th! I’m really excited to get started in this position and I hope that I do right by our soldiers and their families!
March is going to be a busy month for us so be ready for some exciting blog posts!
Here in Europe there is a mandated training holiday every month in order to allow soldiers to spend time with their families. These are affectionately known as 4-days. We LOVE the 4-day. These long weekends allow us to travel and spend time with friends without burning up all of Kevin’s earned leave time. Wouldn’t it be nice if a 4-day were mandated in every job??? Anyway, 17 Jan-20 Jan marked this month’s 4-day and we decided to spend part of it in Heidelberg!
Heidelberg isn’t all that far from our place (about an hr) but we decided to get a hotel so we can stay the night and make sure that we got to see EVERYTHING we wanted to. We stayed in the NH Hotel.
NH Hotels are a common European chain, but NH Heidelberg is a little bit special. This building was once a brewery so the interior has a unique structure. I really enjoyed our stay here!
Once we arrived, around noon, we headed out to roam the streets in the Altstadt (Old City)
The Altstadt is gorgeous! It is filled to the brim with shops, cafes, street performers, and restaurants. It is certainly a lively place.
The Old City is also home to the old University of Heidelberg and the Studenten Krazer (Student Prison).
I was really excited to see the Studenten Krazer, but sadly they were doing some construction on it. Anyway, the “student prison” sounds a bit more harsh than it really was. Students that were caught committing unsavory acts such as disorderly conduct, public intoxication and so on were “sentenced” to a stint in the student prison. Their stay there could range any where from 3 days-4 weeks. There was a door that connected to the main campus and students had to attend their classes during the day, but return to the prison at night. The reason I really wanted to see it is because the students painted graffiti on all the walls. I don’t read German, yet, so I don’t know how much I would’ve understood, but that’s beside the point. Earning a stint in the studenten krazer became a rite of passage to those who attended the University in Heidelberg. It eventually closed down in 1914.
After looking around at the old university we began to stroll along and we happened upon this statue and I thought, “oh well this will be a decent picture for the blog”..
..
and then Kevin said, “look up”….
and I saw my first real life castle.
Naturally, we headed straight there…
…and it sure was an uphill climb. Kevin laughed at the amount of panting I was doing. It was totally worth it in the end.
We walked around the grounds for awhile before going inside. There is a huge observation deck overlooking Heidelberg, which is a gorgeous view.
After the tour of the grounds, we paid our 6 euros to get inside…and then realized that because we didn’t pay the extra 4 euros for an audio tour, we were only allowed to see another observation deck, the courtyard and the apothecary museum. I was kinda bummed, but it was still cool.
Also, they made the old cellar into a restaurant and wine bar alongside the display of the ENORMOUS barrels they used. These pictures are not very good because they were hard to take, but I hope you get the idea.
The first barrel is big compared to a regular sized one, but the second gigantanormassive. Its HUUUUUGGGGGEEEEE.I had to crouch underneath the spiral staircase in order to get that picture. I couldn’t understand the plaque describing the barrel, but I like to think it was a wine barrel and not a water barrel. 😉
After looking around the castle we went back out to get some lunch and explore. We came across these funny little things
The Schneeballen (Snowballs). Its sort of like a cookie type pastry filled and dipped with lots of yummy ingredients like chocolate, caramel, nuts, marzipan and powdered sugar. They are called snowballs because of their round shape. The dough is cut into strips and the wrapped around a stick or the end of a wooden spoon until it starts to take shape. Once the ball is completely formed it is deep fried then dipped or filled. Its a yummy treat, but its very hard to eat and messy too. So if you ever find yourself in Germany, I would say to try the Schneeballen, but be forewarned that you WILL NOT look pretty eating it and you’ll have a lap full of crumbs.
After all this Kevin and I had to head back to the hotel for a nap because we were pooped. After our nap we went to eat at a nice little place called Thanner’s where we both had schnitzel and kartoffel (potatoes). Oh so good. I also tried the Schofferhofer Grapefruit Hefeweizen
I can safely say that I have FINALLY found a beer that I ACTUALLY like. There are a lot of flavored beers here that are really good! So far I’ve had banana, grapefruit, cherry, and blueberry. All were really great.
The next morning we checked out of the hotel and set off to the Heiligen. This is a mountain that has many different historical sites so if you ever happen to go make sure you do some research on the area. Don’t make the mistake of going in a tan trench coat, cream colored jeans, and a cheetah print cardigan. People. will. stare. This area is home to monastic ruins, an amphitheater, and something else that I’m not exactly sure of, but it is also used for HIKING and RUNNING. Needless to say, I did not dress appropriately. Anyway, it was a really neat site with rich history!
The pictures above were the first site that we came to. I’m not sure what this place was, but it was really cool! From the tower you can see the castle and the city through a clearing in the trees. It was really foggy that day so the castle looked kind of eerie.
Below are the ruins of the Thingstatte amphitheater. There are soooo many steps. We saw quite a few runners trying to make it all the way to the top. I only saw one couple that made it and I had to resist the urge to sing “Eye of the Tiger” to them.
Below are pictures of the St. Michael’s monastery. It was so interesting. In each room there is a plaque that says what the rooms were used for. Kevin and I had our doubts about some.
After our trip to Heiligen we decided to head for home. All in all, it was a really great trip. Heidelberg is soo beautiful and my pictures really don’t do it justice. If ever given the opportunity…. well you should always say yes to travel.
On that note, Kevin and I are trying to plan a trip for our next 4-day and we want your help! Tell us where you think we should go on the poll below!
I’ve written a few different intros for this post and can’t find one that I like, so I’m just going to dive right in.
Things in the states that you probably take for granted but shouldn’t:
I would kill to go to a Target. I can’t speak for other parts of Germany, but I have yet to find one.
Chik-fil-a….or Zaxby’s or Popeyes or Bojangles because all you get here is….
.
I think you see the dilemma….
The convenience of free grocery bags. Yes, they are terrible for the environment. Unless you’ve experienced that moment when you are grocery shopping, you forget to bring bags with you and the cashier looks at you like…
and you have to gather up all your items in your arms, you will never truly appreciate the plastic bag.
STURDY Plastic utensils….
That is all I got to say about that.
On the other hand, you get to experience things here in Germany that you just don’t America:
Super fresh eggs….feathers and all
Real produce with dirt on it instead of a coating of pesticides
(I also do my produce shopping with this basket)
I’ve noticed that is so much easier to get affordable fruits and vegetables here. I guess, I no longer have a reason not to eat healthy, especially since I just have to walk out of my building to get fresh fruits and veggies.
Within a block of our apartment there is a bakery, a produce store, and a butcher shop. I’m loving the convenience and access to fresh food. Where has this been all my life!!!
Also, there is food every where you go. This is what it looks like:
This, my friends, is a Globus (large chain grocery store) bratwurst. They are the BEST! If you get tired and hungry after grocery shopping, FEAR NOT, just grab a brat on the way out!
Kevin has introduced me to a new kind of sandwich. The meat is called Fleischkase which directly translates to meat cheese
It sorta like a bologna taste but much better. The texture takes some getting use to, but its one of my favorite things to eat now though!
Needless to say I need to get started on a healthy exercise routine.
While living abroad there are bound to be pros and cons. So far there are many more pros than the silly little cons.
Here are some more pros! New buddies!
Karaoke night!!!
First snow in Germany!!!!
As you can see I’ve got it pretty good over here if my only complaints are about plastic bags and broken forks.
Whew! Has it been a whirlwind of a week and half! Now that I finally have internet I can get caught up on all my blogging. My first week in Germany will be broken up into 2 separate blogs. The 1st dedicated just to our time in Reutlingen and New Years (these were essentially my first 3 days in Germany). The 2nd will be an introduction to my new German life! (village, compare and contrast, new friends, and things to do) Once again, bear with me if you will. Please and Thank you.
SO, Kevin and decided to stay in Stuttgart for a couple of days while we visited with Kevin’s family in Reutlingen. This way we could see some things in Stuttgart while visiting Reutlingen as well!
We spent New Year’s Eve with Kevin’s Oma, Mom, and Aunt Gabby!
We ate some delicious food!!
And began to celebrate the New Year! PROST!!!! (CHEERS!!!)
In Deutschland, they take fireworks VERY seriously. So, at 10 til 2014 we took to the streets! Once that final countdown starts, it sound like you’re in a war zone! Every is shooting off fireworks for miles around. I even had cardboard falling on my head, but it was BEAUTIFUL!
Once we were finished with the community firework show we went inside to partake in a New Year’s Eve tradition.
Große Neujahrsbrezel (Big New Year’s Pretzel)
The New Year’s Pretzel has a few different background stories, but my personal favorite is this:
It was said that on New Year’s Eve, children would run around in the streets with pretzels tied around their necks to exchange with friends and family to wish them luck in the year to come.
The New Year’s Pretzel is to be eaten at midnight or before breakfast on New Year’s day to ensure health and prosperity. (http://blog.mcginnis-sisters.com/?p=54)
Usually when you think of pretzels you think salty, but GUESS AGAIN! This one is sweet and veeeerrrryyyyy yummy. I think I just inherited a tradition!!!
Kevin and I had a wonderful time ringing in the New Year with Kevin’s family!!
On New Year’s day, we ate lunch at Kevin’s Oma’s house again and then set out to wander around Reutlingen to see where Kevin spent his younger days. Reutlingen is such a beautiful and interesting place. I truly enjoyed our day there.
Reutlingen is home to the Narrowest Street in the world. Its official, its in the Guinness book of World Records…look it up. Its 12 inches wide. Claustraphobes look away!
This tiny, little street empties into this darling little scene.
After being scrunched in the itty, bitty alley way, we decided to stretch our legs!
The fountain (on the left) was interesting because you can move the little people and the parts on it.
The church in the top pictures was massive! I took so many picture at so many angles and could not get the whole thing. Let’s be honest here. I’m not a talented photographer, but this really was tricky. I made Kevin stand beside the door just to show the sheer magnitude of that beauty (He’s just shy of 6ft).
Anyway continuing on….
Finally, we went to see the house were Kevin used to live…this is also about the time that my camera died…. 😦
So these were the only 2 I got 😦
It was so wonderful to be able to spend time with family, in Germany nonetheless, on the very first holiday Kevin and I got to spend together during our time as newlyweds. Getting to see where Kevin grew up in Germany was priceless and I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity!
So, the past week I have been saying goodbye to all my sweet family and friends. During this time my family and I have been having been running all around! Its been hectic, but it has been fun nonetheless. I have to admit that I was getting stressed trying to fit everyone in before I left, but then I stopped and realized what a WONDERFUL issue I was having. I feel so blessed that I have so many loved ones that made it a point to tell me that they wanted to say goodbye before I embark on this long German journey. All the “I will miss you’s”, “I miss you already’s”, “Who am I going to talk to’s”, and (my favorite) “I can’t wait to come visit’s” have truly warmed my heart and made me realize everything that I am leaving behind. I have looked at this move as a step forward towards my future with Kevin, but have failed to realize that I will never again have a group of friends quite like the group I had during my college years.
My family has been nothing but supportive and I’m so lucky to have them. I’m kicking myself now for not taking any pictures over Christmas. I’m a bad blogger :(.
Now, I expect everyone who told me that they would visit us in Germany to start booking their flights soon. I’ll be getting the guest room ready for y’all!
P.S. I had some goodbye pictures but couldn’t access them because they were on my iphone which does not work here in Europe…Europe 1 Camille 0
Stay tuned for my next post! Highlights from my first week in Germany!!
The vineyards are vast and sprawling. Its absolutely gorgeous! Kevin and started discussing a romantic over night trip. We stumbled upon a hotel atop a mountain overlooking the vineyards, village, and river. We think it’ll be a perfect location for a little get-a-way. There are walking and hiking trails meandering through the vineyards as well.
the traveling walkups 
