UPDATE- I wrote this post a year ago for German Fest Milwaukee 2016… and I had an absolutely AMAZING time there!(Read about it here–> Thank you Germanfest Milwaukee). Sadly, I won’t be attending Germanfest this year (too many bits of life just got in the way), but I AM moving mountains in order to be there again. And who knows……
Author: karenanne
Schützenfest- A Marksmanship Competition and Weekend Celebration!
A few years, while visiting family in Germany, everyone was getting ready for the weekend’s Schützenfest. What is Schützenfest? I asked…. ahhhh… It’s a big fest with shooting competitions, drinking, a coronation, and a massive party that lasts the whole weekend. WHAT?? That’s right, a festival involving shooting and alcohol. (What could go wrong?) Nothing! (Remember, this is Germany!) Schutzenfester,…
Places To Visit and Things to Do in Cologne, Germany
When people plan a trip to Germany, most lean toward Munich or Berlin, but I’d like to add a third destination to your vacation: Cologne! Don’t overlook this beautiful city along the Rhine River. The old town of Cologne has a taste of everything that a tourist expects to find in Germany in one convenient (and quite manageable) area. You…
Is Deutschland 83 on DVD… YES! My Review and Where to Buy it!
Deutschland 83: Season 1 It’s an important question, especially since Deutschland 86 is set to be released (and you might want to catch up!)….Is Deutschland 83 on DVD? There are many of us don’t get the Sundance channel, but we have heard so much about this groundbreaking TV Series from Germany and want to see it. Finally! Deutschland 83…
Foods They Eat in Germany- Don’t Fear the Wurst! Eat it!
If you are planning a trip to Germany, I ask you only one thing…. don’t be afraid of the food. I’ve come up with a great list of foods to eat in Germany that will not only fill you up, they will make you wonder what you ever saw in that Fast Food Hamburger. I know it’s difficult when you…
When your Parents Are German… Recognize these?
I was born in America shortly after my parents arrived from Germany. When your parents are German, you don’t grow up like the other kids in your neighborhood. It might not be apparent at first, but then suddenly, there are loads of things that make you stand out. Like the accent, having a lot of extra stamps in your passport…
The Hangman’s Daughter Book Review- A Mystery Set in Medieval Germany
The Hangman’s Daughter (Hangman’s Daughter Tales) (A Hangman’s Daughter Tale) I finally have the chance to write a The Hangman’s Daughter book review. I stumbled across the book by Oliver Pötzsch a while ago, and put it on my shelf. I’m always intrigued by the books from Germany that get translated and become bestsellers in the US. On my way to the airport…
Germany Land of Legend and Real Fairy Tale Locations
Germany is a land of legends and real Fairy Tale locations, and the most fantastic thing is that you can visit these places! Ancient forests, Castles with high towers, wide open fields, and Statues. Imagine visiting an enchanted castle where Sleeping Beauty waited for her prince or wandering the forest where Little Red Riding Hood met the Wolf. You can spend…
German Easter Fountains- a Colorful German Easter Tradition
One way towns in Germany prepare for Easter is by decorating fountains. These German Easter Fountains are covered with flowers and colored eggs, making them a festive centerpiece in the city center square. Some places get wildly creative with arches and bundles of plastic hanging eggs. Other towns are more conservative, with mostly container plants strung with a few…
What is the Easter Fire in Germany? A Symbol of Light in Darkness
What is the Easter Fire in Germany, and why is it lit? The Easter Fire, or Osterfeuer, symbolizes light in the darkness. It can be as simple as lighting a candle or as big as the bonfires ignited all over Germany at Easter. Because fire symbolizes the light of renewal, it signifies the end of Winter and the coming of…