The Gages Lenten visit

Our old friends the Gages came for a visit a week ago (I am a bit behind in the blog.) They arrived right after Carnival/Ash Wednesday which is a big deal here.
The kids had a great time playing together and catching up. It is nice to see our kids proud to introduce others to their favorite things in Germany.
The pictures are from a trip to the BMW museum.

As for the beginning of Lent - most people see it as the 40 days leading up to Easter marked by fasting and self-denial. Here in Munich, the reaction is: stronger beer. Apparently, centuries ago, the monks of Munich decided drinking higher alcohol beer helped them with their fasting. Hence, we are in the season of starkbeir; an extra dark beer, only brewed at this time of year, to help everyone make it to Easter.
Happy fasting!