Europe: Germany & Romania

While studying Europe we had the pleasure of "visiting" Germany.... the origin of my Ancestors. My mother's maternal and paternal Grandparents were from that area (and Poland). I remember my Grandpa reading to us out of his old German Bible and Grandma teaching us how to count in German and say our A(h) B(eh) C(eh) 's .
During our study we enjoyed the "echo harp" (harmonica) and beer stein (not filled ha ha) passed down from my grandpa and the gifts our friends (Ingo's family) from Bavaria sent to us... (German playing cards, a singing polka greeting card, a Christmas Advent tree, and more.) Ingo was our family's exchange student over 20 years ago when we were in high school. We have kept in touch ever since as we have all married and started families. We keep saying that some day we will all meet up and have a reunion.... the hard part is my brother is in Japan, Ingo is in Germany, and I am here in the States.. hmmm... Hawaii would be a fun mid point! ha ha

Our visit to the Disney World Showcase reminded me how we really should visit Germany in person and get in touch with long lost relatives! :)
The kids had their passports stamped and signed in German! (If only we knew what it said! Guess we need to brush up on our German language again!)

Those Germans really know how to have a good time! We found a Bavarian Grill near our home and visited during a great accordion show! Can you say "Chicken Dance"? Love the Schnitzel! Now I understand my Grandma's inspiration in her cooking. :)

Yah.... our kids are shy... NOT! ha ha

We had the joy of bringing our friend Diana, from Romania, with us. (She was the kids' piano teacher last semester). She speaks about 7 languages and has traveled all over Europe! What a joy to have her translate and tell us about the dishes on the menu.

Later we "kidnapped" her, took her home with us and stayed up into the wee hours laughing and learning about growing up in Romania. She brought her laptop full of photos from her most recent trip back home to visit family. It was so interesting!! She was even sweet enough to remember the kids on her trip, bringing them each a traditional ceramic spoon and painted wooden "egg". She has promised to teach me how to cook a traditional Romanian dish. (I need all the help I can get! :))

We said "Auf Wiedersehen" to Germany and Romania for now... and headed off to France and Italy! Stayed tuned for more adventure!

(More photos as I find them....)