One thing I’ve learned in my travels, chain hotels can be somewhat impersonal. Yes, they have impeccable service, and it’s nice knowing what to expect…. but sometimes you want something that doesn’t look like everything else. I love staying somewhere a little fun or historical. A building with quirky staircases or odd shaped spaces. And if you want to stay…
Author: karenanne
Shopping for German School Supplies in Germany
My daughter, Katy, spent a Semester studying in Berlin. I’m delighted that she sent us a few posts about life as a California Girl in Germany. This week… shopping for German School supplies. Apparently, it’s not the same as it is here in California… All photos taken by Katy used with permission. There were many things I expected to be…
The Maschkera… Behind the German Fasching Masks
Cover photo- photo by F Delventhal courtesy flickr creative commons The Rhineland may be known for its Karneval / Fasching parades and celebrations, but go further south, to the Alpine area of Baden Württemberg, and you will find a different sort of Fasching Reveler. The Maschkera hide behind heavy carved wooden German Fasching Masks and parade through towns, making noise…
The Mainzelmännchen… Guud’n Aamd!
Cover image of Mainzelmännchen Michael Kramer, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons Isn’t it nice how the little things can make you so happy? One distinctly German cartoon that brought me endless delight was the Mainzelmännchen! These little animated men on German TV would come on during the commercials in quick animated spots that just made us LAUGH. Over…
Some of my Favorite German Cookbooks in English
When we moved a few years ago, I had to box up my Cookbook collection. Some might think I have a cookbook problem, but I look at it more as an “enthusiasm”. There were a lot. I stopped counting at 15 boxes. My Tech Guy just shook his head, but since he benefits from the meals, he has no real…
German Drink Recipes For German Mixed Drinks- Order like a Local!
I remember the first time I ordered a Radler in America. The bartender was confused, then when I explained, he was HORRIFIED that I would mix Beer and Soda. (I’ve since learned to order a beer, a soda, and an extra glass to avoid that look). But think about it, Germans do enjoy taking simple things and combining them to…
What is Oktoberfest Beer? And what makes it Special?
During the Fall months, with the arrival of pumpkin spice comes Oktoberfest beers. While they are exceedingly delicious beers, the question remains: What is Oktoberfest Beer? And what makes one beer an Oktoberfest beer and another a seasonal ale? Is it the flavor or is it the Season? And is there a special way to brew Oktoberfest Beer? It turns out…
Celebrate Karneval/Fasching with a Karneval Party at Home!
Can’t get to one of the big Karneval Fasching Celebrations? No problem! Have a Karneval Party at home! All you need is a few things to turn a regular Saturday get-together into a fun party! Since this sort of party is more common in Germany, you may have to do a bit of explaining; tell your American friends it’s a…
What is a Tante Emma Laden? A Corner Store with a Special History
Cover photo- My mom behind the counter of her father’s Laden. That’s me, the Daumenlutscher, on the right A Tante Emma Laden holds a very important place in my life since my first memory is of tumbling down the steps leading to my Opa’s Tante Emma Laden. (This had nothing to do with the store and everything to do with…
German Food In Florida – German Restaurants, Bakeries and Delis
Searching for delicious German Food in Florida? Here is a list of German Restaurants, Bakeries and Delis in that Florida! All of these places were shared by readers! If one is missing, or you know it no longer exists, please let me know… [email protected] (It’s a good idea to call ahead before heading to any of these places) German…