Adventures in Deutschland: July 2005

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.)