Regensburg: Our First Half-Day Trip

Excitement played in my veins as the Beamer rolled down Autobahn 3 into Regensburg, Germany. The historical city, which is only a short half-hour drive from our hometown, is our closest metropolis.

Beyond the excellent shopping opportunities that always interest a girl like me, the city seemed to offer significant history on every street corner. The architecture endeared the city to me at first sight. The edible treats available every 3 1/2 meters (approximately 10 1/2 feet) tempted my tastebuds. The colorfully dressed citizens with punked-out dos brought fond memories of the 80s to my mind. It was a short but sweet trip that took us to four of the most visited sites in Regensburg, and we did it all in about 4 hours.

Our first stop in Regensburg was to the Arkaden Mall, a shopping Mecca for many Bavarians that live in the rural Bavarian land between Munich and Nurnberg. With travel on the brain, we needed a GPS system that included European information, so we made our way to Media Max, which is basically a Best Buy for Germany. Weirdly enough, I saw my very first Blu-Ray movie demoing on an LG flatscreen TV while in Media Max. The movie was "Avatar," and after watching the movie for about 5 minutes, I was convinced that Blu-Ray really is better than HD-DVD. The clarity was mesmerizing, and it really took me a few minutes of watching it to suddenly realize that I was not paying any attention to the movie whatsoever because I was so enraptured with the visual clarity. Once I did pay attention to the movie, I realized that it was indeed as interesting as my parents said the movie was, and I decided that an "Avatar" DVD purchase may be looming in our future.

Afterward, we decided to grab--and I literally mean grab--some sushi at Akiko Running Sushi. In truth, it was not the best sushi I have ever had. However, it was the most fun sushi I have ever eaten. It's an "All You Can Eat in 1/2 Hour" sushi place where the servings are given in little bowls that travel around an encased conveyor belt. At each seat, there is a little door where the patron can reach into the encasing and grab whatever sushi selection they would like to eat. The soups and teriyaki dishes which were cooked had a good selection of vegetables in the mix and a spicy heat that both Kye and I enjoyed. Keats ate his very first octupus nigiri and said it was delicious, plowing through several bowls of it.

For sushi lovers, sushi is typically an event as much as it is a meal. In Germany, this holds true for most meals, no matter what is on the menu. Restaurant owners and servers expect for you to take your time when ordering, eating, and lounging after dinner. Spending 2-3 hours at a restaurant for a meal is very typical of dining out experiences in Germany. However, because Ian and I really wanted to just "eat and run" so that we could see more of Regensburg, Akiko Running Sushi was a perfect choice for a quick meal before a short jaunt in the city. We both appreciated the time limit given to the dining experience at Akiko and recommend it for those who may be in the area, hungry, and in a rush.

Following dinner, we made our way through the Regensburg Haufbahnhof. The Haufbahnhof is the main train station in any city or town in Germany. In Regensburg, the Haufbahnhof was a beehive of activity, with people rushing to and fro, and trains huffing in and puffing out. It was a very different site for Keats and I who have never been near such a large train station. While in the station, we decided to visit the "Water Closet" or "WC," which is the universal name for the toilet, and there happened to be one in Burger King. May I say, you can not always "have it your way" at Burger King. It was 50 cents to visit the WC, and I wanted it free. Oh well, I'm sure it won't be the last time I pay to answer nature's call while in Europe.

Leaving the Haufbahnhof, we stepped out onto Maximillianstrasse (Maximillian Street), which runs through the downtown specialty shopping district of Donau. In this area of town, everything is overpriced. We bought two pairs of socks for Kye for 7 Euro, as the PX does not carry toddler socks on post. We were also looking at a pair of shoes for him, as he is quickly outgrowing the shoes he currently wears, but we balked at paying 51 Euro for a pair of sneakers. That's about the equivalent of $63.

However, I guess the district feels that they can get away with charging for more because the shops are in the oldest part of Regensburg. In this district, the streets are made of stone and the architecture is stunning. Right around the corner from the Donau district are some of the oldest buildings in Germany, with many buildings that date back to the 12th, 13th and 14th Centuries. In this same area we found the most important and historically significant church in Regensburg, St. Peter's Cathedral. It is an awe-inspiring structure dedicated to the same St. Peter of the famed St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome.

Wanting to take in the atmosphere of the city, we sat down in a plaza and enjoyed some German ice cream. Keats loved watching the birds that were so domesticated they would hop right next to you and perch without a care for their own safety because they are protected by law in the city. For this reason, many of the buildings have nets surrounding their upper floors to keep the birds from perching and pooping on the buildings. Others keep the birds away by attaching decorative spike strips on window sills and gutters.

The entire trip was a memorable family outing with a little culture, a little history, and a little fun. Be sure to look at the pictures in my slide show to the right of this article. Also, if you want more information on Regensburg, check out the links below.

Regensburg's History
Regensburg Historical Highlights

Christmas in May

I feel like Christmas.

I'm smiling all the time at perfect strangers for no particular reason. There's an extra bounce in my step as I walk--rather than run--my errands. The anticipation of getting something that I want badly wants to burst from my chest in a shout full of giggles and joy. I'm warm and happy and there's an expectation of cinnamon and spice resting in my nose.

Today, today, today! What a glorious day! We will actually take possession of our used, three-owner hoopty Beamer that we bought last Friday. Oh sure, it's a 1997 with more kilometers than I care to consider. Yes, it does not have a CD player, iPod connection, DVD/TV system or any other updated features for entertainment. Of course, a decent paint job would make it easier on the eyes and a thorough cleaning is definitely in order. But this baby is bottled Benzin! Which means, the car has gas and that's what I want. Transportation from Point A to Point B. Wow! It's Christmas!

And, it just gets better!

We've also signed a contract on an apartment and finally have a place to call home. Our landlord must be the President of the FLS, which in my mind is the Fantastic Landlords Society. I've never heard of--much less seen--any landlord work so hard to make their rental so clean and beautiful after a contract has been signed! He has gone far above and beyond anything I would have expected, and I must say that I've learned a lot from him about taking personal pride in the quality of work and services that one person gives to another. Personal responsibility: It actually means something here in Bavaria. Every German, Bavarian, and American I've met here so far does their job well, means what they say, and trusts your handshake as much as your signature. I love it!

Things are looking good for vacating the Lodge on Monday or Tuesday of next week. The housekeeping has been wonderful here, and the accommodations are very nice, clean, and roomy. But, I'm ready to get out and see this continent called Europe. The rain is gone; the cold is gone. Spring is here, and I have transportation within my grasp. I won't miss this place, and I'm sure you--my readers--won't either.

It may not have a big red bow across it's hood when I get there, but the Beamer's got freedom in its trunk, which is much better in my opinion.

It's Christmas in May in Bavaria. Come on, Rudolph! Come on, Santa! I've been a very good girl!

Bavarian Rain Dance

It's pouring down rain in Bavaria today.

I say: Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain! For never can the rain drown the spirits of a woman with freedom in her purse!

No, no! I mean not a license to shop, but indeed the often taken for granted license to drive.

Yes! I took my driver's test today, and I happily scored 95 out of 100, well above and beyond the required minimum passing score of 85.

A skip tickled my toes and heels as I left the driver's testing center and stepped into a cold, rainy, and gray day. I was next headed "up the hill," which in Hohenfels is synonymous with "going to the Shoppette," and it's a steep trek that often daunts any desire I have to pick up my mail, eat at Subway, or go to the Shoppette, which is the largest convenience store on post. But on this messy day I made the climb in record time, for next on my list of things to do: "Pick up cell phone at T-Mobile across from Shoppette."

On such a day as this, I could not acquire just any cell phone. No, this day felt noble! Hence, I was greeted by a keen and quick woman knowledgeable in the ways of the mobile industry in Germany, and I walked back down the treacherous hill with the much coveted and treasured iPhone.

With my treasure tucked securely under my arm and myself under my umbrella, I practically flew down the hill to retrieve my beloved son from a kind babysitting woman from Ghana.

Making my way back to our humble lodgings, I felt almost capable of being human again: I had my driver's license. I had my cell phone. I had my...

And then, a thought struck me!

Dude, where's my car?

Temporarily At Home

I find it very interesting how adaptable we are as a species. The family and I have been living in a two room family suite for 5 days now, and I am surprisingly comfortable. Maybe it's the outlook I've taken: This journey is an adventure to be treasured rather than dreaded or muddled through.

So far, I find Bavaria beautiful, pleasant, and hospitable. I think I am going to love living here.

Keats has also started school, and he's already making friends. We even have a playdate tomorrow!

I've already met a few key people in regards to finding work, and I've met with the high school principal. I'm hoping that a possible position there will come to fruition!

Ian has been working to get us a permanent place to live and transportation. Both aspects look promising for us to settle a contract for a place to live and to purchase one or two vehicles. Of course, we do have to get our driver's licenses first.

Kye, well, he's just taking it all in. Last night, he finally slept through the night, (Hallelujah!) and I got a full night sleep as well, so I'm definitely feeling like I'm shaking off the jet lag.

I haven't really had a chance to practice any German yet, and truth be told I'm a little hesitant to do so. I feel like I may butcher some sentence and end up unintentionally telling the person in German to do something rude. But, I have been watching the German news, reading the German newspaper, and trying to listen to every German conversation I overhear. I guess I must be hoping it'll all sink in soon.

Next on the agenda: study for my driver's license test! I'm ready to start seeing more than just the lodge where I'm staying!

Wilkommen in Deutschland!

Wilkommen in Deutschland!

Welcome to Germany! We have finally made it to Hohenfels, and may I thank each of you who were praying that our passage would be safe and timely as it was.

Somehow, it just seemed fitting that our last stop in the US before leaving our great nation was in our nation’s cultural Mecca of Washington, D.C. However, we did not have the opportunity to partake in the traditional Washington sites, such as the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Mall, the White House, or the Smithsonian Institute, as we were simply meeting our connecting flight through Dulles International Airport.

Stepping off the plan at Dulles, we had the pleasure of viewing a “Washington Through Our Eyes” exhibit that ran the length of one terminal. In the exhibit, iconic images from our nation’s capitol were captured artistically, reminding Keats and I of past trips we had taken to D.C. Some of our favorite pictures included a lovely shot of a tree limb bursting with cherry blossom blooms, the White House nestled in the fall of a winter snow, and the lighted fountain that acts as the centerpiece of the World War II Memorial during a night that calls for humble remembrance.

Yet, I must be honest. That was about the only pleasant experience we had at Dulles. Shortly after arriving, we found our plane had been delayed due to a volcanic ash cloud hovering across central Germany. However, our plane was only delayed by a few hours, so at least it had not been canceled entirely, as other travelers were experiencing such misfortune.

About 30 minutes prior to boarding, people began lining up to board. We decided to get in line as well, so that we could be more easily pre-boarded with the children. However, this proved not to be such a good idea. About midway through our wait, Kye completely flipped out in severe sleep deprivation mode. He began screaming in a way that we had never heard him do before, and people began to give me, his mother, that look that mom’s of ornery children often receive when waiting to board some form of public transportation. The look read: Seriously, you are not about to get on board this plane with that screaming child, are you?!

Fortunately, Kye did calm down and fell asleep shortly after the plane took off. He did not sleep well through the rest of the trip, but he did stay rather happy, which made for a much more pleasant trip than his initial behavior had predicted.

Arriving in Frankfurt, we were met by a good friend, many bags of luggage, and very few elevators. To be exact, from baggage claim to the parking garage there did not seem to be any elevators, at least none that we could find. However, our friend assured us that this was normal, as lifts (not elevators), are not nearly as prevalent as they are in the US. Our friend told us that the baggage carts were made to travel down the escalators, and to our immense surprise, he took one of our baggage carts down the escalator beautifully! Yet, it became immediately transparent that this must require practice and technique to carry luggage successfully down the escalator in a baggage cart as the luggage on our second cart tumbled down the escalator. In my comic imagination, I could hear a snooty Frenchman humph and say in a thick accent, “Stupid American tourists!” Needless to say, Kye was removed from his stroller and hand carried down the stairs separately as I refused to think of him tumbling down the stairs.

To my not-so-great surprise, the lack of elevators and escalator-riding baggage carts are not the only things we will have to get used to while living in Germany. We will also have to get used to handles on all of the doors rather than doorknobs—as I have not seen one doorknob since arriving. The fire hydrants are also extraordinarily large here—or maybe that’s just on post. Also, 100 mph really doesn’t seem that fast once you’ve been passed 15 or 20 times on the Autobahn and felt like you were standing still.

So far, I definitely could get used to the hospitality that has been given to us. And, our family suite at the Sunrise Lodge on post is very nice and roomy—nicer than many hotels in which I have stayed! There is also a wonderful playground that has many elements that would never fly in the US due to over-precautious rules and regulations, and everything is easily within walking distance. So far, we are beginning to in-process on post, and I feel that by tomorrow our sleep schedules should be back on track.

Now, if we could just find a house, pass our driver’s license test, get a car, get Keats in school, find a…

Oh well. We just got here, and it is Germany. Think I’ll have a beer instead!

Super Saver: An American Dream Come True

Super Saver! A name infused with American ideals and expectations of the working class laid lightly on the shoulders of the bay colt who ran for the roses at the 2010 Kentucky Derby and won them. I can't help but appreciate the multiple implications of the colt's name.

Calvin Borel, the athlete who is quickly writing his name in race horsing history as one of the most skilled jockeys of all time, rode Super Saver to his third Kentucky Derby victory in 4 years on this year's first stormy Saturday in May. Super Saver's name must hold special meaning to Borel as he continues to write his horse racing history. Consider the implications of Super Saver's name for a jockey who has twice won the Kentucky Derby and has twice failed to achieve the Triple Crown.

If third time is a charm, then Borel must consider that this special colt may be the one to save his perfect career finish by handing up the Triple Crown. Borel is 43; the oldest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby was Bill Shoemaker, who at 54 rode Ferdinand to victory in 1986. However, Shoemaker did not ever achieve the coveted Triple Crown, and I am willing to wager, as horse racing is a betting sport, that Borel may consider Super Saver his last chance to add the Triple Crown to his career victories. If achieved, Borel just may be the oldest jockey in history to win the Triple Crown. (Note: Typically, I would have researched this fact to a greater depth, but kids and travel don't lend me the time to do this at the moment. So, I'm making an educated guess.).

Also, Todd Pletcher must consider Super Saver the horse that saved his Derby career. Pletcher, a trainer with an outstanding career in horse racing, has trained 24 horses to race in the Derby but never one that actually wore the roses--that is, until Super Saver. I must say that the look on Pletcher's face was more relieved than victorious when Super Saver crossed the finish line two-and-a-half lengths ahead of Ice Box. Finally, he must have thought, just before it occurred to him to be ecstatic that his horse had won.

And while Super Saver is saving people, let him also save Glen Fullerton of Texas, the 2010 Derby Dream Bet Winner. Fullerton's name was picked out of 67,000 entries to receive $100,000 from Churchill Downs and CNBC to place one bet in the Derby race in the 2010 Derby Dream Bet Sweepstakes. I'm sure you can guess which horse he bet on to win it all: Super Saver! Fullerton walked away with $900,000 after Derby Day, and if he looks for super saving deals and super savings, bonds, and investments for the rest of his life, Fullerton may never have to really work again.

Of course, this American dream may be too good to be true, but Super Saver has proven that more than one dream can come to fruition from a single act of excellence.

What does all of this have to do with my move to Germany?

I think it simply reaffirms for me that dreams can--and do--come true. My dream of one day living in Europe will come to fruition just two weeks after Super Saver's dream-come-true victory. Like Borel, Pletcher, and Fullerton, I'm a lucky girl, and I hope I make the best use of my time in Europe in the same way that I wish the best for Borel, Pletcher, and Fullerton. May Borel win the Triple Crown and break the 32-year dry spell; may Pletcher train a dozen more Derby winners; and may Fullerton never have to work again.

It's America, and dreams do come true. You've got to love this country!