The Most Difficult Post, Ever.

To date, this has been the hardest post for me to ever compose, the hardest photos for me to edit.  I honestly don't like most of these images- but that is not the point.  This place, and the all too many like it, none of us like that they exist/existed, but we NEED to remember.  We NEED to see the atrocities that man is capable of - so that we may never repeat them.

Dachau to me is a bucket list place of a different sort.  Not for beauty, not for engineering marvel - merely because it existed ever.  It never should have.

"Freedom through Work".  Yeah, right.

I have always felt that I NEEDED to go there before we left Germany.  I have seen the ghetto of Budapest, and monuments there, and they moved me - but nothing like Dachau.

It has taken me weeks to get this post done.  Quite honestly, these pictures were very hard for me to even edit, let alone put words to.

One of many memorials to the victims and survivors of the Holocaust.  Each symbol on this sculpture is one that was used to mark the prisoners - whether it be because they were Jewish, Polish, a Drunk, a Prostitute, a Priest, or Gay.  Anyone labeled "Socially Undesirable" was sent here, anyone vocal in opposing the National Socialist Regime was sent here.

For thousands, this was the last train platform that they ever saw.
This was where prisoners were taken off the trains, and brought into the camp.
 It is precisely in the middle between the SS barracks, and the Prison Camp.

Dachau affected me on a deeply profound and personal level.  I was in a funk - a deep funk for a couple of weeks after visiting the first concentration camp of the National Socialist Regime (Nazi).  Growing up, I learned about the Holocaust, I read "The Diary of Anne Frank," I saw "Schindler's List".  I knew of what happened, but it never hit me at that personal level.  

A re-creation of one of the barracks buildings.  The originals
were torn down.  All that remains of them is their foundation
footprint in the dirt along the avenue.

Anyone wonder why dysentery spread rampantly?

Barracks bedding.  Originally built to hold around 30 per level,
often more than 100 souls would be crammed onto each level.  At
the height of Dachau, barracks built to hold 300 held over 2000 people
in each one.

Going to Dachau, seeing the site where thousands upon thousands were exterminated for the mere reason that they were born of a different faith, that their lineage was different, that they opposed the cruel regime which had taken control of their country - it hit me.  For so many reasons, had I been alive in that era, it could so easily have been me.  I could have been the mother having her baby ripped out of her arms.  I could have been the mother watching the death heads take her beautiful girl and forcing her to the brothel.  But I wasn't, and for that I am more than thankful.

This is the gas chamber.
Though no evidence exists of this room ever actually being used for its intended purpose, it does not
mean that it was never used for other purposes.  It is believed that human experimentation happened
here, and cruel punishments were carried out throughout this building and its grounds.

The entire area of Dachau to me was very. . . oppressive.  The town itself was nice enough, however the minute we got near the camp, the atmosphere changed.  The air was suddenly heavy, and I just felt so much emotion; sadness and grief and anger come immediately to mind, but there was so much more than that, so much that was beyond my verbal capabilities.  I am incredibly thankful for the experience, as hard as it was, and I would recommend everyone go.  I did not take my family with me for this - and I am comfortable in that decision- my daughter is a very bright, and very sensitive soul, she could not have taken it well, or recovered from it easily.  For her, I took these pictures. I want her to understand this all some day, and to make sure that this never happens to anyone again.

Never Again.  This statue stands in front of the crematorium.

Never Again.

Reiterlesmarkt - Rothenburg O.D. Taub

When most people think of Germany, it seems that they think of Christmas- the Markets, the Glühwein, the decorations, the Lebküchen, all of it.  And they are right.  Starting the first week of advent, the towns bring out their best, they light themselves up, the put up booths, they simmer the wine in amazing spices, and they attract the tourists.  Perhaps none more so than Rothenburg ob der Taub.  Rothenburg is a small city, that is about 30 minutes from my house.

In nearly every guide book I have ever read, Rothenburg is mentioned as a "must see".  It is historically significant, as it was a Free Imperial City throughout the middle ages, and today it's architecture, and culture serve to remind us of what was.  We see life as it would have been living behind the city wall that to this day still completely encircles the town.  We can wander through the castle garden, and even down into what was the old moat (now totally empty, of course.  There are numerous covered bridges, and watch towers that you can climb up and walk into throughout the city - there are funny little doors all around, and beautiful churches, statues and fountains sprinkled about.

Last night we went to the Reiterlesmarkt (the Rothenburg Weihnachtmarkt).  We got to Rothenburg shortly before sunset, and before the crowds really came out - the merchants were just opening up in the Markt, and we were not crowded at all!  Later at night, more and more people come out, and on the weekends, the crowds will have you nearly shoulder to shoulder.  Rothenburg's market is not huge, it is not its size that makes it special.  It is special because of what it is - the booths are a bit more unique, a little more upscale than some other places.

 Not all the booths, are in the main square, in fact, most of the booths wind around the block behind the Rathalle, and they fill smaller, less well known courtyards.  There is a section that is for only hand made items - this is my favorite part - walking into a hallway, with evergreen branches everywhere you look, and the smell is just heavenly - the branches, the Glühwein, the candied nuts - I treasure the memory of that smell, it is the epitome of Christmas to me.

Have you ever been to Rothenburg?  What is your favorite experience there?

Thank you for reading of our adventures!  As always, please leave a comment, share your experiences, ask a question, whatever!!

Weihnachts Markt Coburg

Today was my fathers birthday, so we decided to adventure to a new town for the day.  We picked the city of Coburg, home of Prince Albert.  It is a BEAUTIFUL city - I would love to go back in the spring and explore some more - I bet it is simply amazing come summer!  As far as the Weihnachts Markt, however, it's not worth writing home about.... or maybe I am just that spoiled, living near so many AMAZING markets.  I thought the people were kind of pushy (especially the parents near the carousel), the Glühwein was good, the mugs cute - but we found the food to be lacking - there only a couple of stands with food, and none of the bratwürst mit semmel that we have come to expect.  My rating - pretty, but go for the city, not the market!

I mean, this place is absolutely beautiful, and it had all of the essentials needed for a market, it just was not particularly my taste.  The crowd here was a bit more aggressive than I am used to - it was easy to lose track of the kids, and no one really seemed to be paying attention to anything but themselves.  I thought the aisles for walking were pretty narrow, which meant that there were many bottle necks, as people would stand around and socialize with their friends, not even realizing that they were blocking the flow of traffic.

This time, we went earlier in the evening - so there were less drunk people, but there were in general just MORE people.  MORE people isn't always good, especially for me - it got to the point that I started getting uncomfortable, and a little bit anxious.  Thankfully my mom saw that happening, and "suggested" we go out the nearest exit, and start shooting the outside of the market.  YES.  THANK YOU.  SO MUCH BETTER.  I will say, though, that my drunken friends from the other night definitely made for a more entertaining night, and for a much lighter mood!

And well, it's me, so like I have said before I get distracted.  It may not be "SQUIRREL" - but usually with me it is along the lines of, "Oooooooohhhhhh, shineyyyyyyyyyy" and I stare at the pretties for quite a bit of time.  Here are a few of the pretty shineys that I found tonight!

 

As always- PLEASE, leave a comment, share a thought, or just follow along with us on our journey!  

Weihnachts Markt Season is Here!!!

YES!  You are seeing that right!  This past weekend was the start of the Advent, which here in Germany means WIEHNACHTS MARKT (aka. Christmas Market) time!  The time of year when you meet your friends in the town squares, you have cups of hot Glühwein, and maybe eat a Bratwurst or two, and for our region, you can not forget the Lebküchen (a ginger bread like treat)

 You can't forget the Pyramides!  Most houses have small ones that are candle powered, so that you can watch the heat turn the blades, and see the many characters turn throughout the night.  However, most markets have life sized ones, that are just magical!!!

I mentioned the food before, right?  I mean, look at these stands!  Not only are they beautiful, but the scent of fresh Bratwürst, and other warm, meaty treats is amazing.  Should be noted that this is NOT the place for Vegans or Vegetarians to hang out!  This is meat country, baby!

 Despite all the revelry, this is Germany after all.  Shops still close early, nothing is open on a Saturday, and even the Markt, with all its festivities,  STILL is shut down by 9pm on Friday night!

I hope you are enjoying this all!   Please, leave a comment, subscribe, whatever!  I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas on this all!

The Leaves are Changing on the Iphseim WeinWanderWeg

It is fall!

My friend, and amazing photographer, Kim McCormick went out with me for a little photo safari through the Ipsheim Wein Wander Weg.  Normally, Ipsheim is just equated with wein, and the Weinfest it holds every year, not to mention the Wein Wander Tag - but it is also AMAZING for fall photography!  If you catch them right, the grape vines turn brilliant shades of red, and the surrounding views are nothing short of inspiring!

 Some of the vines we found - I love howe they are transitioning from red to green as they go further up the hill!

Looking down the hill towards the road, and a small shack. I really enjoyed not only seeing the changing color of the grape leaves, but the surrounding forrests as well.  

Have You Ever Been to the REAL Oktoberfest?

Have You Ever Been to the 

REAL Oktoberfest?

The one that is held in September?  The one that started it all?  The one that welcomes in MILLIONS of tourists each year?  NO?  Take my advice, if you ever get the chance, GO FOR IT!

Let me tell you first thing, I am NOT a fan of crowds.  I don't like the chaos, I get edgy, I get CRANKY!  That said - Oktoberfest is still worth it, at least once!  (This was our third year in a row!)  I was hesitant this year, with my husband gone, and the two kids in tow - and yet at the end of the day, it was not a big deal at all!  We go really really early (like when it opens at 9am) and leave really early, before everyone is completely hammered.  We take the train up, so we don't have to worry about the car, and then just walk from the HaupBahnhof into the festplatz.  This year, we even did it sans stroller, and managed to meet up with some friends at one of the tents!

As you can see, we were not the only ones with kids present - and have always taken ours with us.  Yes, my little dude had his first sip of Bier at Oktoberfest.  Pretty awesome, if I do say so myself!  

YES, there are crowds.  YES it is loud.  YES there is LOTS of drinking.  Amazingly enough to this crazy American, though, it never gets too out of control.  There is always a very visible security / Polizei presence, and people really for the most part are out to simply have a good time with their friends and family!

There are all kinds of tents.  Chicken Tents, Ox Tents, Fish Tents, you name it, and they have something to go with it.  

It is hard to explain Oktoberfest - we really do not have anything similar in America.  Take the biggest State Fair you can think of - remove the Agriculture, make it all rides and food, squish it into about a 10 block area, and then add bier. LOTS of BIER!

They even have giant metal chickens on the side of the buildings!

And let us not forget the traditional Bier Garten.  Can't ask for much more than that!

I am very serious when I say that it is worth it!  I had always heard vague references to Oktoberfest, and quite honestly never had that much of a crazy desire to go.  I wouldn't look back though.  Bought my dirndl, braided my hair, grabbed the kids, and had definitely one of the most memorable experiences of my life!  Thank you to everyone who went out with us, and partook in the craziness, especially my amazing good sport of a cousin, Lynda.

..... I don't think my sweet cousin from Scotland will ever be the same again!

**I know it's now December, and I bet you are wondering why I am posting pictures and stories from October - the simple reason is, that I had not done it before, and it is a trip SO worth taking - for the whole family, or part of the family, or even just for the grown ups! **

Never Letting the Grass Grow

So - my husband is gone a lot.  It sucks.  Sadly, I am also used to it.  That is ok, though - we work with what we are given, and thankful for what we have.  In the meantime, we don't let the grass grow, we don't sit and complain that he's gone (well, ok, maybe a little bit), we don't hide out in the basement, avoiding the world.  We get out and see the world!  I am good with distraction, whether it's intentional or not, and for me these days, traveling is a great distraction to 1/4 of my little family, and 1/2 my heart being missing.

So, for the end of June, our trip we took was to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. We only went for a couple of days, and I bored my kids to death with hikes and nature, but, well that is me, I reluctantly admit to being a little bit Granola.

 

Don't they look tortured. . .

 

Wait - you mean not everyone elses kids try to make themselves look like Master Yoda in almost EVERY family picture?  SERIOUSLY?  

Yes. Don't we all look miserable? (NOT)  While we may be missing an integral piece, we are still moving forward, and still making the most of what we have.  To waste the opportunities we have to travel and see the world while we are living abroad would be a sin.

As always- PLEASE, leave a comment, share a thought, or just follow along with us on our journey!