The Land of Enchanting Castles

It's official, we visited our first castle since moving to Germany. Schloss Burg an der Wupper was just a short 30 minute drive north of us.  We had the castle all to ourselves...with the exception of a school group that hummed in the background.
Schloss Burg began sometime in the 12th century as a hunting castle. In it's history it was abandoned, used to hold prisoners, and used for ceremonial events. The castle was destroyed in 1648 after the Thirty Years War.  Then in 1700 they began to rebuild it but unfortunately by 1849 it was in decay. Again it was rebuilt, this time taking 24 years, and just six years after being completed it was mostly destroyed in a fire. The last reconstruction was completed in 1924 and today the castle looks the way it did in 1715.  Walking through a place such as this takes one back in time; to knights, queens and code of arms.
I'm sure there will be many more castles in the months and years to come.

Phantasialand

The past few weeks have been all about; finding a car, completing paperwork, getting a German bank account, and did I mention finding a car! So we thought it was about time to take a day and have some FUN! Elyse was so used to going with us to all the above mentioned adult obligations that she just expected to follow the GPS around all day to test drive another car. So she had no idea what the plan was on Thursday...until we parked and she asked, "Where are we?" When we told her we were at a park where they had fun things for kids she was ready to go full steam! We bundled up (as seen in the photos) and had a magical time at Phantasialand! It opens up for just 6 weeks during the Holiday season and creates a winter wonderland with an ice skating rink, snow, Christmas lights/decorations and all the food one could desire. Elyse loved playing in the man made snow and riding the children's rides. Damon enjoyed all the food stalls around the park and riding the Black Mamba- a fast, hanging roller coaster. When I asked him about it he said, "That is the kind of ride someone would have a heart attack on!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_StR0ApVh8

What a great way to start 2012...creating family memories of fun and laughter. 

Top 10 things that are cheaper in Germany

1. Chocolate
2. Yogurt
3. Cheese
4. Apples
5. Pears
6. hazelnuts
7. Nutella (hazelnut and chocolate spread) Germans use this instead of Peanut Butter
8. Marzipan (ground almond paste) used in baked goods and chocolates
9. liquid dish soap (I guess since most people do dishes by hand)

So it looks more like the top 9 things....can't think of #10 .....most things are more expensive here than in the USA!

First Snow Day!

We woke up to snow. Ok it wasn't much but enough to get out and play! We even managed to build a tiny snow woman before it all turned to slush. Looks like winter is here with short days and overcast skies.

Cookies with Santa!

                               Our first year without Tears!

                                     
                             Elyse and her gingerbread house

On Saturday we gathered with about 8 families and had an early Christmas celebration for the kids!Santa visited the children and spoke English (with a German accent!) Santa had a golden book and knew each child's name, age and what the child could work on to do better. When Santa asked Elyse what she wanted for Christmas she quickly replied, "A barbie doll and barbie house!"  Elyse had a great time decorating her gingerbread house.  We enjoyed a fun filled day with other FedEx families!

Weihnachtsmarkt - Christmas Market

Cologne is well known throughout Europe as having wonderful Christmas Markets this time of year. I believe there are seven around the city and smaller ones in the outlying villages. The stalls sell different handmade German ornaments, crafts and lots of food! The Markets are outdoor and all food is eaten standing up (rain, wind or snow)! One has an ice skating rink and all of them have some type of carnival ride for the kids (Elyse's favorite part). We have visited three so far and hope to get to a few more before the 23rd when they close until next November. Large nativity scenes add to the beauty of each market.

Cologne - Koln - Koeln

Yes, these are all the same place! This city has three ways to spell it's name. It seems like "Cologne" is used by foreigners, "Koln" is used by younger Germans and "Koeln" is used by older Germans. It kind of reminds me of John Wayne Airport in Southern CA. It is known as Orange County Airport, John Wayne Airport, and Santa Ana Airport! A little strange.