Travels With Sheila

     Travel, as they say, is broadening ... especially for the hips! Especially when you're traveling around Germany, land of chocolate, Schnitzel and the world's best pastries. My husband Gerhardt and I love the country and the people. (He grew up there and we lived there when we were first married.) We try to get back every few years to see the wonderful friends we've made. On this latest trip not only did we enjoy catching up with old friends but we made some wonderful new ones as well.
     Our time with Ursula Rudor was inspiring. She and her husband were pastors in the East for many years before the wall came down - not a cool time to be a Christian. But they were steadfast, and she has many stories to tell, stories that remind me how thankful I am to live in a free country.
     We had a great time with our pals Sybille and Gundi, and Sybille's sweetie Fred, who made roulladen for a dinner party we were able to attend. Yum! (And thanks friend for the headache remedy. You're a doll!)

      We spent several hours at the home of new friends Wilfred and Gabby. We enjoyed tea and sightseeing with Siegrid, and Christina, also a new friend, invited us to join her English class. One of the women there gifted me with a beautiful Schultuete (a cone filled with goodies that children receive on the first day of school). I thought this sounded like something fun to adopt over here - a good way to get kids excited about going to school. The women asked if we did anything for our kids the first day of school... "Do you have a little party?" they asked. I replied that no, the ones who party are the moms!

     The food was spectacular, the architecture inspiring and the views breathtaking.

     All in all, our visit to Germany was wonderful. It's almost a perfect country. The only things to complain about? German drivers. (Guys, seriously, do they teach you to pass on a curve on a hill in driving school?) And the pay toilets. (Even when I'm shopping you're going to make me pay for the privilege of using the potty? Seriously?)

     Well, nobody's perfect. And I guess I can spare the change. Auf Wiedersehen Deutschland. Ich liebe dich.
     And now, back to my diet.