A year ago, Daphne cried when I introduced her to another person at the school welcome picnic. Hot tears when she tried to say "hello".
Tonight, the weather was good with a sunny, warm evening on a Friday night. Daphne said we should try to eat outdoors and the boys wanted to go to the Hirschgarden (biergarden) for dinner by bike. The boys had schnitzel and I had a mass of beer (liter). We are becoming German (1. Eat outside when possible. 2. Go outside when possible. 3. Ride your bike when possible. 4. Go to a Beer garden when possible.)
We thought about how far we've come.
I wish it was because we are so introspective - but this is not the impetus. A new family has arrived - he's a pharma guy from Harvard business school who is traveling, she is a Mom trying to settle her two young girls into the International school.
Daphne and I smiled talking about Daphne trying to help her get her washing machine connected, the post man not delivering her mail because her husband wasn't home, and her wild adventures trying to get internet connectivity. Daphne is now the wily veteran.
One year later - Daphne will be one of the hosts of the welcome picnic this weekend and will look for the women who are seconds from breaking into tears....
Friday, August 27, 2010
Tegernsee
We have some smaller pictures this week (click for bigger versions) because we had a lot of fun.
We went with the Frantzens down for a hike into the mountains, where they promised our kids a swim. The weather was warm (~90 degrees F) and we even brought George. We drove an hour south to the Lake Tegernsee which is one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen. Dark blue water, impressive mountains rising from the lake and a cute town.
We began by hiking along a small river/stream and everyone loved throwing rocks in the water.
All the scenery was beautiful. The kids loved it.
As we hiked, the mountains came into view and "the hills came alive with music".
Here we hiked through a private home where cows were grazing with their cow bells ringing while grazing. I pointed out the difference between beef and veal to the boys.
Each turn was incredible. You quickly realized that the broad riverbed was required when the mountain was full of melting winter snow.
The second half of the journey was when we found where the mountain spring had carved a 70 foot fall from the rocks, and produced the original "German water slide." While the water was 14 degrees C or 55 degrees F, our kids could not resist the fun element of the slide.
David was first and provided the courage to the others. We now ask the others, " if David said he would jump off the Brooklyn Bridge, would you?" We consider it a teaching moment. German slip-and-slide. Made of rocks.
Julia also was willing to risk hypothermia. Our friend, Mr. Frantzen led the way and is now officially considered unfit to watch Daphne's children. (He was in the water for 30 minutes - He's Bavarian.)
The wives watched from a safe perch. My wife - who never would let this happen in the USA was laughing.
Here's the official evidence. Sort of our "Summer Christmas Card".
We hiked back down the trail past some rock sculptures which will not survive the winter thaw but were quite pretty. Brian was thinking, "how can I get my whole shoe in the water...."
Finally, there was a Gasthaus (guest/beer house) along the way where the boys could have sausage and the adults could have a beer.
Another wild adventure in Bavaria.
We went with the Frantzens down for a hike into the mountains, where they promised our kids a swim. The weather was warm (~90 degrees F) and we even brought George. We drove an hour south to the Lake Tegernsee which is one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen. Dark blue water, impressive mountains rising from the lake and a cute town.
We began by hiking along a small river/stream and everyone loved throwing rocks in the water.
All the scenery was beautiful. The kids loved it.
As we hiked, the mountains came into view and "the hills came alive with music".
Here we hiked through a private home where cows were grazing with their cow bells ringing while grazing. I pointed out the difference between beef and veal to the boys.
Each turn was incredible. You quickly realized that the broad riverbed was required when the mountain was full of melting winter snow.
The second half of the journey was when we found where the mountain spring had carved a 70 foot fall from the rocks, and produced the original "German water slide." While the water was 14 degrees C or 55 degrees F, our kids could not resist the fun element of the slide.
David was first and provided the courage to the others. We now ask the others, " if David said he would jump off the Brooklyn Bridge, would you?" We consider it a teaching moment. German slip-and-slide. Made of rocks.
Julia also was willing to risk hypothermia. Our friend, Mr. Frantzen led the way and is now officially considered unfit to watch Daphne's children. (He was in the water for 30 minutes - He's Bavarian.)
The wives watched from a safe perch. My wife - who never would let this happen in the USA was laughing.
Here's the official evidence. Sort of our "Summer Christmas Card".
We hiked back down the trail past some rock sculptures which will not survive the winter thaw but were quite pretty. Brian was thinking, "how can I get my whole shoe in the water...."
Finally, there was a Gasthaus (guest/beer house) along the way where the boys could have sausage and the adults could have a beer.Another wild adventure in Bavaria.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
First day of school
Today is the first day of school. Brian's sweatshirt indicates it is a bit cool for August, but everyone is very relaxed and happy for this second year at MIS.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Welcome home
Coming back to Germany was quite interesting. Everyone seemed to have some level of mixed emotions returning to Munich after seeing so many people over the summer. Daph and I enjoyed thinking back to our first hours and days here last year and how amazingly clueless we were. (We couldn't count to 10 in German - now at least I can).
Watching the kids closely for problems, we found none. Julia announced she liked her Munich school better than the NJ school and looked forward to seeing 'friends'. David later remarked that he likes German food better than American food and he couldn't wait to have a "real schnitzel". Brian was a bit more reserved but said it was good to be home.
Daph and I discussed things we missed from the US (friends and family, space for the kids to play out of earshot, a yard, large capacity washer/dryer) and things we enjoyed coming back to here (nice new friends, a family-centric lifestyle, "real sausage", the feeling of adventure and travel for the kids).
In discussing the blog, I said maybe it was time to call it a year but Daph wanted to keep it up for our memory. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as Daphne and I do.
PS - George came back from the vet with a cut on his nose and an ear infection. The kennel claims he had a great time but he did need to go to the vet for a visit. Poor George. The upside - he was delighted to see Julia and the family. Alles gut.
Watching the kids closely for problems, we found none. Julia announced she liked her Munich school better than the NJ school and looked forward to seeing 'friends'. David later remarked that he likes German food better than American food and he couldn't wait to have a "real schnitzel". Brian was a bit more reserved but said it was good to be home.
Daph and I discussed things we missed from the US (friends and family, space for the kids to play out of earshot, a yard, large capacity washer/dryer) and things we enjoyed coming back to here (nice new friends, a family-centric lifestyle, "real sausage", the feeling of adventure and travel for the kids).
In discussing the blog, I said maybe it was time to call it a year but Daph wanted to keep it up for our memory. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as Daphne and I do.
PS - George came back from the vet with a cut on his nose and an ear infection. The kennel claims he had a great time but he did need to go to the vet for a visit. Poor George. The upside - he was delighted to see Julia and the family. Alles gut.
Back to business in Germany
Our first weekend back, we decided it would be great to get back to the mountains. In spite of cloudy weather forecasts and Wii obsessed children, we aimed to visit the mountains of Berchtesgaden and Obersalzberg. Obersalzberg was also known as Hitler's Eagle Nest on top of the mountains.
We never made it.
After a huge traffic delay and load of clouds, we decided to stop along the way at Germany's largest lake, Chiemsee.
The lake is outstanding with many sail boats and an island in the middle. King Ludwig II built a huge palace on the larger island in 1878 in the style of the palace of Versailles. There is an old steam locomotive that still is operated by the Deutsche Bahn that serves the town.
Daph packed a lunch and the sun came out for 30 minutes for us to enjoy the lake.
Daphne has really adapted. Each time we go out (to a biergarden, park, hike) she notices what the locals bring/pack/prepare and then hunts it down. Here, you see she not only packed lunch but brought a huge blanket that folds into a handbag. She's often seen carrying her backpack full of useful tools/food/clothing.
The kids found some mini-golf and were able to keep up their summer tradition.
Back in the saddle again. The towering peaks of the Eagle's nest and the salt mine tour of the area (right near Salzburg) will have to wait until another day.
We never made it.
After a huge traffic delay and load of clouds, we decided to stop along the way at Germany's largest lake, Chiemsee.
The lake is outstanding with many sail boats and an island in the middle. King Ludwig II built a huge palace on the larger island in 1878 in the style of the palace of Versailles. There is an old steam locomotive that still is operated by the Deutsche Bahn that serves the town.
Daph packed a lunch and the sun came out for 30 minutes for us to enjoy the lake.
Daphne has really adapted. Each time we go out (to a biergarden, park, hike) she notices what the locals bring/pack/prepare and then hunts it down. Here, you see she not only packed lunch but brought a huge blanket that folds into a handbag. She's often seen carrying her backpack full of useful tools/food/clothing.
The kids found some mini-golf and were able to keep up their summer tradition.
Back in the saddle again. The towering peaks of the Eagle's nest and the salt mine tour of the area (right near Salzburg) will have to wait until another day.
Summer fun
Well.. we are back. Daphne and the kids finished their adventure all across the USA
and had plenty of fun traveling, going to the beach, and especially visiting friends and family.
Here are some pictures.
and had plenty of fun traveling, going to the beach, and especially visiting friends and family.
Here are some pictures.
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