We all know about German Christmas Markets… but did you know that every Spring there are German EASTER Markets?!? These sweet little markets pop up on weekends during Lent, and leading right up until Easter. Germans do love to decorate their homes to celebrate Easter, and the Markets give them a chance to find that perfect something new to welcome…
Author: karenanne
Maps of German Wine Regions- Plan and Remember Your Wine Adventure
Are you planning a trip to Germany for a wine drinking adventure? You need a one of these Maps of German Wine Regions to help you organize your vacation! I love maps. There is something about having an image to go along with an idea…. to see where the wineries are, how far apart… and what else is close by.…
Is German Chocolate Cake German? NO! Here’s the Real Story…
A question I hear almost as often as the Christmas Pickle question came up again today. “Is German Chocolate Cake German?”. Well, the short answer is- NO, it’s not. But, before you go off to read something else, let me share some German Chocolate cake history and how it got its name. German Chocolate Cake History German Chocolate Cake was…
The German Beer Boot- The History, Game, and How to Drink from It
I remember the first time I saw the German Beer Boot… I was 18 years old in Heidelberg, and a group of friends and I were in a Gasthaus where a Beer Boot competition was happening. I’m happy to report that my Texan friend won hands down (several times…) His prize? a Beer Boot to take home! But I did…
What is Weiberfastnacht? Women Kick off Karneval!
One special event sticks out in the excitement of Karneval or Fasching Season‘s parties, parades, and fun events, especially for women- Weiberfastnacht. What is Weiberfastnacht? It’s the start of street Karneval Celebrations, the day when Karneval kicks into high gear! It’s the day when women take over the party. I once arrived in Köln on Weiberfastnacht. As I emerged from…
Maibowle Recipes- Enjoy this Refreshing Wine Punch from Germany!
My mother often made a Bowle for parties. These wine punches were refreshing on warm summer afternoons in Southern California. Usually, they were made with wine, a bit of sugar, maybe some brandy, and fruit or herbal ingredients to give them more flavor. And in May, a green Maibowle is a tasty way to celebrate the season. But what…
The German President- What do they do? How are they elected?
On March 19, 2022, Frank-Walter Steinmeier was re-elected President of Germany. Many people in the United States who are unfamiliar with the German political system are probably wondering if Germany has a Chancellor, what the German President does, and how the German President is Elected. The system is much different from the presidential election in the USA, but the job…
History and Tradition of Karneval Orden
During Karneval Season, you will see people wearing military-like medals called Orden around their necks. These colorful medals, dating to the 1800s, were initially designed to mock the establishment. Today, people consider them a prestigious honor reflecting status and importance. What is the history of Karneval Orden? And how do Karneval groups carry on the traditions today? History of Karneval…
Things to Do in Bremen, A Beautiful City in the North
Traveling to Germany? Most people think South… Bavaria, Munich, Oktoberfest… but one of my favorite cities to visit is Bremen, in the Northern part of Germany. This gem of a City/State, located on the Weser River, was once a part of the Hanseatic League, and as a result, gained enormous wealth that it poured into culture, as well as commerce.…