What I will miss in Germany

In about two months we will be on our way to Alaska. With all the packing and paperwork that needs to be done, I just know these last two months will fly by quickly. I decided to make a list of things that I will miss in Germany. None of these are in order of importance. I just add I slowly pack away our life here.

1. Marianne and Hans -Our foster parents/landlords :-) her cakes, her coffee, and their dog Yoshi, their fish pond. I would have been a miserable couch potato without her. I also learned how easily one becomes addicted to coffee. From now on, a cup of coffee will always bring back memories from her kitchen.

2. Brotchen- mostly known was German breakfast rolls but you pretty much eat it anytime you want. The crunchy outside to the fluffy and creamy bread inside. Yum! Best with butter and ham, or cream cheese and jam.

3. Mama-China- The Chinese restaurant just about 5 minutes walking distance. The huge egg rolls, and cherry wine. I call the owner/server Mama-China because she pretty much knows what we are hungry for as soon as we call or step into her restaurant :-)

4. Fasching- A parade with free alcohol handed out to you along with little cheap snacks. Not as crowded or as rowdy as the Oktoberfest in Munich, but its enough. This is held before Ash Wednesday. Last party or carnival before Lent.

5. Spring- We live in the outskirts and round farm area, so there are small farm roads that you can take walks in preferrably in spring when the weather isn't too hot , cold or humid. There are tons of hidden lakes and quiet places to just sit and think.

6. The church and farm houses - In every small town in our area, the houses are either made of brick or some other old material. Almost every house has professional landscaping done that everybody can enjoy since the Germans here don't seem to be fond of high fences.

7. The Bowies-Chad and Kendall, our best couple friends :-) We'll see you in Alaska!

8. Trier- History and shopping in one stop. Clothing here is a little different from the selection in the US. A lot more daring , stylish not to mention, expensive!!

8. Italian Ice Cream- Unlike the normal ice cream, I never get headaches from this kind. Yoghurt flavor is the best.

9. Flowers-Every time the season changes, there is always a new variety of flowers outside and inside stores for sale. I have never seen most of the flowers. They are just gorgeous. Makes you itch to do some gardening yourself.

10. KIK- the discount store 15 minutes walking distance from home. Has everything you might need for the kitchen, bathroom and tons of cheap clothes. If it doesn't have to be durable, get it from KIK!

11. Sunsets- Our apartment's living room window displays the sunset every evening. Our home is the prettiest thing ever every evening when the weather is good. Just sitting down at our balcony and drinking some ice wine...ah this is the life.

12. Guten Tag, Gut Morgen--the greetings I get from every person who walks by while I wait for Marley to go poop heheh.

13. Being in the middle of the EU countries- about 2 hours drive from Belgium, 3 hours from Amstersam, 1 hour from Luxembourg, 4 hours from Paris, 1 flight away from spain and the rest...wish i was able to see everything...wah

14. Home Decor- In the US you enter a Michaels, or Jo-Anns or a furniture store and you can easily just copy past home decor and accents. Most Germans go natural by putting orchids and different kinds of crystal or glass decor at their windows, unique curtains, antique lamps with candles at the door step.

15. Wine- Ice wine , the Reislings, and the french wine from Luxembourg Marianne sometimes opens up just for when I visit.

16. Festivals- Pig fest in Wittlich, Winefest in Bernkastel, Medievalfest in Manderschied , Christmas Bazaar in Trier. Probably tons more I missed.

17. Polish Pottery- I just bought one , but looking at those blue ceramic works of art makes my day.

18. Schnitzel--of course how could I forget, the pork made into sausages or bratwurst, currywurst etc etc etc.

19. Beer-- Belgium and Germany, people probably drink beer more than water here.

20. Recycling- People actually do separate their trash. On bulk trash day is the day you look around for neat stuff people throw away but would look good for the apartment, like home decor, baskets, couches, pots, ceramics. One time there was a guy with an actual trailer stopping from one house to another hehe no shame whatsoever.

21. Bakeries- always fresh bread and cakes. You can buy a slice of each and try every single confection.

22. Autumn- I will never forget how pretty it is here in the Fall. All sorts of colors come out of the trees.

That's it for now, I'm sure there will be more as I move one...