Heidelberg

Andrew and I thought we had better take at least one trip before my family arrives. So, we headed to Heidelberg to check out their Christmas Market and their castle from afar.....It turned out to be a dreary day, but we were able to find a few things to take home. Plus, we got our fill of crepes, bratwurst, and hot cocoa. Since, it was so early in the month the crowds were non existent. We didn't want to climb the hill to the castle, so we took pics from the bottom of the hill. The other time I came to Heidelberg was with my friend to go to a bazaar on one of the bases there.

Thanksgiving

Andrew arrived home in time to celebrate Thanksgiving with me :) We contributed to a big feast held at my friend's apartment. I made strawberry jello applesauce salad, a pumpkin carmel pie, and a cranberry dessert. The cranberry dessert turned out to be a flop, but all of the food was delicious. I'm glad others did the "hard" work and we were able to just enjoy.

Great Pumpkin 5K Race

I decided last week that I needed to put all of my running to good use....So, I signed up for the 5K race on and around base. Needless to say, I didn't think I would win anything, but I did!! I got 2nd place in my age division and 4th place for women in the 5K. The lady who got first in my age group actually passed me near the end, she beat me by 2 seconds. I wish I would have known 2 seconds meant 1st place, I would have pushed my pace up. Oh well, I guess I can't complain, I got a mug, my picture taken, a tshirt, and a meal all for my 10 dollar entrance fee. Plus this means my run for the day is done, and I have determined I run much faster than I realized. I was hoping for 32-35 minutes, but I made it in 28:12, which isn't very fast overrall, but fast for me. Most of the truly fast people did the 10K. Next, month is another race around Thanksgiving time. I hope to do that one, too. I will post pics of the winners when they are sent out.

Andrew will be home in less than 4 weeks. And YES, I am counting down. We have planned a trip to Garmisch and also into Austria, in the beginning of December. I'm very very ready for him to get home.

Stuttgart Fallfest (Herbstfest)

This is gives you an idea of the size of one beer.
Early in the day, before everyone is drunk and dancing on the tables.
The day we were at the fest, there was also a soccer game.

Crazy Stuttgart clad fans everywhere.
A blurry self shot ;)

Today, I headed to Stuttgart's Octoberfest with Veronica, her husband, and daughter. We watched Kailyn go on rides, sampled the food, and checked out the entertainment. The crepes were very yummy. We went during the day to avoid the crowds of intoxicated people. Also, I have to work tonight. I am babysitting three kids, 11 months, 23 months, and 30 months, tonight. It should go well, they are fun kids. Their folks are headed to a going away party. I also babysat the 23 month old last nite, so her folks could go to the fest and partake in the "celebration".

Tomorrow, Veronica and I are headed to Heidelberg. We are going to the base there to check out a bazaar. I hope to find a few things to hang on the walls and possibly some Christmas gifts :). I'm almost done with my shopping. Boredom, leads to doing things too early. I have even started on my Christmas cards. I'm not sure what I will now do to keep busy until Andrew returns (23rd Nov).

Karlovy Vary & Cheb Dragon Market, Czech Republic

Fountain with hot water for drinking.

Europeans getting water with their special cups.

Check out the mullet.
Special monument dedicated to U.S. soldiers in 1945.

Click on the picture to enlarge it.
Friends I hung out with.

Famous Bathhouse.
Grand Hotel.
Pretty buildings.
One of the fountains. This one took me by surprise.

I was close to having a burnt finger.
Mary and Ingrid in the Czech Republic

Today, I travelled with the USO to the Czech Republic. The area is known for its variety of souvenirs (crystal chandeliers, Bohemian Crystal, unique jewelry, vases). Upon arrival we were given a city tour. We saw many bath houses (spas), the Grand Hotel, and many unique buildings. Throughout the town were many little fountains with steaming hot water coming from them for passersby to drink. They sell special cups to drink the water from, there is a straw like handle. It is supposed to be good for your health, but you should not drink too much. It will make you sick. Also, they sell warm wafer cookie things throughout the town. They are pretty good. They remind me of the wafers for communion, but bigger and sugary. The area is also known for Becherovka. It is a special bitter-sweet herbal liqueur made of medicinal herbs and spices. They say it has curative effects. If drunk in a small amount it has a beneficial influence on the whole digestive system and soothing the nerves. I have not tried it yet, but I did bring some home. We tried to go to the Becherovka Museum for a tour, but the tours were booked until the next day.
On the way home we stopped at the Cheb Dragon Market. It was similar to Chinatown in CA. Many many Asians selling goods from China. I'm not sure which were fake and which were real (Prada, Coach, Jack Wolfskin, Nike, Adidas, Crystal, cigarettes, and much more). Unfortunately, I had little cash on me and of course that is all they would take. I plan to go back to the Market with some friends soon.

Hohenzollern Castle

I decided you needed to see a better pic of the castle. These are pics of my postcard and my tour ticket. The fall foliage is beautiful in these pics.

Hohenzollern Castle

Today I was invited to go visit one of the castles in Germany. I went to Hohenzollern Castle with a new friend, Heather and her friend Laura(who is visiting from Pennsylvania). Heather is only in Germany for 4 months total, so she has made good use of her time here and has seen a lot more of Germany then me. I hope to tag along a few more times before she leaves. Being jobless makes this possible.
Hohenzollern Castle is the ancestral seat of the Prussian Kings and German Emperors as well as the Swabian branch of the Princes of Hohenzollern. It ranks among Europe’s most famous and popular castles. The stunning panorama of the picturesque landscape has already been admired by Emperor William II. (1859-1941) who visited the castle several times and is said to have uttered “the view from up here is truly worth a voyage” (http://www.preussen.de/en/today/burg_hohenzollern.html).
Fortunately, they offer a ride to the top for 1.60 euro. It was a steep descent on the walk down. We definately felt it in our legs. It was an enjoyable day. It was great to have a break from reality for the day. I definately needed it.
Tomorrow, I am headed back to the tapestry store to return a purse and to get a few Christmas decorations. Saturday, I am tagging along with my friend Barbie and her husband to either the Black Forest or the castle that the Disney Castle was based on. Sunday, I am headed to a BBQ held by a coworker of Andrew's (FINALLY I get to meet the people he spends all day with). And Monday, I am going to downtown Stuttgart and out in the evening for dinner in celebration of my 27th birthday.