Einen guten Rutsch!!!!

Happy New Year Everyone.

In Germany, people wish each other a good slide into the new year -- Einen guten Rutsch in neues Jahr!

Beers I've Tried: Königsbacher 1689

Königsbacher is the local Koblenz brewery. In fact their current ad campaign is "Koblenz drinks Königsbacher". They trace their origins back to, you guessed it, 1689 when they made beer in the old city hall (a not that unusual combination back then).

1689 is one of Königsbacher's specialty beers. The recipe is suppost to have origins back in the original brew house. It in a caramel tasting brew with a nice deep brown color. If there is a complaint, the head is a little loose, not a tight as the last two brews that I wrote about. Still, this is the last of a half case that I bought, so I did enjoy this one.

Merry Christmas

A Merry Christmas to all. Here are a couple of pictures of our tree with the candles burning. Magda was tring to figure when she made some of these straw ornaments. She figures that it was at least 45 years ago.

That got me to thinking, if something put togeather with straw and thread can last that long, image what she could have done with duct tape.

Our Christmas Tree

We put up our Christmas tree on the 22nd. Magda feels that was a couple of days early. Her tradition is to put it up on the 24th. In general, the tree goes up later that in the U.S. Many of the Christmas tree stands did not even open until the 14th.

The type of tree that we choose was one called a "Nordmanntanne". They are a popular choice here in Germany. The tall tree tip and the openness at the top helps simulate the head and shoulders of a person. Like all the trees that we have seen here, the needles are relatively short that are soft and flat. Other types of trees that are sold here include blue spruce and firs. Have not seen any of the long needle verities such as scotch pine that are popular in Columbus.

We decided to be a little old fashioned by using straw ornaments and real candles. Magda tells me that she used to make these as a kid. They involve lay out pieces of straw in a pattern on a board and pinning the straw in place. Then thread is weaved around the straw to hold it all together allowing the pins can be removed and the ornament placed on the tree. You can see why it was (and still is) popular, the light brown of the straw does stand out against the dark green of the tree. Some of these are ones that Magda made several years ago, so the color does not darken with time.

We did watch a program discussing if an artificial tree is a better choice, strictly from an "environmental point"/"decreasing carbon footprint" of view. Certainly, looking at the initial purchase, the real tree wins out. These trees exist only for this purpose, and they will be replaced by another tree that will convert CO2 to oxygen. So the carbon impact is pretty much a wash. Some carbon cost related to fertilizer. And of course, there is the transportation from the farm to the tree stand and from there back home. Buying local will help here. The artificial tree requires energy in the manufacture of the raw materials as well as the tree . If the tree uses plastic, that involves using petroleum not required for a real tee. Plus there are the transportation costs which are likely longer that a real tree.

But of course, an artificial tree can be used multiple years, reducing the transportation cost over time. So when is the break even point? According to these experts you would have to used the artificial tree at least 17 years to lower the environmental impact to that of buying a real tree every year.

Walking Frannie - Relaxing After Car Ride

Magda and I went down to Badenweiler for the week-end, taking Frannie along. Frannie handles riding in a car pretty well. She certainly does much better than we hear from a lot of other dog owners. But she does like to spread out and relax after the drive. She does have a way of taking over the sofa.

Weihnachtsmarkt Freiburg

Freiburg's Wiehnachtsmarkt was the nicest that I was able to visit this year. It is situated on three martplatz in the Altstadt. The largest of these is in front of the Rathouse (City hall). The other two were not far away.

In all candor, Freiburg might be my favorite city in Germany. If I could choose a German city to live in, Freiburg would be up there. First of all, it is a picturesque city, with a large Altstadt, some remaining city gates, and the Gothic Munster (i.e. large church but did not receive cathedral status as a bishop never used it as his headquarters). All of which have been well preserved and maintain. It might be the cleanest city in Germany, which is saying something. The downtown area that includes the Altstadt is quite active, commercially.  Further, it is set between the Rhine and the Black forest in the southern part of German that is known for it's good weather and fine food. France is not far, nor is Switzerland. It is a university town. That and the size of the city helps support a good arts community. Plus, it has a great public transport system including light rail, and bus. Freiburg is on a main line of the Deutsche Bahn, so you have great access to the train system.

What makes the Weihnachtsmarkt enjoyable was the sitting in the Altstadt, plus the fact that so many of the booth had hand made items like the carved wooded figures in the picture.

My personal favorite booth was the one that sold springerle presses. These press were a little different than I had previously seen as they were made of clay rather than carved out of wood. The guy at the booth explained that with clay, they can offer more detain in the form than with wood. Plus they are easier to clean. The detail and variety of these forms was truly amazing. They have a website a www.springerle.com where there are detailed pictures of the forms.

Weihnachtsmarkt Koblenz

Koblenz also has a Weihnacktsmarkt. Koblenz does have an active tourist trade, due to the passenger barges that travel the Rhine throughout the year. The barges dock along the Mossell, along the Altstadt (Old City).

Koblenz's Weihnachtsmarkt actually takes up 3 different market squares in the Altstadt. Being separated takes a little from the experience, making the markt seem small. Plus the fact that most of what is sold at the stands is factory produced. Of course, there are still plenty of opportuites to take in a little glühwein, or other typical food for a Weihnachtsmarkt. But sorry to say, it just doesn't have the feel of Trier's markt.

Weihnachtsmarkt Trier

Trier, is one of my favorite cities in Germany. Although Trier is Germany oldest city, what makes it interesting for me is that it was one of Europe's most important cites north of the Alps early in its history. As a result, there a buildings and ruins from Roman, Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque.

When I heard that Trier's Weihnachtsmarkt was one of the nicest in the area, this was enough reason to hop on a train for another visit.

Nürnberg's Christkindlesmarkt is Germany's oldest and most well known Weinachtsmarkt (Christmas market). This tradition has spread throughout Germany. Now every city of any size or that depends on the tourist trade has such a market. They do provide a bit of light and fun during the dark days of December (remember that we are actually north of Columbus, resulting in darkness earlier here).

Trier's market is not huge, but it has a nice setting in the city's main market place, surrounded by buildings from various periods in the city's long history. In addition, most of the cities pedestrian area is lighted by decorative stars. The market had stands selling hand made Christmas decorations and other articles. Some mass produced articles were on sale as well. There was a merry-go-round for the young kids. And, of course, several booths selling typical foods of Weinachtsmarkts, various wursts, reibekuchen (potato pancakes), and glühwein (mulled wine)

Beers I've Tried: Battin Gambrinus

I was introduced to Battin Gambrinus on our trip to Luxembourg. Battin is a Luxembourg brewery since 1937. The Gambrinus is a pale lager with a rich gold color and a thick fluffy white head that has good staying power and that leaves laces on the glass as the beer is drunk. The taste begins with creamy maltiness that gives way to a finish that is hoppy (prehaps saaz hops) but not overly so. Over all a full flavored, balanced larger that is a pleasure to drink.

However, it is not cheap. 4 euros for 6 .25 liter bottles, or about 1.67 per half liter.

Gegorian Chant at Kastorkirche

Spent a most pleasant evening last week at a concert in the Basilika St. Kastor.

St. Kastor is the oldest of the Romanesque churches for which Coblenz is known. There has been a church on this site, near Deutsche Eck, since the middle of the 9th century. The present from the the church dates from the mid-12th century although a careful restoration was done after WWII as the church was hit by British bombers.

Combining this small gem of a church with a program of Gregorian Chant made the even special. The group, Schola Gregoriana Pragensis, is a group of professional singers from Prague who specialize in this form of music.

Listening to the Latin text of these chants sung in melodic vocals that resonated from the thick wall of this 1200 year old Romanesque church -- a church that was in place during the period in which this music originated -- made for a fitting and delightful evening.

Luxembourg - Nov 2009

We visited a friend of Magda's who lives in Luxembourg and whose husband works for the EU. It was a most "unfriendly" day. Most of the day was spent in conversation. But we decided to take a quick tour of the EU area.

When I worked at FIZ-Karlsuhe in 1991, one of my first trips was to Luxembourg. I remember the fortifications of the city above the deep valleys. I also remember a single building devoted to European government (of course this was pre-EU).

So I was more that surprised to see the city that has been built, all since 1995. Buildings were there for parliament, courts, the symphony, offices, banks and everything required to support the people working there.

The bottom part of one of the buildings contains a mall, that includes an amazing grocery store called Auchan. This store provides for people from all over Europe that are working at the EU, and are generally well paid and appreciate their food. Here are some of my observations:

• a tenth of the store was devoted to drinks, more than half of that was wines from all over the world. A large part of this was French. There was also a large selections of wines from Luxembourg (the Moselle extends into Luxembourg). The USA was represented by two levels of wines from Gallo.
• Beers from all over Europe were there, Germany, Belgium, France, and Luxembourg. The USA was represented by Samuel Adams Boston Lager and Miller.
• 30-40 meter long and 1 meter deep showcase of cheeses
• 30-40 meter long and 1 meter deep showcase for salamis, wursts and pâtés
• Huge counter of fresh fish, plus a counter of salted cod (which, I'm told is popular with the Portugese contingent to the EU).
• Frozen foods to satisfy any special needs of representatives from any European country.
• Sometime, watching the people shopping was as interesting as the selection offered by the store. I mean there are people from all over the world shopping there.
  

Beers I've Tried: Bitbuger Premium Pils

Bitburger is a classic German pilsner that is brewed int he town of Bitburg, within an hour's drive from Coblenz. Bitburger traces it's history back to 1817. While originally brewing ales, Bitburger brewed its first pilsner in 1883. Today, no ales are brewed, only pilsners. The Bitburger Premium Pils is the foundation of Bitburger's current reputation.

It is one of Germany's national brands. It is the official beer of the German national soccer team. There is probably no bigger sponsorship deal that that in German. It is also one of the German beers that can be found in the USA. It is Germany's no. 1 beer sold in draft.

This is one of the good one. Nice hoppy finish, light yet full-bodied, great foamy head. If you want to understand German pilsners, this would be a good starting place.

Of course, Bitbuger is brewed according to the deutschem Reinheitsgebot, the German beer purity law from 1516 that states that only water, barley and hops can be used in the production of beer.

Cost about .55 to .64 euros per .5 liter bottle.

Neighborhood Weather Station

Someone in the neighborhood has put up a low tech weather station near by that Frannie and I pass most days of the week. As you can see it consist simply of a rock hanging from a rope. The sign above explains the use of the weather station. It reads as follows:

Rock is wet .................. It is raining
Rock is white ................ It is snowing
Rock is moving ............. It is windy
Rock can not be seen .... It is cloudy
Rock throws a shadow .. The sun shines
Rock is not there ............ Rock has been stolen

First Whirl of the Pyramid

We gave our Christmas pyramid its first whirl yesterday. Here's some short videos.

From 11-29-2009

From 11-29-2009

From 11-29-2009

Walking Frannie - Father Rhine 2

There is just something about walking along a large body of water be it the Atlantic Ocean, Lake Eire or the Rhine River. It just has a different feeling to it.

To reach the Rhine, Frannie and I must make out way through the maze of streets in Wallersheim. Finally reaching a small alley that passes by a half-timbered building that bulges a foot into our path from settling over the 300 or 400 years of it's existence. At the end of this alley we reach the Rhine and are suddenly have unobstructed views across and down the river. Maybe that is part of it. As your eyes are able to see further, your might is allowed to follow, free from obstuctions.

Maybe it is just some thing primal, a distant memory of the habitat of early ancestors as they spread along the coasts.

For Frannie, it is primarily about the smells. Mostly this is the smells of other dogs, as the trail is a popular place for people in the village to take their dogs. But also included are the birds. There is a large population of mallard ducks and swans. But also gulls and cormorants can be seen (and I guess smelled). Also, there is a pair of Nile geese. No one knows they came from. They just showed up one day a couple of years ago and have stayed ever since. They have even done some inner breeding with the mallards, as there are some ducks that seem to combine characteristics of the two.

Frannie is particularly interested in the ducks and the swans. She will not only smell where they have been but will stand on the bank, ears forward, watching them for minutes on end. The swans are not exactly happy with Frannie's interest, especially when they are out of the water. They will stand up tall, making themselves appear as large as possible, and start hissing at her. Frannie makes no move towards them, but she does stand her ground, and every now and again looks at me like she is asking "what exactly is their problem, I just was to look". For those who know Frannie, they know this is quite a change for our dog.

Christmas Pyramid

Well I couldn't resist. I succumbed.

The stores here, like the US, have been pushing Christmas earlier and earlier. We started to see Christmas advertisements soon after I arrived, but things really picked up the last week of October. Stores are all stocked with Christmas decorations and goodies. But I've been trying to hold out for the more-or-less official beginning of the Christmas season which, in Germany this year is November 20th. This is the Friday before the first Sunday of Advent. This is when the Christmas markets open. This custom that started in Nuremberg now can be found in most every major city in Germany.

In any case, while browsing the ads one Sunday, I commented on a cheap Christmas pyramid offered by one store, saying that I wouldn't mind getting a pyramid for this year. One that was hand made, but not one of those huge, multi-tier ones. Just a nice one.

Magda didn't say much at the time, but she must have liked the idea because the next time we were in town she pointed to a store across the street and said "let's go in there". In my defense, "there" was not a store that was part of the Christmas hype. It was a small store that specializes in wooden objects including kids toys, decorations, and kitchen utensils. Some are machine made, but most of the decorations are hand-made. Included among the decorations was a shelf of hand-made Christmas pyramids.

We settled on one, that was not the cheapest or the smallest, but it was far from the other end of the spectrum. We liked it because it was not overly colorful, but rather focused on the wood. What do you think? Did we make a good choice? Of course, the idea is that as the candles burn, the hot air rises and spins the propellers. This in turn cases the figures to rotate. We have packed in away for now, but we will soon take it out and "give it a whirl", so to speak.

November 11th, St. Martin's Day

November 11 has several meaning in Germany. From a religious perspective it is St. Martins Day. The day set aside in commemoration of Martin or Tours, the Romain soldier that converted to Christianity in 316 AD and later became the Bishop of Tours.

The most repeated story about Martin occurred at the gates of Amiens when he and his soldiers came a scantly clothed beggar. Taking petty on the man, Martin cut his military cloak in half and gave half to the beggar to keep him warm. Why only half? Roman soldiers owned only half of their clothing. Martin could only give away what belonged to him, thus only half the cloak could be given. The story continues that Jesus came to Martin in his sleep that night wear the half cloak, telling the angels that the cloak had come from Martin.

I suspect there is a relationship between this separation of what belongs to the individual from what belongs to the state in this story of Saint Martin to a secondary, medieval meaning of the November 11. November 11 was when the serfs paid compensation to the nobles whose land they worked. 10 percent of everything produced in the year was payed to the nobility, be it grain, chicken, pigs or geese.

This fact and another story about Martin explains one of the traditional meals served on Saint Martin's day. When Martin learned that he was to be named the Bishop of Tours, he hid himself in a barn full of geese because he did not what such an honor. The noise from the geese gave Martin away and he was installed.

And so the nobles of the time ate geese to celebrate the day, as do a number of people today.

In this part of the middle Rhine, for working folk, the meal to celebrate the day is much more basic.

Magda and I were invited across the river to a part of Lahnstein known as Martins Siedlung (Martins Settlement), named after Saint Martin. This working class community was destroyed in WWII as was much of Lahnstein. It was rebuilt in the 1950s by the inhabitants. The homes that they built with their own hands, are small by today's standards and may not have the straightest walls or perfect corners. But each was on a plot of land big enough for a garden to feed the family (which makes such perfect sense for people coming out of the destruction of war). On Saint Martin's day, the people of this community decorate their fount lawns with candle-lighted paper and glass lanterns, many hand made. As night falls, the community comes out to greet each other and view the display of lights. At around 6:30, a parade begins. At the head of the parage is someone dressed as a Roman soldier riding a horse representing Saint Martin. Following Martin are the children of the community carrying paper lanterns and a band playing religious music. In former times, the children would sing songs praising Martin as they walked in the parade. But that is not true today, much to the chagrin of the older folks remembering their days in the parade.

Children are given sweet bread, sometimes shaped as a pretzel or as a man smoking a pipe.

After the parade, the families retire to there homes to the traditional, working class meal for Saint Martin's Day in this part of tye world, Dippekuchen. This is like a giant German potato pancake that is baked in a cast iron pot. This one contained 5 pound of grated potatoes, bacon, onion, fleischwurst, eggs and spices.

As a final note, there is an awareness of our celebration of Halloween, that creeps into German celebrations at this time of year. Several of the houses were decorated with carved pumpkins. This is interesting because Martin was known for destroying pagan temples and structure. Here we have this symbol of a pagan celebration that has transcended its original meaning and is being used in the observance of a saint is interesting. But perhaps it is Halloween itself has made this transition into a holiday for kids, with no pagan or religious connotations to it.

The German Corner

In the city of Coblenz at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, sits the monument to German Unity know as Deutsche Eck. Translated this means "The German Corner". Frannie and I see this almost every day on one of our walks.

The monument was originally built in 1897 to honor Wilhelm I, who fought several wars for German union. Under his reign the German Empire included areas which are today parts of Russia, Poland, France, Denmark, Belgium and Lithuania.

The large central statue of Wilhelm I was actually damaged in 1945 and sunk in the Rhine. It was not recovered and restored until 1993, after the fall of the Berlin wall.

Today, the flags of the 16 German states fly around the monument with a large flag of German. Also on display are also 3 sections from the Berlin wall

Reading the Grapes, Mittle Rhine 2009

We visited a vintner in the village of Spay, just south of Coblenz. They produce mostly Rieslings from their vineyards in Bopparder Hamm.

Her comments echoed those her Baden counterparts. The grapes were of very high quality this year. But, she also noted that quantities were down.

We should begin seeing 2009 wine the first week of April next year

Frannie is an Honorary Schängelhund

Frannie is now registered with the city of Coblenz. Since she wasn't born in Coblenz, she can not officially be considered a Schängel (referring the the mischievous schoolboy that is a symbol of the city). But she thinks of this as home now. 

She wears here new metal proudly, don't you think?

She and I had to register at the same place, soon after arrival. We both claimed no religion, because it's true and it avoids paying the taxes that are collected for the church. I, however, did not get a medal to wear.

Walking Frannie - Father Rhine

On the mornings that Magda works, Frannie and I take a walk. Generally this lasts about an hour. Sometimes, it's a little more. Sometimes, it's a little less. It's not that we walk very far. It's just that Frannie's way of experiencing the word through her nose requires a good deal of time stopping to get a good sniff.

Generally, we begin by walking north, pass the Schreber gardens where there are some nice green spaces for Frannie to perform her duties. Then we have some freedom to go whatever direction we wish. But usually our choosen direction is east to find one of the alleys that provide public access to what the Germans call "Father Rhine".

There we are often greeted by the barges, some half a football field long, that ply the river. Some ride high in the water, empty and heading to their next load of goods. Others are loaded, riding low in the water, the bow wake six inches below the deck.

Frannie will stare in the wonderment of these huge beasts passing by. But she is much more intently interested in the other animals, or more precisely, the smells of the other animals. Obviously, other people walk their dogs here. The mallards, gulls and cormorants produce more than a passing interest. But she doesn't have a clue of what should be done with these large, long neck white birds on the water's edge, or on the bank.

The swans are year-round residents at Neuendorf, thanks to the handouts that they get from the human residents here. Frannie, so far, has been content to stare at them, ... and smell where they have been. We do wonder if she is viewing then as playmates ... or as a dinner.

Golden October, make that November

The Germans refer to the time of year when the leaves of the trees and grape vine have changed to yellow as "Golden October". Unfortunately, It didn't come in October this year, and it isn't as brilliant this year as I've seen in the past. We're not sure of the reason. It has been dry this summer and fall. And while it has been cool, it has not exactly been cold. Some of the trees seem to just go from green to brown. And the vineyards still are showing some green in their leaves.

In any case, we are seeing some glimpses of it this week.

Auf dem Jagd

9:40am and the blare of the hunting horns announce the gathering for the hunt to the small town of Greimersburg. This was a big hunt for the town. 93 shooters and 20 drivers had been invited for this hunt by the Dutchman that owns the hunting rights in this village. He had wanted to plan a large hunt to invite a number of his friends from Holland to participate. They made up about half the shooters and drivers.

With the horns, the 113 hunters came together at the town community center to hear the rules of the hunt, first in German, then in Dutch. The hunt was to take place from 11:00am to 1:30pm. Effort should be made to take the injured or old. Be certain of you target before you fire, there are hikers as well as drivers and dogs out there. The primary game was wild pigs. Deer and foxes could also be taken.

Wild pigs have become a major problem in farming communities in Germany. These pigs are quite destructive to the farmer's crops. Their increasing population seems related to the increase acreage devoted to farming corn. Corn has not been traditionally farmed in Germany. It seems to provide the wild pigs with a food source and cover from hunters. More than one farmer has told us that the pigs like to go into the middle of a corn field and eat their way out, so their destruction is not noticed until too late.

And then again the horns, this time announcing the beginning of the hunt. The shooters were divided into groups, each group was a assigned a leader from the area. The leader was responsible for positioning the group members. After all the shooters had left for their positions, the drivers where divided into 4 groups and positioned for the start of the hunt.

The land around Greimersburg is mostly cultivated. But there are some steeply sloping area where the forest has been allowed to grow. The set up for the hunt was classic. Shooters were position on the edges of these wooded area facing outward towards the surrounding fields. The drivers and dogs would work through the woods trying to encourage the game to move into the fields where they could be seen by the shooters.

At 11:05, the driver's for the group I was in fanned out along the road and entered the woods. For the nest 2 hours and 30 minutes, we moved in a line though the woods and berry patches that were in our way, periodically yelling "hup, hup, hup" to scare and pigs near by and to inform the shooters and other drivers of our position. Sometimes we would re-group to start another pass through the woods. As luck would have it, during all this time, we were only able to see a single deer but it was moving too fast for the shooters to get a good shoot.

While we were unable to find the pigs in our area, we could hear shots being fired in the distance. Other groups appeared to have better luck.

At 1:20, our leader called a halt and we made a last pass in the direction of the autos. We loaded up and headed off to the hut to celebrate the hunt. At the hut, warm gulash soup and Zwiebelkuchen (onion tart) was waiting. We warmed ourselves by the fire watching each of the groups bring in their game. In all 12 wild pigs, 8 deer and 4 foxes were harvested.

In the ceremony that ended the hunt, each successful shooter was given a small branch from a pine tree. The meat from the harvest would be processed and sold to help pay for the hunting rights. The party was the real reward for the hunters. The drivers were given a little extra for their work, a kilogram of Dutch Gouda cheese. The sound of the hunting horns signaled the end of the hunt, but the party at the hut continues a while longer.

The Hallows in Halloween

There is no organized celebration of Halloween as there is in the US. It has become recognized thanks at least in part to the commercial opportunity that it provides for stores to sell candy. Kids may visit family of close neighbors to beg for treats, but there is no organized "Beggar's Night" as we in the US associate with the holiday.

Rather, the primary holiday in Germany this time of year is the day the Halloween sprung from. The "Hallows" in "Hallows eve" that is the origin of Halloween refers to All Saints Day.

For Catholics, November 1st is All Saints Day (Alleheiligen) , a commemoration of the Saints and their sacrifices. This is followed by November 2 is All Souls Day (Allerseelen), a commemoration of departed relatives.

In Germany, the two are celebrated a single holiday, Alleheiligen, which seems to focus more on the departed relatives than on the saints. It is a day that people return to the towns and villages where their relatives are buried. The relatives' grave sites are cleaned and decorated for the celebration later in the day. This celebration consists of service in the nearby church or chapel, followed by a procession to the graveyards and a blessing of the graves. The blessing of the graves occur at dusk, lighted by the glow of the candles that have been placed on each of the graves. Afterward, families together in homes, often over 'kaffee und kuchen".

Autobahn Impressions - German Autos

Here are some somewhat random impressions about the auto that Germans drive. Some are not too surprising, others might be.

• There is a much higher percentage of German made autos on the road than from any other country. These would include Mercedes, BMW, Audi, VW, Opel. I don't include Ford here, but I think a number of them are made Germany
• Japan is probably second.
  
• I think Porches might be more popular in the US than in Germany. I seem more likely to see them in the US that here.
  
• Every manufacturer that sells in both the US and Germany, has smaller car models for the German market that are not sold in the US. For example, Ford has the Fiesta and the KA. Audi sells and A3. Mercedes markets an A and B class. Toyota sells a car small than its Yaris, the Aygo.
• The Honda Fit is called the Honda Jazz in Germany
  
• To maximize space, a high percentage of small and mid-size cars are hatchbacks or station wagons. Leading body styles that I don't think are available in the US. Examples would include station wagon versions of the Ford Fusion, BMW 3, Audi A4, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Also, hatchback version of Honda Civic and Toyots Corolla.
• The GM mark in Germany is Opel. I have seen an occasional Chevy. But the typical brands that we in the US associate with GM are not here.
  
• Volvo and Saab seem more popular in the US than in Germany
• The French makers. Renault, Citröen, and Peugeot, have quite a reputation for their small cars
• I cannot get excited about the Fiats that I see. Rather plain simple body styles. So simple that it looks like minimizing the manufacturing cost of the bodywas the primary driving force in their design.
  
• A lot more Alpha Romeros on the road here that in the US. I'm talking hatch backs or family cars, not the sport cars. They do have a sense of style to them.
  
• Seat is the Spanish wing of VW. Their cars have sleeker bodies that their German counterparts while appearing to be built on the same frames.
• Skoda has a following in Germany. They remind me of BMWs, but I suspect there are a bit cheaper.
• Some Prius can be seen, and I would say that the number is growing.
• Diesel versions of most cars. Diesel is cheaper here than gas, and just as available.
  
• Some SUVs can be found. But certainly they are in no way the same percentage as in the US.
  
• Mercedes E class looks great on the autobahn. If I went into a Mercedes dealer, my mind would say A class, but my heart would want an E class.
  

Walking Frannie - Picking Up

There is at least one aspect of German culture that I don't accept. As a general rule, people don't pick up after there dogs. In a country that tries so hard to make sense in so much of what is done, it hard to understand that the sanitary and aesthetic value of picking up doesn't out weight the effort in doing so. I mean it's not safe to walk on the grass in the park. Sometimes it's not even safe walking on the path in the park. And the cost is a bag and 5 second to reach down and pick up.

I'm not accepting and environmental argument about increased use of plastic in bags. Reduce the impact with the use of bags from recycled plastic or paper.

I will accept different rules when walking in the country than in the town.

This is one area where Magda and I have decided not to assimilate. We will pick-up after Frannie. It's the right thing to do.

If we do it, who knows, maybe 3 or 4 other will do it. And if 3 or 4 others are doing it, as Arlo would say, you got yourself a movement. Then if you can just get a few more to join the movement, you got yourself a revolution. And that just what we need here in Wallersheim, a dog pile pick up revolution.

Sure enough, while walking Frannie in the park, we say a lady walking a husky. The husky went, the lady took out a bag, picked up and tossed it in the near-by waste bin.

Three more and we have a movement.

Reading the Grapes, Baden 2009

Talked with two vintners about the Traubenlese (literally Grape Reading, actually refers to harvesting the grapes). Both were very excited about the harvest. Dry July, August and September had provided high levels of sugar. Something to look forward to on trips to Badenweiler next year.

Still need to visit some vintners on middle Rhine and Moselle to see if we can expect some interesting Rieslings.

Hiking in Schwarzwald, October

We decided to hike a little in the Black Forest, but as there was snow above 1000 meters, we were a little concerned that the snow might be a little deep on Belchen (first picture) at 1415 m. Our compromise was to drive up to a pass at 1080 m called Kreuzweg. From there is a pleasant loop hike over Kälbelescheuer and Heldenhof and back to Kreuzweg.

As we suspected, the hike was right above at the snow line. The snow added to the beauty of the hike, covering the trees and the ground with a couple of inches. But the spectacular thing were the views of Feldberg (third picture) and Belchen. These are Germany's second and third highest peaks.

Frannie was quite enamored by the snow. She doesn't get excited by much, but this was special. She was running in circles, jumping up and down, back and forth, grabbing mouthfuls of snow, just generally wanting to play. It was a joy to watch.

She also got to visit another resturant as we stopped a the Gaststätte at Heldenhof before the climb back to Kreuzweg. Here she met a Münsteränder for the first time. Both showed impeccable resturant manners.