thanksgiving in germany

Early November we decided to book a cheap flight ($100 Ryan Air!) to go see our friends Rosalin and Andrew in Germany for Thanksgiving.  Rosalin and I have been friends since kindergarden.  We were neighbors and instantly bonded over our extensive Barbie collections.

Marco and I thought, what better way to spend Thanksgiving than to head to Germany to be with close friends.  Our favorite crazy Armenian girl + New England guy, they certainly would show us a good time.

Rosalin and Andrew, also newly married, moved overseas not long after we did.  We have so much to relate to them right now when it comes to new adventures, travels, embracing small village life, meeting new people, and in their case learning a new language.

The first day of our trip there was Thankgiving day.  We started with Maker's cocktails in travel mugs and headed out on a long walk with the dogs.  The rest of the day was spent doing the cooking/football watching/eating everything American things.  A friend and colleague of Rosalin's Anna, (who happens to come from bakery owning family) joined us for the day and brought along a chocolate bourbon pecan pie with grand marnier caramel sauce (omg).  Dealing with a small Euro oven situation, Andrew decided to cook the turkey set-it-and-forget-it rotisserie style and it turned out perfect.

Day two we went to the picturesque city of Heidelburg.  First we toured the castle that sits high above the city.  Then we spent the rest of the day roaming the Christmas market that spanned the streets of the old city.  Everyone has heard of THE German Christmas markets, and many other cities put on their own version but I don't think anyone can match zee Germans.  The glühwein, the elaborate tent set-ups and decor, the food, the gifts - what an amazing experience.

The last few days of our visit we walked around Andrew and Rosalin's village of Otterberg, toured the air base where Rosalin works where she showed us the planes she flies on as part of the flight crew, took more countryside walks, and found more Christmas markets (read glühwein).

Thank you Rosalin and Andrew, you were amazing hosts.  Can't wait to have you guys over to the English countryside.  See you guys soon - Belgium? Switzerland? Italy?

stonehenge and wiltshire

One recent Saturday we took a two hour drive to a south west England county, Wiltshire.  We spent the day visiting Stonehenge and various villages throughout the picturesque area. 

I have fond memories of visiting Stonehenge as child with my family but Marco hadn't been before.  It was a very brisk and windy morning when we arrived - but at least the sun was out, a rare occasion!  Marco was surprised by how close people are able to get to the Neolithic stones.  I told him stories my father had once told me about the days where Stonehenge was not roped off and kids were free to climb on the massive stones.

After Stonehenge, we used this great guide to steer us toward dog friendly pubs in the county.

First stop was Lacock village.  Many English countryside villages are historic, but Lacock is unique in that most of the village is owned by The National Trust so it is unspoiled by modern shops.  It is known for being a backdrop for television and films - several Harry Potter films, Pride and Prejudice, The Other Boleyn, The Wolfman, etc. were filmed in the small quaint village. 

Next stop was The Quarryman's Arms in Box - amazing views and friendly locals that chatted us up.  That is the thing about countryside pubs, I love the quality real ales, cozy fires, and traditional fare but the best part is meeting the locals. 

We went on to Castle Combe and Ford villages.  I fell in love with the area and we will definitely take a day trip back in the summer to take advantage of the pub gardens and walks with stunning views.