I received a message from Paul Von Stache, who told me a story I’d never heard before, The Legend of Osterwasser or Easter Water. He learned about it at an estate auction of an older woman in his hometown who originally came from Pomerania, Germany. One of the items up for auction was a brown glass gallon jug with a…
Author: karenanne
What is the Spiel des Jahres? The Prestigious German Board Game Award
Walk down the game aisle, or look around the game store, and you will see a Spiel des Jahres emblem. But, what is the Spiel des Jahres Award? Why is it important? And how is it that a German Game Award became so prestigious worldwide? To me… the emblem means that the game is perfect for my family! What is…
German Paper Mache Easter Eggs -History & Where to buy New & Vintage Eggs
The Easter Bunny (Oster Hase) in Germany doesn’t hide treats in pastel-colored plastic eggs. Instead, he uses these traditional German paper-mache Easter Eggs. These beautifully decorated eggs feature motifs of Bunnies, flowers, and springtime. They are big enough to hold all your favorite Easter Chocolates. The gift box eggs are a lovely addition to your Easter Celebrations and are one…
River Cruises in Germany- A Stress-Free Way to Experience Germany
River Cruises in Germany are a fabulous way to see the country. Imagine yourself on the deck of a cruise ship, slowly passing by some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Whether you choose a Rhine River Cruise, a Danube River Cruise, the Moselle, or the Elba, you will travel in luxury and comfort. All of the…
Beer Glass or Stein? German Beer Glasses for Different Types of Beer
One thing you may notice about Germans is that they can be rather particular about what sort of glass their beer is served in. This is not just snobbery… there really are special Beer Glasses for different types of Beer. Certain shapes will accentuate the flavors of different types of beer. (Sort of like wine). And why can’t you just…
What is Indiaca? A backyard sport fun for the Whole Family!
Several years ago in Germany, we were introduced to a fun game called Indiaca. The corner of Germany where my family lives, Indiaca is kind of a big deal… the local team made it to the World Championships! But what is Indiaca? This hybrid of Volleyball and Badminton is played with a giant shuttlecock (sort of a flat ball…
Schreckendorf, The Home My Mother Left Behind
Note- I told this story without any extra input from my mother… I’m sure that she will add to the story someday. I’ve cobbled together a few bits and pieces from stories my mom told. I remember the old picture from photo albums… it was just always there. The newer photo hung on the refrigerator for a while; Mom’s memory…
Tearing the Silence; On Being German in America by Ursula Hegi
Tearing the Silence: On Being German in America Tearing the Silence –On Being German in America”, by Ursula Hegi, is not for everyone. I know from my family how difficult the subject of War is for Germans. The book is at times very personal, and often painful. Germans don’t generally do personal (at least, not with strangers). But that…
Richard Scarry Dictionary- My Best Word Book Mein Allerschoenstes Wörterbuch
I still have my old beat-up copy of Mein Allerschoenstes Woerterbuch by Richard Scarry (My Best Word Book). This Richard Scarry Dictionary has seen some loving in its time. Now, it’s hard to get excited about a dictionary. Most are thick and filled with many words I can’t spell, so it’s impossible to look them up. Frankly, although I always…
Haflinger House Shoes- German Hausschuhe to Keep Your Feet Warm
For Christmas a few years ago I was delighted to receive a new pair of real Haflinger Hausschuhe (Haflinger House Shoes) from my mother (how do you know you are German? You get excited about a new pair of “good” Hausschuhe at Christmas). I hate cold feet…. And even more than that, I hate cold WET feet, I also hate bringing outside…