Since SHAPE is the headquarters of NATO, we have a possible 28 different Christmas markets to go to, should the element from each country host one. I have missed the British market, since it was on Thanksgiving evening and we were eating with friends. I have missed the Canadian market because we were in Garmisch. I know there's another one I've missed as well.
However, this weekend, I was able to attend the German market and the Norwegian market. The Norwegian element at SHAPE isn't huge, but the group put on a great little Taste of Norway. They had various Christmas gnomes for sale, as well as homemade ornaments and jewelry. They also had some beautiful knitted sweaters and other winter gear. My favorite thing about the Norwegian market was the reindeer! They had good sized samples of different fish, elk and reindeer. I tried some sausage on homemade dark bread with real butter. It was so yummy. They didn't have the sausage for sale independently, or I would have bought some to share with the family.
The German market was conveniently located across the street from the Norwegian market. They decorated the school cafeteria, it speedy fashion, to look like a German market at night. It was really amazing. Many of the booths were little wooden store fronts, others were tents. There were lights all over to shine on the products, and oh the products. For a little market in a cafeteria, the selection was quite good. We came home with some homemade jam and a handmade paper star lantern for our son's room. We ate bratwurst and I had a wonderful cup of gluhwein with a spiced rum kicker....at noon. Gotta love the Germans. Advent wreaths seemed to be the big draw, after the gluhwein.
This upcoming weekend, we will be going to Italian market!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
I miss movies
There are tons of new movies coming out that I'd really like to see. I'd really like to see them in English. Belgium, being a French and Dutch speaking country does have a few theaters that will play movies in their original version (OV) and then use subtitles. My husband and I went to go see the last Harry Potter movie, about a month after it came out, during the only showing of the week that it was being shown in it's OV, English. It was great to go to the theater, which was clean and reasonably priced, but concentrating on the movie was difficult. The actors might be speaking in English, but there are French and Dutch subtitles running across the bottom. For some reason both of us lost some scenes in the movie because we'd see a word that looked familiar in French. Or we'd hear a word on the screen and look to see how it was translated into French.
Sometimes, the movies are dubbed in another language, I can only imagine how distracting that would be! It makes me think of the martial arts movies when the actors look so funny speaking one way but saying something else.
OK, so say I get over the subtitles running across the bottom, I still have to find the time to see it AND drive at least an hour to do so. ugh. The theater closest to us is very nice. They have a full sit-down cafe and the snack bar. Popcorn can be bought with salt or sugar on it and the Belgian M&Ms are terrific. 2,50 EU will get you a large tub of popcorn, quite a deal compared to home. However, it's an hour to the theater. Even when I lived in Neligh, NE, I was closer to a theater than that.
We have an English speaking theater on post that AAFES or someone runs, but I've been told (I know, opinions...everybody's got one) that the theater is nasty and isn't well taken care of. The concessions are still expensive and aren't worth buying.
Here's the other issue, babysitters. Where are they? We live 9 miles from SHAPE, not the other side of the world, but we can't seem to find a babysitter. Has my son's reputation proceeded him already?? Has someone seen us at the park or the PX and said, "Nope, never babysitting that kid." Yes, kids are busy, so I was I in high school, but I still found time to babysit. That, and I wanted the money. All these top-heavy military families around here.....
I just want to go to the theater, watch a nice movie, Kermit the Frog or Jacob the Wolf, it doesn't really matter. It shouldn't be difficult. And when there is actually a Parent's Night Out in a few weeks, my husband is going to be gone on a wrestling trip. The little boy's going anyway and I just might go catch a movie by myself. (Then it's going to be Jacob the Wolf)
Sometimes, the movies are dubbed in another language, I can only imagine how distracting that would be! It makes me think of the martial arts movies when the actors look so funny speaking one way but saying something else.
OK, so say I get over the subtitles running across the bottom, I still have to find the time to see it AND drive at least an hour to do so. ugh. The theater closest to us is very nice. They have a full sit-down cafe and the snack bar. Popcorn can be bought with salt or sugar on it and the Belgian M&Ms are terrific. 2,50 EU will get you a large tub of popcorn, quite a deal compared to home. However, it's an hour to the theater. Even when I lived in Neligh, NE, I was closer to a theater than that.
We have an English speaking theater on post that AAFES or someone runs, but I've been told (I know, opinions...everybody's got one) that the theater is nasty and isn't well taken care of. The concessions are still expensive and aren't worth buying.
Here's the other issue, babysitters. Where are they? We live 9 miles from SHAPE, not the other side of the world, but we can't seem to find a babysitter. Has my son's reputation proceeded him already?? Has someone seen us at the park or the PX and said, "Nope, never babysitting that kid." Yes, kids are busy, so I was I in high school, but I still found time to babysit. That, and I wanted the money. All these top-heavy military families around here.....
I just want to go to the theater, watch a nice movie, Kermit the Frog or Jacob the Wolf, it doesn't really matter. It shouldn't be difficult. And when there is actually a Parent's Night Out in a few weeks, my husband is going to be gone on a wrestling trip. The little boy's going anyway and I just might go catch a movie by myself. (Then it's going to be Jacob the Wolf)
Friday, November 18, 2011
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
I might have found a new favorite place, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. My son and I spent last weekend there with some friends at the military lodging resort, Edelweiss. The town and it's surroundings are absolutely gorgeous. I wish I had pictures to share, but my husband had the camera on his trip.
The homes and stores are just like something from a postcard. It fit right into my vision of the Bavarian region. The town is settled into the valley beside picturesque mountains and was beautiful in the fog and the sun. We were able to have two days of each.
We got there on a Thursday evening, after some crazy train issues. Friday, my friend and I spent an almost ideal day. After our children (her youngest, and mine) got us up before dawn, we left them with her husband and took off for an invigorating walk. After an hour of her running me ragged, we came back, showered and enjoyed a great breakfast buffet at Edelweiss Lodge. Then, it was time for us to take off again.
Her husband had volunteered to take the kids for the day so we could get some shopping done. We tried hard not to run that very instant. Loren and I strolled (as much as anyone can stroll with Loren) down to the center of town to browse what the Garmisch side had to offer. One thing on my list was spices to make gluhwein, German spiced our mulled wine. We found it and bought several packages just in case it turns out to be really, really good. We were also very successful in finding chocolate and a few little items for the kids. Ohhh, and we had the tastiest lunch, the best tomato soup I've ever had and a wonderful German beer. All enjoyed outside with the warmth of blankets provided by the cafe. Splendid.
One of the things that I liked about the area, was that most of the shops were locally owned, very few chain stores. There was an H&M and a Jack Wolfskin, but other than that, I wasn't familiar with the stores.
It is definitely a ski town, so there were many stores ready for the winter snow. So many high end ski stores, I'm almost glad my husband couldn't come. I can only imagine what we would have dragged back home. The way it was, we came home with a much heavier suitcase and an extra bag.
Every day I was there I got to see something different, and we didn't even have a car to drive to neighboring towns. We also didn't take the train up to the Zugspitze, the highest point in Germany. They had been there before and I didn't want to go without my husband.
We were able to enjoy the hot tub during adult's only time since we had a built-in babysitter with Loren's oldest. Loren bought me a fabulous foot massage for my birthday, the spa services are numerous and reasonable. This was their last weekend in Germany and in Europe, so we were ready to make the most of it!
There is a NATO training base located very close to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and I'm already hounding my husband to see when the next applicable training is available so we can get back. Any time, I'm there. I'd even ski.....if there is alcoholic hot chocolate waiting for me at the end. Oh, and did I mention that military child/youth services will care for your child during the day or the evening?!? And Edelweiss has a list of over 20 certified babysitters willing to come to the lodge and watch kids. It just might be a piece of heaven.
The homes and stores are just like something from a postcard. It fit right into my vision of the Bavarian region. The town is settled into the valley beside picturesque mountains and was beautiful in the fog and the sun. We were able to have two days of each.
We got there on a Thursday evening, after some crazy train issues. Friday, my friend and I spent an almost ideal day. After our children (her youngest, and mine) got us up before dawn, we left them with her husband and took off for an invigorating walk. After an hour of her running me ragged, we came back, showered and enjoyed a great breakfast buffet at Edelweiss Lodge. Then, it was time for us to take off again.
Her husband had volunteered to take the kids for the day so we could get some shopping done. We tried hard not to run that very instant. Loren and I strolled (as much as anyone can stroll with Loren) down to the center of town to browse what the Garmisch side had to offer. One thing on my list was spices to make gluhwein, German spiced our mulled wine. We found it and bought several packages just in case it turns out to be really, really good. We were also very successful in finding chocolate and a few little items for the kids. Ohhh, and we had the tastiest lunch, the best tomato soup I've ever had and a wonderful German beer. All enjoyed outside with the warmth of blankets provided by the cafe. Splendid.
One of the things that I liked about the area, was that most of the shops were locally owned, very few chain stores. There was an H&M and a Jack Wolfskin, but other than that, I wasn't familiar with the stores.
It is definitely a ski town, so there were many stores ready for the winter snow. So many high end ski stores, I'm almost glad my husband couldn't come. I can only imagine what we would have dragged back home. The way it was, we came home with a much heavier suitcase and an extra bag.
Every day I was there I got to see something different, and we didn't even have a car to drive to neighboring towns. We also didn't take the train up to the Zugspitze, the highest point in Germany. They had been there before and I didn't want to go without my husband.
We were able to enjoy the hot tub during adult's only time since we had a built-in babysitter with Loren's oldest. Loren bought me a fabulous foot massage for my birthday, the spa services are numerous and reasonable. This was their last weekend in Germany and in Europe, so we were ready to make the most of it!
There is a NATO training base located very close to Garmisch-Partenkirchen and I'm already hounding my husband to see when the next applicable training is available so we can get back. Any time, I'm there. I'd even ski.....if there is alcoholic hot chocolate waiting for me at the end. Oh, and did I mention that military child/youth services will care for your child during the day or the evening?!? And Edelweiss has a list of over 20 certified babysitters willing to come to the lodge and watch kids. It just might be a piece of heaven.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Trip to Garmisch
Early last Thursday morning, my son and I drove up to Aachen, Germany to catch the first of our 4 trains to Garmisch, Germany. We chose to drive the two hours up to Aachen to save us 80EU on tickets. Garmisch is clear on the other side of Germany and would have been a very long drive, so we took the train. That way if my son was antsy, we could always get up and walk on the train and have a snack without me needing to worry about multi-tasking while driving on the autobahn.
Our first train left without incident from Aachen to Koln, about an hour train ride. It was a perfectly foggy day in Germany, so I was again, happy we took the train. We pulled into Koln, only to find out that our train into Munich was cancelled. Not postponed, but cancelled, and it was going to be the nice ICE train too, the one that goes 300km/hr. We found the customer service station to help us out and only had an hour wait until the next train.
We took our time, had some McDonalds, on my son's request, and went for a walk before heading back to the platform. We spoke to a college kid from Italy who was also bumped from our first train to Munich. He was worried about speaking English, but it was fabulous. Better than some American's, actually. We talked about college and how he'd like to study in London or in the States somewhere. It was nice to talk to such a motivated young kid, and he was very patient with my son's showing off for him.
We headed up to the platform about 5 minutes early, low and behold, our train was going to be another 25 minutes late. The day was chilly, but not too bad, so we stayed up there and talked to a man from Brussels that was interested in talking about America. Too bad I haven't been to NYC or LA. I have been to New Orleans, so that helped his view of my Americanism.
When we were finally able to get on the train, it was PACKED. Originally, we had reserved seats, so we were guaranteed a place to sit. Now, with the train with it's original passengers and all the ones that had been bumped, we were jammed in there. My son and I shared a seat next to a nice woman who's daughter is married to a Chicagoan. The weather continued to be dreary and foggy and it was beginning to take it's toll. The little boy was so sleepy and nodding off watching movies on the iPad when she told us that she needed out at the next stop. That would leave us with two seats! However, jostling my son around renewed his energy and we spend the rest of the afternoon in a power struggle. He lost the use of the iPad until he was able to rest quietly for a short period of time, and that never happened. Really, if it had been 5 minutes, I was willing to give, but nothing. I'm sure the people around us were ready to see us get off one stop before the end. At least they had 5 minutes of peace.
The next train was a metro/regional train to Garmisch and that was also packed with commuter passengers. We spent the first two stops sitting on the stairs waiting for people to get off. That also was a very long train, only an hour usually, but it really seemed longer.
My friend, Loren, was waiting for us at the train station with a nice bottle of blueberry gluhwein, so that made things better. She also loves my naughty little boy, and that made things much better. We caught a taxi and rode the mile up to Edelweiss Lodge. My son was so excited to see Loren's boys that he couldn't wait, he ran ahead of us yelling for them down the hallway. The place has such a great family atmosphere, it's like worrying about a loud child at Great Wolf Lodge. Not a big deal, it also helps that the walls are very well insulated. There were tons of kids there, and the lodge was full, but we never heard any of the rooms around or below us.
Edelweiss was beautiful, a great place with decently priced amenities. I absolutely, can't wait to get over there again. My son loved being able to watch movies on the TV placed right outside the gift store. There are also little kids' games that are free in the basement. The pool is wonderful and had a nice zero entry section with a waterfall umbrella and the hot tub is outside looking out on the mountain. Beautiful. Really, when can I go back?
This was Loren's family's last weekend in Germany and they leave for the States for a 3 year tour tomorrow. I'm so glad that we were able to have time to see each other again and let our kids play. Heck, I'm glad that her husband and oldest son watched my wired kid so we could go exercise every morning and shop alone. Those things there were more than worth the crazy trains it took to get there.
Our first train left without incident from Aachen to Koln, about an hour train ride. It was a perfectly foggy day in Germany, so I was again, happy we took the train. We pulled into Koln, only to find out that our train into Munich was cancelled. Not postponed, but cancelled, and it was going to be the nice ICE train too, the one that goes 300km/hr. We found the customer service station to help us out and only had an hour wait until the next train.
We took our time, had some McDonalds, on my son's request, and went for a walk before heading back to the platform. We spoke to a college kid from Italy who was also bumped from our first train to Munich. He was worried about speaking English, but it was fabulous. Better than some American's, actually. We talked about college and how he'd like to study in London or in the States somewhere. It was nice to talk to such a motivated young kid, and he was very patient with my son's showing off for him.
We headed up to the platform about 5 minutes early, low and behold, our train was going to be another 25 minutes late. The day was chilly, but not too bad, so we stayed up there and talked to a man from Brussels that was interested in talking about America. Too bad I haven't been to NYC or LA. I have been to New Orleans, so that helped his view of my Americanism.
When we were finally able to get on the train, it was PACKED. Originally, we had reserved seats, so we were guaranteed a place to sit. Now, with the train with it's original passengers and all the ones that had been bumped, we were jammed in there. My son and I shared a seat next to a nice woman who's daughter is married to a Chicagoan. The weather continued to be dreary and foggy and it was beginning to take it's toll. The little boy was so sleepy and nodding off watching movies on the iPad when she told us that she needed out at the next stop. That would leave us with two seats! However, jostling my son around renewed his energy and we spend the rest of the afternoon in a power struggle. He lost the use of the iPad until he was able to rest quietly for a short period of time, and that never happened. Really, if it had been 5 minutes, I was willing to give, but nothing. I'm sure the people around us were ready to see us get off one stop before the end. At least they had 5 minutes of peace.
The next train was a metro/regional train to Garmisch and that was also packed with commuter passengers. We spent the first two stops sitting on the stairs waiting for people to get off. That also was a very long train, only an hour usually, but it really seemed longer.
My friend, Loren, was waiting for us at the train station with a nice bottle of blueberry gluhwein, so that made things better. She also loves my naughty little boy, and that made things much better. We caught a taxi and rode the mile up to Edelweiss Lodge. My son was so excited to see Loren's boys that he couldn't wait, he ran ahead of us yelling for them down the hallway. The place has such a great family atmosphere, it's like worrying about a loud child at Great Wolf Lodge. Not a big deal, it also helps that the walls are very well insulated. There were tons of kids there, and the lodge was full, but we never heard any of the rooms around or below us.
Edelweiss was beautiful, a great place with decently priced amenities. I absolutely, can't wait to get over there again. My son loved being able to watch movies on the TV placed right outside the gift store. There are also little kids' games that are free in the basement. The pool is wonderful and had a nice zero entry section with a waterfall umbrella and the hot tub is outside looking out on the mountain. Beautiful. Really, when can I go back?
This was Loren's family's last weekend in Germany and they leave for the States for a 3 year tour tomorrow. I'm so glad that we were able to have time to see each other again and let our kids play. Heck, I'm glad that her husband and oldest son watched my wired kid so we could go exercise every morning and shop alone. Those things there were more than worth the crazy trains it took to get there.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Time Change
I think I've commented before about the fact that I really had no idea how much farther north we are here in Belgium than in Nebraska. The time was so strange this summer when we first got here, just before the longest day of the year. Now that the time has changed for us, I'm again astounded how much farther north Belgium is than Nebraska. Astounded.
We still have about six weeks until the shortest day of the year. (happy birthday to my sun-loving Mom...ironic) So, imagine my head spinning when the sun sets at 1730 already. We barely get home from school and it's dark. My husband is driving home when it's dark. And let me tell you, it gets DARK here in our little house in the sticks. We don't have a street light around for a quarter mile, and the light from that is obscured by all the trees down the road. In six weeks, when our day is from 0843-1639. If you don't want to do the math, that's 7 hours and 56 minutes of daylight. Again, I'm not complaining, but this stops whatever small urge I had to live in Alaska. Well, this and the horrible movie, Insomnia.
We still have about six weeks until the shortest day of the year. (happy birthday to my sun-loving Mom...ironic) So, imagine my head spinning when the sun sets at 1730 already. We barely get home from school and it's dark. My husband is driving home when it's dark. And let me tell you, it gets DARK here in our little house in the sticks. We don't have a street light around for a quarter mile, and the light from that is obscured by all the trees down the road. In six weeks, when our day is from 0843-1639. If you don't want to do the math, that's 7 hours and 56 minutes of daylight. Again, I'm not complaining, but this stops whatever small urge I had to live in Alaska. Well, this and the horrible movie, Insomnia.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
British Fireworks??
The British Element here at SHAPE provided a HUGE bonfire and fireworks last night. The advertisement in the community magazine didn't express why, but since this is All Saint's Recess at the schools, I was surprised.
I went by myself because the little boy had a particularly challenging evening and my husband didn't think exposing the public to him was a good idea. I left right away, because I knew the Brits would have beer. Wednesdays are choir for me, but this was earlier, so I could do both.
The Brits did have beer and easily the biggest bonfire that I've ever seen in real life. The pile of whatever it was had to have been at least 30 feet tall. The fire department likes to spice up the lighting of these bonfires, I hear, so this had about a 20 foot racetrack that they lit to start the fire. I was able to meet up with some of my fellow choir members, so we chatted up until the time we needed to leave.
We were able to hear the fireworks from practice, but didn't stop to watch them. (I was slightly bummed) Finally, during a break, I asked the RAF Air Commodore what the evening's festivities were for. It was for the remembrance of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot being foiled. The British have celebrated this for over 400 years now. Gotta love 'em.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes
I went by myself because the little boy had a particularly challenging evening and my husband didn't think exposing the public to him was a good idea. I left right away, because I knew the Brits would have beer. Wednesdays are choir for me, but this was earlier, so I could do both.
The Brits did have beer and easily the biggest bonfire that I've ever seen in real life. The pile of whatever it was had to have been at least 30 feet tall. The fire department likes to spice up the lighting of these bonfires, I hear, so this had about a 20 foot racetrack that they lit to start the fire. I was able to meet up with some of my fellow choir members, so we chatted up until the time we needed to leave.
We were able to hear the fireworks from practice, but didn't stop to watch them. (I was slightly bummed) Finally, during a break, I asked the RAF Air Commodore what the evening's festivities were for. It was for the remembrance of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot being foiled. The British have celebrated this for over 400 years now. Gotta love 'em.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)