Adventures in Deutschland

Paris, November 4 - 7

With our tickets home purchased, Britt and I thought we'd better have one last Euro adventure and Paris was the place. Sure, it might be a little cliche but Paris is very easy to fall in love with. From the history, to the food, to the (opposite to what you may have heard) friendly people, Paris is my absolute favorite place in Europe and I think Britt is sold as well. Even though there were a few mishaps (our train had some "technical difficulties", as did our hotel elevator), we made sure to hit the major Parisian monuments. We figured we must have walked about 10 miles each day we were there, so THANK GOODNESS we were able to keep our strength up with croissants and crepes!If you haven't been, you really must visit Paris. Hopefully, the pictures will inspire someone to go because I know we're going back!

Leaving for Paris in 12 minutes.

This train better get here quick...I'm ready to go!

Our first site as we stepped out of the metro station: the Place de la Concorde and Eiffel Tower at sunset.

We look rather ghost-like in front of the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel (Napoleon loved building these things, this is the smaller one).

The pyramid entrance to the Louvre was designed by I.M. Pei, and in my opinion looks oddly out of place amongst the other buildings.

Venus di Milo.

One of Michaelangelo's slaves (my favorites at the Louvre.)

Winged Victory.

A tired museum goer takes a break.

Bonsoir!

Cruising along the Seine on our first night in Paris.

One of the original Metro entrances.

They never tell you about the elevators in the Paris guide books, but apparently if you JUMP in them, they stop and you have to wait for a half hour before rescue. As one of the maids hollared up the elevator shaft, "courage!"

At one end of the Concorde (home of the guillotine during the Revolution), is the Obelisk of Luxor.

Mr. King does his best Napoleon impression in front of the Arc de Triomphe.

Inside the Arc de Triomphe. You think this is alot of stairs? Try climbing up the Dom in Cologne!

A closeup of one of the carvings on the Arc.

Britt giving a big American style hello to the home office of his former employer.

Britt and I cannot say enough about Laduree, our favorite place in Paris. They are famous for their macaroons, which I always thought were coconut type things, but are actually little wafer cakes. Try the caramel. It will make you cry.

A beautiful day on the bridge leading to the Hotel National des Invalides.

La Seine, La Tour, et me.

The dome of the Hotel National des Invalides. Les Invalides is a large complex of monuments, which includes the tomb of Napoleon.

The chapel of Les Invalides.

Napoleon's final resting place.

During the French Revolution, most of the gold was taken from the dome of the Invalides. It has since, obviously, been replaced.

The official title for this photo is "Macaroon Coma."

Britt is awed by the Parisian sunset.

Britt, standing beneath the Tour Eiffel. Built for the International Exhibition of Paris in 1889, the Parisians did not like it at all. They were afraid the thing was going to tip over.

A bit of a blurry view from the top of the Eiffel Tower.

It's a bit hard to tell, but these lights are actually twinkling.

Notre Dame. Near the entrance is a gold plaque on the ground that is used as "ground zero" from which all distances in France are measured.

Sunday morning mass had begun when we entered the cathedral. The air was filled with the smell of incense, and the sound of prayers in Latin.

The priests are preparing the incense.

Just two of the many beautiful stained glass windows of Notre Dame.

I've perfected a really awesome scowl that I use on special occasions (like when SOMEONE is being a smarty pants).

Now that's a blue sky!

Britt takes a break from all the walking.

Located in the Latin Quarter, Shakespeare and Company is famous in the literature world for giving free room and board (and sometimes books) to a young Hemingway.

Completed after WWI, the Basilique du Sacre Coeur is one of the most amazing sites in Paris.

Okay, I can recite EVERY line in "Moulin Rouge" and of course sing along too. So, I was thrilled to see it in person!

It's Christian and Toulouse's building!

Is Satine performing in this show? For 150euro a seat, she better be!

It's no wonder the bohemians loved Montmartre. Filled with shops and cafes, it's easy to wonder around their neighborhood for hours.

A little night music outside the St. Germain metro station.

The only place we visited more than once...Laduree (in fact, we liked it so much I bought the house perfume!)

Smack in the middle of the Champs Elysees, facing towards the Arc de Triomphe.

Facing the other way, you see the Oblisk.

The Jardin des Tulleries on our final afternoon in Paris.

In my next life, I wouldn't mind coming back as a duck at the Tulleries garden.

Au revoir Paris!

Kurt & Amy's European Vacation, Sept. 28 - Oct. 12

Well, well, well. My baby brother and sister finally came to see us. We really wanted them to make the most of their two-week vacation so planned a full-scale European blitz: Hannover, Cologne, Amsterdam, Paris, Aachen, and the Rhine River valley. We loved having them here and can't wait for the rest of our family and friends to see it up close and personal.

This is how we found Melinda when we finally got back to Cologne.

I could be wrong but I do believe this castle was called "rabbit ears castle" back in the day.

Heading back to Koblenz, time to look at some castles!!

Here's the view from the tower: Bacharach sitting on the Rhine River below.

We made our way to the tower above the town of Bacharach for a wonderful view. The way there wasn't too bad either.

Yep, the Rhine Valley is wine country.

The day before Amy and Kurt were to go to Hannover to fly home, we thought it would be a good idea for them to first see Koblenz, Bacharach and the Rhine River valley. We went by train to Bacharach and took the last tour boat back up the river to Koblenz, admiring all the castles and vineyards along the way. In this picture Britt shows that big brothers never grow up.

Here's to a perfect afternoon in Aachen.

We spent the rest of the day in Aachen enjoying the sunny weather while eating and drinking at local restaurants and pubs.

After Amsterdam, our two world travellers went off to Paris for three days before returning to Cologne where we took them on a tour of nearby Aachen and it's beautiful cathedral, built by Charlemagne. For 600 years it was the coronation church for over 30 Holy Roman emperors, starting with Otto I in 936. I snapped a shot of the ceiling.

Checking out a Rembrandt inside the Rijks Museum. So close you can almost touch it.

Checking out the red light district. Hey, why are you two looking so blurry-eyed?

Should we go in? Well, OK.

Did I mention that Amy and Kurt REALLY liked Amsterdam? They had grins like these the whole time.

Amsterdam's answer to Zoom. That's the Rijks Museum in the background. Who is that sitting on the "t" and "e"? Damn tourists!!

I like this shot Amy took of Kurt, the lonesome traveller, wandering Amsterdam's darkest districts.

Welcome to Amsterdam!! We took a two-hour train ride from Cologne to the city of red lights and herbal entertainment. We liked it so much we decided to stay for a couple of days.

Coffee anyone?

While at a bar in Cologne's Belgian quarter we were approached by a rather talkative, animated and DRUNK local. She talked our ears off and even gave Kurt a smooch. We decided to leave before things turned ugly but not before doing an eagle impression.

Good news!! While touring Cologne, Kurt found his German twin brother...Sven.

Here's our prize for climbing to the top of the Dom...a huge German lunch consisting of Amy's favorite dish, pork knuckle!!!

Amy enjoyed counting the steps on the way back down...378, 379, 380.

Here's my girl and the rest of the clan, out of breath at the top.

We decided that instead of some rest, what Amy really needed was to climb over 500 steps to the top of the Dom. Here's a shot from the top.

Guess who decided to show up?!!

Kurt just loved the new fall colors at the Adidas store in Cologne, HA!

Kurt and I hung out in Cologne for a couple of days waiting for Amy to arrive. We spent an afternoon at the EL-DE Haus where, in 1935, the Gestapo took over the building and made it their local headquarters. The basement was frightening; dozens of Jews and regime opponents were emprisoned, tortured and killed here. It's still possible to make out names, poems, calendars, and love letters etched into the walls. A very sobering afternoon.

Little brother was blown away by the size of Cologne's Dom.

Here's Kurt hanging loose in front of Hannover's Rathaus (Town Hall).

While waiting for our train back to Cologne, we killed a couple of hours touring Hannover. Here's a shot of Kurt in front of the Market Church, built in 1349.

That's no hippy...that's my little brother, Kurt. All smiles at the Hannover airport after 13 hours on a plane.

Cologne, August 3

Melinda and I were both getting a little bored with small-town living and talked a lot about moving to a different city in Germany. After considering Hamburg, Hannover and Nuremberg we finally chose Cologne as our new home.
It was hard to say goodbye to our friends in Kiel and it felt a little strange packing all of our things into a rental car and driving out of town. We rented a temporary apartment for the month of August so that we could get a better idea of where in the city we wanted to live long-term. I was surprised how quickly I found work and was equally surprised how long it took takes to get a work permit here...six weeks, ugh!
Cologne is really a terrific place to live and Melinda and I are quickly falling in love with it. It's much bigger than Kiel with a population of 1 million, the 4th largest city in Germany. It's one of Germany's most attractive cities and has lots of great sightseeing, terrific architecture, first-class museums, funky boutique stores, and unique local food and beer. We can't wait for our friends and family to see it in person.

Here it is, the Kolner Dom!! It's Germany's largest cathedral and the heart of Cologne. It's just HUGE and in fact was the tallest building in Europe until the Eiffel tower went up in Paris. It also houses the largest working bell in the world, the 24-ton Peter Bell.

Lots of tour boats on the Rhine during the summer months.

This photo is significant because it's the EXACT spot where Melinda's grandfather was wounded in WWII, the eastern side of the Hohenzollern bridge, facing the cathedral. The guy on the left wanted to help comemorate the moment so we thought we'd include him in the photo.

Cologne has a lot of parks on either side of the Rhine River. The river divides the city in half and I'm told by locals the western side is widely considered the REAL Cologne.

This is why people come to Europe during the summer. The ice cream parlors are in full-swing and the women are beautiful.

This picture was taken during World Youth Week, where over 1-million catholic teens world-wide came to Cologne to get a glimpse at the new Pope, hence the priests. Anyway, this old gate is just down at the end of the block from our new apartment. It's one of only three surviving city gates built by the Romans.

Here's our new street, Gereonswall, strange man in brown polo shirt not included.

Check out Melinda's new ride!! She found it at the bottom of a box of Marzipan Joy-Joys (thank you Simpsons). You know how they say that men who drive fast and expensive cars are just making up for shortcomings? Well the guy who owns this car must be the most complete human being on the planet.

Melinda was so jealous of my life-sized 19th century German soldier until I got her one of her own.

This is the front of the flat where Melinda and I lived during the month of August, it was better than it looks. We had to close that window at night to mute the sweet-sweet sounds of German bar-hoppers but it sure was nice to have a chocolateer and jewelry store one floor below, mmmm...chocolate covered jewelry.

This photo is for Matthew...earlier I was busting his chops over his "coach jacket" but later found my own coach-look. Good game Matty (clap-clap), good game!!

It's kind of sad when your entire life fits perfectly into a blue Opel stationwagon. Melinda can't wait to get on the road.

Benjamin doing his best Carmen Miranda impersonation. What will Kiel do without it's dynamic duo?

Benjamin and Matthew look so sad we're leaving...however, Arthur can't WAIT for us to get the hell out of Kiel.

Hannover, July 21

Britt and I went to Hannover so he could meet with a few of the English schools in the area, and give me a chance to see the city. Hannover is about four hours south of Kiel by train, and is really quite cute. They have this red line painted on the pavement throughout the city, which if you follow, takes you on a sort of do-it-yourself tour. The best part of our red line tour was we found this "American style" grill with Ben & Jerry's ice cream! If that isn't reason enough to consider moving to a city, I don't know what is...

...oh wait...Starbuck's!

Cologne has Starbuck's! Now THAT is a reason to move. Yes, yes, it's a big corporate giant that is taking over the world, blah, blah, blah. It's almost Gingerbread latte season! Must get to Cologne!

Welcome to Hannover!

Yes, the rain was coming down at that angle.

The Hannover Opera House.

I don't feel so good.

This church was destroyed during the war, and instead of rebuilding, they have turned it into a memorial. This picture is from inside of the church, looking towards the alter.

The Neu Rathaus. Inside were amazing models of Hannover in the 1600's, 1935, 1945, and today.

A different view of the Rathaus.

Just follow the red line!

A winding street in Hannover.

The Marktkurche (Market Church).

Poland, July 9 - 15

Our friend Andreas was going to Poland to visit his Aunt, Uncle, and cousins for a week and asked if I'd like to come along (Britt having to work). I said, "why not?!?" and off I went for a week of Polish culture. I must first say that Andreas' family were the kindest, warmest, and most welcoming family I've met in Europe. They took me in and made me feel right at home. Andreas and I basically pigged out for six days on Irena and Alla's cooking. However, we also made time to see some of the countryside (fishing at his uncle's lake, going to a farm, jogging around sugarbeet fields), as well as make it into a couple of Poland's biggest cities, Poznan and Wroclaw. The week went by way too fast and was so much fun. I can't wait to go back!

P.S. Please forgive my spelling in this section. I had to spell most everything phonetically!

Poland is primarily two lane highways. Well, actually three lane, because the middle is where anyone can pass at ANY TIME. Just remember to stay on the shoulder and you'll be fine!

Roadside gnomes welcome you to Poland.

A castle not far from Opalencia.

Gargoyle!

The estate surrounding the castle.

Irena's great-granddaughter, Veronika.

Four generations (excluding myself of course): From Left to Right: Alla, Me, Anika, Sylvie, Arik, Ella, Veronika, and Irena.

This is the youngest daughter of the family who took me on a tour of their farm (and one of the new puppies).

oink!

I had to be dragged in the barn to get this picture. Look at the way that cow is eyeing me...she's ready to charge!

Irena shows me how to make "lazy perogi".

Edic and Irena walking to their garden plot.

Wouldn't Georgia O'Keeffe be proud?

New favorite fruit...the gooseberry.

Andreas shows me how to pick potatoes!

Edic's lake is surrounded by sour cherry trees. I personally havested a few pounds of them while fishing. Mmm!

The wheat field that surrounds the lake.

Can you beat a day at the lake?

Pulling up the nets on Edic's lake.

The main course for one of our amazing Polish dinners.

From left to right: family friend, Alla, family friend, Edic, Irena, and Andreas.

Edic and his neighbor cleaning the carp. And to be honest, it isn't as bad as most Nebraskans are taught to believe. Breaded and fried, it's quite good!

These Eastern European cities have the coolest town squares!

Poseidon of Poznan.

Woohoo! Sioux City, right in the heart of Poznan!

The church in Poznan's Old town (at least I think it's a church...it looks church-like...or, maybe more mosque-like, but most Polish are Catholic...I'm not sure what it is, but it's beautiful, so there.)

Alla and Andreas enjoying lunch in the old town square in Poznan.

Outside of a church near Wroclaw (pronounced Vro-shav), founded by and dedicated to a saint from the region.

Above the doorway to the church.

An amazing alter.

A saint's sarcophagus. She was a Queen and spent her life helping the poor and sick of her city.

I really liked how this picture turned out.

Old Town Wroclaw.

The front of the church in Wroclaw's old town.

The Cathedral.

The seminary of Wroclaw.

Mary and Jesus.

A view of one of the churches from the top of the Cathedral.

Does this look real?

This was a poster outside of the Cathedral. I thought it kinda looked like Jesus was saying "come on in!"

Those Russians are AMAZING architects! Here is an example of some of their work in Wroclaw.

This building used to house a nightclub, but had long since closed down.

The Wroclaw train station.

A Polish inter-city train.

Berlin, July 9

Since Berlin was on the way to Poland, Britt and Benjamin tagged along for a day at the Capitol. Benjamin has lived in Berlin, and was able to give us a great tour of the city. Andreas and I didn't have much time to hang out, but Britt was able to give the Berlin nightlife a try and ended up having a great time. He and Benjamin caught a ride back to Kiel the following day (there's a ride share program in Germany...don't worry, they weren't hitching!)