Our local area..

The other weekend, J & I spent the day in our local area. 

We started out in Kaiserslautern, to [window] shop and browse all the new stuff the stores are bringing out (Fall is coming :)) And, to just enjoy the atmosphere and the gorgeous day. I really love being able to do things that anywhere else might not feel quite so special, but being in Europe makes it that way. I am thankful to be able to experience every single day here, even when I really miss my people back home and wish I could be around for so many things. :) Nevertheless, we are here and we are taking advantage of all the opportunities that present themselves. 

After our little excersion in K-town, we decided to head to base to do a couple of errands and we caught the Italian eis man who drives around the area and serves, well, ice cream. I have only had ice cream from the Italian ice cream once, right after arriving in Germany. It was a hot-for-Germany day, so we decided to have some. I got one that is named for an Italian candy bar containing coconut & hazelnut in a vanilla ice. J got coconut.

After our before lunch treat, we went to have lunch at the little sports grill we like on base. They serve mean fried pickle spears. I love their pulled pork sandwiches, so good! I always order mine with a side of their chipotle sauce they normally put on their chipotle burger. I don't like ordering burgers here, they do some weird seasoning thing and it's definitely not what this Texan is used to. I think it is also the one thing here I don't like eating. :) So, I order the pulled pork sandwich with the sauce and it's awesome! Yum!

The Eiffel Tower, sparkling.

In the evening, the lights on the Eiffel Tower blink and twinkle, so the tower appears to sparkle. It is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. 

Sorry for the quality. The iPhone video is better than nothing, though. :)

A Day out in Frankfurt.

J & I took the train to Frankfurt this weekend for a little day in the city. We enjoyed shopping and scoping out the sneak peek of fall fashion. I scooped up a cute little [faux] leather, fitted biker number for the upcoming season. Eeek! We found a little store with tons of gummies, we didn't purchase any but they looked quite tasty! 

We enjoyed lunch at Conrad's, off the shopping area on Zeil. I had a turkey breast with curry sauce and exotic fruits & jasmine rice on the side. J had a yummy baked potato with chives and a salad. And, we each had an espresso to finish. When in Europe, right? ;) 

I also found a fun little store that is all HELLO KITTY! I love Hello!

I love exploring this country and Europe as a whole. It sometimes feels so surreal, but above all, I am so thankful. 

KARLSRUHE, Germany: Medieval Festival

Karlsruhe Haupbahnhof

J, taking a photo

I am in love with this Irish inspired cloak!

 

Hungarian chimney cakes. J & I enjoyed a cinnamon & sugar one.

Fest food. I got this sour cherry beer from Belgium that was so flipping good! I had the beer & these yummy potato noodles covered with sauerkraut for lunch. Another shot of the chimney cake.

This guy was crazy talented!

Cheat treat # 2. ;) Chocolate-y & caramel goodness, with a caramel macchiato to wash it down. :)

Last Saturday, J & I and some friends ventured out to Karlsruhe, Germany via Kaiserslautern by way of train. It was J & my first train experience in Germany. It was so nice and relaxing to be able to sit and not worry about driving and just be able to visit with each other and our friends!


We went to Karlsruhe to take part in Medieval festivities. We were able to check out tons of unique vendors, including folks making yarn, Celtic inspired leather bracelets, and one of a kind jewelry, clothing and other wares. I love a Medieval fest or faire, they are so entertaining and always, always interesting. The music here is usually more rock like than what we are used to in the states. I quite like it!


The food is always tasty. We sampled a couple of things. J's favorite? A sandwich made from the whole pig, pictured above. Mine? I enjoyed my sour cherry beer very much, but with my terribly (wonderful?) sweet tooth, the doughy chimney cake ran a close second. (I feel the need to say that, generally I eat as clean as possible during the week. However, I know that a completely clean diet is not something I can stick with and be happy with for the rest of my life. I have to have the things I love, in moderation, of course. :) It works for me and keeps me on track with my goals to have a cheat treat, meal, day, occasionally. ;))


As I love color, this was a fun day to photograph! Lots of colors and fun going on! And, a great opportunity for me to work on my photographing skills. I am learning to be comfortable shooting in manual, and using more of the controls on my camera that haven't been used much until recently. Admittedly, I am saving up for a new camera, so I have goals until buying the new one, to keep me on track with getting better and learning more.


Until next time..