Marburg - hillside town

We headed out to find one of the many German castles in this area.  Marburg is about two hours away...although with traffic and construction it took us longer than that.  I think next time we're going to try downloading an audio book to listen to while we're driving.  We're getting tired of the CDs that I brought:)

The drive was busy and had a few moments of excitement.  At one point, we were driving along the tree-lined Autobahn and a gray Audi sedan pulled in front of us.  An LED computerized sign popped up in their back window saying "Polizei folgen".  I was busy reading the tour book but Greg said that they had been sitting on the side of the road.  After we passed, they pulled up next to us and the passenger was intently looking in our vehicle.  They then pulled in front of us.  I searched for the German English dictionary that I always have along to know what fulgen meant.  We figured they wanted us to follow them so when they turned into a rest area Greg followed. 

Two large street-clothed German men got out of the car and immediately showed their holstered gun as they walked towards our van....rather unnerving.  (I have been reading lots of things about scams while traveling so I was skeptical if they were legit or if we were being carjacked or something.  Greg felt sure that they were police as I guess only the military and police can lawfully carry hand guns.)  One guy walked toward my side and the other towards Greg's.  They were definitely looking past us and inside the vehicle.  The guy started talking to Greg in German.  He asked if they spoke English and the officer said "A little bit".  The officer then said something to his partner in German and told Greg "It's okay, drive on." 

And with that they returned to their car, the sign went down and they were off.  The boys of course had lots of questions:), although I'm not sure they saw their guns or there would've been even more questions!:)  The only thing we can figure is that they saw our van, not speeding, with a rental car sticker in the back, me reading the book, and thought we were tourists.  The boys had the sun shades drawn (even though it was drizzling) so you couldn't easily see in.  So, maybe they were checking to be sure that they were all buckled in lawfully.  The officers never asked for identification or anything.  Rather unnerving, the adrenaline was flowing, and we still don't know why we got stopped, but chalk it up to another experience!:) 

After further driving, we came around a bend on the Autobahn and saw the castle in the distance.  It sits on the top of a large hill.  They certainly chose a strategic spot.  Marburg is a town that rises steeply from the Lahn River to the castle.  Jacob Grimm (one of the Brothers Grimm) described it as "I think there are more steps in the streets then in the houses."  The "streets" are narrow, winding, crooked, steep, and cobblestoned.  Some of the houses have back doors five stories above the front door!  Many of the streets are closed to traffic.  There is a university in Marburg which does influence some of the town.  This is also where Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, and others held their famous "Colloquy of Marburg" in 1529 for you history buffs.  Pretty amazing!  1529...and now we were walking these streets!

As you climb, you end up above the trees.  Here we are looking up from where we parked.

 We found parking down by the Botanical Garden.  There was a gated lot that was full when we arrived.  There was a stop light at the gate that when one car left it would allow another to enter.  So we waited in a short line for the green light so we could get our ticket and enter the parking lot...won't let more cars in than there are spots.  Those Germans, they do everything so regimented!:)

There were lots of these half-timbered houses...all different colors.

We walked up the inclined street to the Elisabethkirche (St. Elizabeth Church) which is said to be the first Gothic church on Germany, built in the 13th century.  The boys were impressed.  Elizabeth married at 14, her husband died in the Crusades so she moved to Marburg and gave all of her worldly possessions to start a hospital and served the poor and sick until she died at 24.  Because of her selflessness she was made a saint only four years after her death.

Walking up to the church

Sorry, thought I got this flipped, but can't get it to stay:)  This is the doorway to the church.

Through the doors

Ruins of the hospital St. Elizabeth started

And this is our goal...the castle at the top!

Then we started the "exhausting climb with delightful rest stops and rewards" as one book quoted the trek.  At the top of one set of stairs I found someone resting and reading the same tour book I had!:) 

One of the winding streets...yes, we had to walk down at one point before walking back up.

 
Around another bend was a little square with a water fountain and ancient clock tower.  It was a steep climb but worth it.  The boys had lots of energy so were running ahead.  I could hear them saying to Greg, who was a little behind them and in front of me, that they should wait for mama.  They were always checking on how I was doing:).

Liam, Carter, and Alex waiting for me.

Not sure what this says from Brother Grimm.  These two photos was actually one of the many sections of steps.

 There were several fresh water fountains on the side of the road as we went up.  This was the favorite...push the button on the pig's snout and water comes out.

We made it to the top without any complaining of being tired...just lots of "I'm hungry."  But, I came prepared and had lots of snacks.  A full belly is a happy boy!  I got lots of smiles from the people passing when they saw sweet Kaleb strapped to the front of me.  He's quite the ambassador.  I rarely go anywhere without someone smiling and commenting on the klein baby:)

Part of the castle

The walkways coming up to the courtyard.

Looking down on the church from above.

 We enjoyed walking around and exploring the castle.  The boys are very excited about castles now.  There were beautiful views and a colorful garden.  Then we got to walk back down....

Carter, Liam, Alex, me and Kaleb:)

Driving...to go grocery shopping!

Well, I did it!  I drove the boys and I to Real (the large grocery store). It is about 15 minutes away.  The boys were VERY quiet in the van so that I could concentrate on driving and listening to the GPS:)  It's amazing how quiet they can be!  It was very cute - when Carter said something, Alex told him quietly that they needed to not talk to me so I could drive.  So sweet.

We got there and Alex asked right away if I had the money so he could get the grocery cart.  You have to put a coin in to unlock a cart from the cart corral.  You get the coin back when you return the cart.  The boys love doing it.  The carts actually can move forward, back, and side-to-side.  This is ingenious when you want to move around in the store...until the cart gets heavy and little boys are trying to help push it but can't quite do it without running into other things.  It's really easier to pull the cart than push it.

This is our third time to Real - every time gets easier as we learn the system and where everything is located in the store.  It's a really large store, especially for over here.  I guess it used to be a Wal-Mart, but they went bankrupt if you can believe it.  It now looks like a Wal-Mart but isn't.  It even has self check-out lanes like in the States...you can even opt for English!

A few things I've learned about Real:

• When buying fresh produce, you need to weigh and print the UPC code sticker at the produce section...before you get to the check-out lane.
• There is much more Nutella (chocolate and hazelnut spread) consumed here than peanut butter!
• You can find just about everything in the store...electronics, toaster, food, authentic food aisle (with "USA food"), Tabasco sauce, lots of salami and sausage, sports equipment, diapers, clothes, etc...although not always easy to find it.
• You can buy fresh milk ("frische milch") (pasteurized and homogenized) that is refrigerated in 1 liter containers.  Or, you can have milk that is in the same type of packaging but can last for a very long time unrefrigerated (not pasteurized or homogenized).
• Liam can still get yogurt so he's happy!
• It's amazing how helpful pictures are when you can't read words!  A pocket German-English dictionary helps, too:)
• They don't always have all the check-out lanes open so you often have to wait.
• Then, as soon as it's your turn work quickly, no time to spare...unload your cart, move it forward so that you can put everything back in your cart so that you don't hold everyone up.  The cashiers work very quickly when they don't have to bag anything!  They just scan it, slide it down and you have to pick it all back up.  We don't bother to bag it in the store - not enough time.  Just take it out in the cart and load up the van.  
• Bags are only free in the self check-out lane.  Of course if you're just refilling your cart you don't really need a bag until you get to your car or house.  Many people leave boxes or baskets in their car that they can fill and then unload when they get home.  Put them back in the car and you're ready for the next trip.
• I haven't found absolutely everything I'm looking for, but I'm sure it's there somewhere.  I just have to know where to look!

The boys thankfully did very well this trip to the grocery store.  I was actually surprised as when I saw the long line waiting to check-out I wondered how much pestering was going to go on between them.  You know how they can't keep their hands to themselves...too tempting:)  But, they did okay.  It's amazing! 

After we were all loaded back in the van I got to drive home.  I only stalled at one stop light:)  But we made it and we're headed to the boys' school tomorrow to get the train pass application stamped by the school to get the discounted rate.  What I thought would be very difficult (driving) is challenging and still not second-nature but I imagine it will become easier to drive a manual transmission with time.  And I can get us there!:)

Back Home?...or maybe not!

Many of you know that in the States we live near Holland, Michigan.  Well, this weekend we were in Holland again.  We took about an hour drive to the Netherlands.  The boys thought that it was funny that we were in Holland again...although not in Michigan:)

The Netherlands is very green.  There are canals of water EVERYWHERE.  The cows and sheep are grazing on the edge of water reminding me of the picture book about the cow that couldn't get out of the canal.  We saw lots of windmills.  Some were the modern wind turbine generators.  There were also many old wooden windmills.  The boys recognized them right away and remembered the one at home by the Outlet Mall.

In the middle of the little town where we stayed.

 

In the Netherlands there are cameras quite frequently to enforce the speed on the highways.  Coming from Deutschland, you can tell immediately when you cross to the Netherlands...everyone slows down and goes the posted speed limit.  As part of the European Union, we crossed the border just like visiting another state in the US.  There was a sign on the side of the road welcoming you to the Netherlands.  No checkpoint, just drive right through.  We were noticing the different license plates on the cars.  The boys were trying to figure out where each car was from...kept them entertained for awhile.

Our place for the weekend

Liam, Alex, Carter eating in our place...yes, Dominoes in the Netherlands!:)

We drove to the coast and stayed in a Euro Camp in Wassenaar, Netherlands.  Euro Camp has parks throughout Europe.  They offer small trailers or campsites.  When you stay there, you get to spend your days in the attached amusement park.  We stayed in a three bedroom caravan.  This was the first time "camping" for the boys.  They thought it was fine...they were intrigued by the small rooms and unique use of space.

Carter, Liam, Alex boating

The amusement park was a hit.  They were excited about driving bumper boats, the monorail, riding the little train rides, the enormous sack slide.  They were even brave enough to ride the little roller coaster!!!  It helped that mommy and daddy rode, too.  Alex rode with ST...so brave.  Carter had a strong grip on Greg's arm the whole way.  Liam rode with me and was laughing:)  (Kaleb was watching with Jen - ST's pregnant mom.)  The boys were proud of themselves, but didn't need to do it again!  Greg rode some adult rides, too.  It was a nice wooded setting and a cooler day (60s) with sprinklings every so often...not one of those really hot days standing in line at Cedar Point in the bright sun and no shade!

Greg and Carter on the monorail.

The other...and perhaps favorite...activity the boys enjoyed was pedal go-carts.  They were 4-wheeled, 2-seated carts with pedals.  They got to ride the carts throughout the campground.  They didn't even notice how wet they were getting from the rain - too much fun driving and racing each other!  A little boy's dream!!!

How Kaleb spent  the day!:)

One morning we had breakfast in the little town nearby.  There was a visitor center that we went in and felt right at home- wooden shoes, "I Love Holland" souvenirs, and lots of windmills.  It was all of the souvenirs that we would find back at home!  There were even plush "wooden" shoes to be worn as slippers and Dutch costumes like we see in the Tulip Time parade in Michigan.  Pretty crazy!

We had a good time in the Netherlands.  I'm sure that we'll be heading back as there's suppose to be good shopping...even on Sundays...and items that you can find there that we don't have here in Germany (maple syrup, cheaper peanut butter).  Go Dutch!

Settling In

After we got the keys, the boys got to explore our new house.  They liked their new bedrooms and upstairs play room.  We unpacked some bedding and took a much needed nap.

Liam and Kaleb adjusted quite easily to the 6 hour time change.  Alex and Carter had a much more challenging time with it.  It didn't help that they didn't sleep much on the plane so they were VERY tired at the wrong time of day and then WIDE awake when it was bedtime.  It took them several days, but they are adjusted now.  Carter thinks this house is too quiet as he's used to sleeping next to the maintenance room in Michigan and hearing the furnace and sump pump going on and off all night.  It is pretty quiet here, but that's a good thing!

We arrived on a Sunday and in Germany most things are closed on Sundays.  ST's wife, Jen, thankfully had picked up a few groceries for us earlier in the week so we had a few things to eat.  It's been interesting finding things for our boys to eat.  They've had lots of salami sandwiches.  Liam still loves yogurt here:)  We'll see what other exciting things I can find to cook for us.  So far it hasn't been anything too native except some sausages and gnocchi.  We haven't found just plain Cheerios but I have a few more grocery stores to check.

We spent our first days keeping busy and running various errands:  shopping for a phone, new curtains, television, groceries, picking up a long-term rental van, getting biometric photos taken, registering with the German government (We're officially German residents now with a special page and picture in our passports.), riding scooters, playing Ticket to Ride German edition (fun game!!), teaching mama to drive a manual transmission vehicle (Greg is a good teacher, and the boys were great encouragers!!...keeping track of how many times I had stalled and being excited when I finally could do it:).

We were patient and did pretty well while we were waiting for our shipment to go through customs.  This house has tile and wood floors with concrete walls and lots of open rooms.  You can imagine how the noise of little boys echoes!  Getting the house filled with all of our stuff would hopefully help with the volume!  We were excited when we found that our shipment had made it through and would be arriving the next day (Thursday)...so we had went about 4 days with just the stuff in the suitcases.  Not too bad.  And the noise level did improve when everything was in the house!

 

The Adventure Begins!

Our bags were packed. Shipment sent on its way to customs.  Sydney (dog) had a new foster home.  Good-byes said and house clean (Thanks, Honey!).  The boys were ready and excited, although I don't think they realized the magnitude of the adventure ahead of us!  The day had come for us to leave the States and head to Deutschland!

                                  Ready for our adventure...leaving GR Airport decked out in German gear!

                      Alex and Carter enjoying their seats with TV entertainment!  They had a good time sitting together:)

The flight and airport travel went smoothly.  The boys enjoyed the little tv screens on the seatback in front of them.  They didn't need most of the treasures we had packed for them in their backpacks.  No, they didn't eat much airline food, but we had plenty of other snacks along.  

Going through passport control was problem-free.  The twins were so brave...stepping up on their own.  We chuckled when Liam stepped up and handed the agent his passport.  The man couldn't see Liam standing there so sweetly as Liam wasn't tall enough to see over the desk!  Liam stood there and waited for this hand from above to give him his passport back and welcome him to Germany.  Pretty cute!  (I would've taken a picture if I thought they wouldn't mind, but thought we should just get through without causing problems to the process!)  Kaleb's passport got it's third stamp in his short 5 month life:)  His very sweet picture already doesn't look much like him:)

Our luggage arrived...all nine pieces of it!  Thankfully, Greg's co-worker, ST, met us at the airport to help us get our luggage home.  We got our rental van and were soon on our way to our new house!  It was only 10 minutes away and the boys were excited to see the spiral staircase:)