Saturday, September 24, 2005
17 & 18 September MY WEEKEND IN THE COUNTRY
ADLKOFEN WITH THE ECKER FAMILIE
Back again for a visit with the Ecker family to a nice homely country kitchen. Weather was overcast and very chilly, a great excuse for a lazy weekend indoors. Frau Ecker cooked and cooked while we ate everything she put in front of us. Erhard picked me up and we shopped for fresh plums called swetschken, a particular type so that his mum could cook a very traditional cake for us. We also stopped at the hardware store which was interesting to do all the normal things we do at home. Now, back at the ranch and this homely kitchen with the old wood heated stove that warmed the whole room, no need for electric heaters here. We chatted all day and they also took out old photographs, some of our family included.
Frau Ecker served home made strawberry jam for breakfast, it was the best. Erhard took me for a walk on the property in the evening to see his cottage, the guys meet here for BBQs and drinks, its really cute but mainly for the boys. A cosy weekend watching TV and doing all the normal things we take for granted at home, but after touring for 3 months it was really enjoyable. It was also ELECTION DAY the following day so everyone had to vote. Very special this time because it is the first time Germany voted in a female Chancellor. The 2nd evening I spent with Magdalena, Erhards sister in her apartment sharing stories and drinking whiskey etc. Another very nice evening.
Back in Landshut and enjoying more of the normal routine life. Long strolls with the Kinderwagen and my beautiful twins. We walk for hours here into town and along the gorgeous Isaar River. We walked to the Friedhof (the cemetery), it is a real meeting place because everyone looks after the graves of their loved ones regularly here. We stop to chat to others and they all want to see my (Enrico & Angeliques) beautiful babies. I visited my aunts grave who sadly passed away in March this year, mums younger sister. Walking thru the old town and the new, all buildings painted in different pastel colours, I couldnt help but remember how homesick my mother always was for this beautiful town of Landshut. And finally I can understand why. With the large and the small river running thru it with ducks everywhere, it truly is an amazing place.
I visited new friends I made here in July. Erna and Edgar invited me to their home in Landshut. A wonderful couple who have included me in so many outings since I met them and their adorable grandson Domonic. He showed me all the games 16 yr olds have in their bedrooms eg play station etc and then suddenly turned around and planted a kiss on my cheek. What a cutie! He couldnt help himself, seems at the ripe old age of 46, Ive still got it.
One day I spent the whole day wandering around town on my own. Ate at the wurstl stand where mum used to go and stopped for a coffee and grapfen to take it all in. Also brought home Leberkas for dinner, bretzen and mohnkuchen (poppyseed cake), quarktaschen etc. I have to taste it all. I shopped till I dropped and even purchased a couple of cookbooks with the traditional Bavarian recipes in it. I needed to send another 9.8 kg parcel home and now after receiving more gifts and attending the Oktoberfest last night I will be off to the PO again on Monday. SEND MORE MONEY! Easy to spend around here because they have all the things I love and things that are meaningful to bring home to my family.
OKTOBERFEST
Mischa picked me up at 5 pm looking gorgeous in her German traditional costume, a dirndl. Men wore lederhosen etc. It all looked great. We had a wonderful evening, packed on the train and lots of laughs. It was a bit like our Easter Show all lit up at night with rides etc. However the main theme was beer. You couldnt help but notice. It was so funny leaving the U Bahn and going up the steps to the main drag like a herd of cows all fresh and ready to party. Whilst on the other side we could see all the people entering the train station and going down the steps, very drunk, stumbling and laughing and singing and mostly happy drunks, looking a little cross-eyed. It was so funny because it was like we were going up to like a washing machine that would swirl us around and then spit us out on the other side like that. All I could think was is that how we will return?
We checked out the side stalls, drank beer in a beer tent, I ate baked camembert with berries and salad. We met loads of very friendly guys, cute in their lederhosen. Mischa ended up with a bagful of phone numbers that should keep her busy for the rest of the year. I ordered weissbier and it was as if the whole place, including Mischa stood still. They just stared at me and I thought, what have I done now? Apparently you dont drink Weissbier at the Oktoberfest, you only drink Wiesenbier. It is kind of like swearing I think. How was I supposed to know. Anyway the waitress brought me what I ordered and I stood out like a sore thumb. They serve it in a different glass. So everyone had this huge stein and I had this very elegant tall narrow glass of Weissbier. You learn something everyday dont you, handy for my next visit anyway.
Then smell of hot almonds was everywhere. We finally gave in to the smell on our way home.
We also went on the ghost train like a couple of kids. I giggled all the way while Mischa hid behind her hands. Then it was time to taste test the sweets, Dampfnudel with vanilla sauce, one of my favourites with a coffee at a stand amongst some cute lederhosen.
The pce de resistance was being invited into the Nymphenburger Wine Tent. Apparently you need to purchase tickets a year in advance to get in and then you wear a bracelet. Sort of for VIPS etc but a contact we had made earlier in the evening said to meet us there, he had connections and would get us in. So we met him at 10 pm at the door, 50 people waiting outside to try to get in with bouncers at the door and he pointed us out and we strolled thru the crowd and walked in. Like movie stars. We dont know who he was but he said what he whispered in the bouncers ear was that I was from Australia and had to experience this. And right he was, inside this tent was packed, loud music, drunks being escorted and thrown out, but mainly very happy lively people. Thousands. So it was the real thing. Just how I imagined the oktoberfest to be and very grateful I got to see it.
7 mins left and so much more to tell so I have to rush now. An overview of the week ahead. Tomorrow I am off to the Niederbayern Shau. On every 2 years, so again I am so lucky to be here at the right time. In the evening my cousin Enrico is taking me to watch a live Ice Hockey game, what a treat and a first for me. Monday its time to pack and head off to Singapore where Bronwyn and Tony are ready and waiting for me. Last stop before I get home.
Converting back to English will be funny. I am already comfortable with telling my jokes in German and speaking to strangers at the bus stops and in the stores etc. Its been fun, what more can I say. Till my next Internet stop.
Auf wiedersehen!
love as always from Gisela
xxx
Back again for a visit with the Ecker family to a nice homely country kitchen. Weather was overcast and very chilly, a great excuse for a lazy weekend indoors. Frau Ecker cooked and cooked while we ate everything she put in front of us. Erhard picked me up and we shopped for fresh plums called swetschken, a particular type so that his mum could cook a very traditional cake for us. We also stopped at the hardware store which was interesting to do all the normal things we do at home. Now, back at the ranch and this homely kitchen with the old wood heated stove that warmed the whole room, no need for electric heaters here. We chatted all day and they also took out old photographs, some of our family included.
Frau Ecker served home made strawberry jam for breakfast, it was the best. Erhard took me for a walk on the property in the evening to see his cottage, the guys meet here for BBQs and drinks, its really cute but mainly for the boys. A cosy weekend watching TV and doing all the normal things we take for granted at home, but after touring for 3 months it was really enjoyable. It was also ELECTION DAY the following day so everyone had to vote. Very special this time because it is the first time Germany voted in a female Chancellor. The 2nd evening I spent with Magdalena, Erhards sister in her apartment sharing stories and drinking whiskey etc. Another very nice evening.
Back in Landshut and enjoying more of the normal routine life. Long strolls with the Kinderwagen and my beautiful twins. We walk for hours here into town and along the gorgeous Isaar River. We walked to the Friedhof (the cemetery), it is a real meeting place because everyone looks after the graves of their loved ones regularly here. We stop to chat to others and they all want to see my (Enrico & Angeliques) beautiful babies. I visited my aunts grave who sadly passed away in March this year, mums younger sister. Walking thru the old town and the new, all buildings painted in different pastel colours, I couldnt help but remember how homesick my mother always was for this beautiful town of Landshut. And finally I can understand why. With the large and the small river running thru it with ducks everywhere, it truly is an amazing place.
I visited new friends I made here in July. Erna and Edgar invited me to their home in Landshut. A wonderful couple who have included me in so many outings since I met them and their adorable grandson Domonic. He showed me all the games 16 yr olds have in their bedrooms eg play station etc and then suddenly turned around and planted a kiss on my cheek. What a cutie! He couldnt help himself, seems at the ripe old age of 46, Ive still got it.
One day I spent the whole day wandering around town on my own. Ate at the wurstl stand where mum used to go and stopped for a coffee and grapfen to take it all in. Also brought home Leberkas for dinner, bretzen and mohnkuchen (poppyseed cake), quarktaschen etc. I have to taste it all. I shopped till I dropped and even purchased a couple of cookbooks with the traditional Bavarian recipes in it. I needed to send another 9.8 kg parcel home and now after receiving more gifts and attending the Oktoberfest last night I will be off to the PO again on Monday. SEND MORE MONEY! Easy to spend around here because they have all the things I love and things that are meaningful to bring home to my family.
OKTOBERFEST
Mischa picked me up at 5 pm looking gorgeous in her German traditional costume, a dirndl. Men wore lederhosen etc. It all looked great. We had a wonderful evening, packed on the train and lots of laughs. It was a bit like our Easter Show all lit up at night with rides etc. However the main theme was beer. You couldnt help but notice. It was so funny leaving the U Bahn and going up the steps to the main drag like a herd of cows all fresh and ready to party. Whilst on the other side we could see all the people entering the train station and going down the steps, very drunk, stumbling and laughing and singing and mostly happy drunks, looking a little cross-eyed. It was so funny because it was like we were going up to like a washing machine that would swirl us around and then spit us out on the other side like that. All I could think was is that how we will return?
We checked out the side stalls, drank beer in a beer tent, I ate baked camembert with berries and salad. We met loads of very friendly guys, cute in their lederhosen. Mischa ended up with a bagful of phone numbers that should keep her busy for the rest of the year. I ordered weissbier and it was as if the whole place, including Mischa stood still. They just stared at me and I thought, what have I done now? Apparently you dont drink Weissbier at the Oktoberfest, you only drink Wiesenbier. It is kind of like swearing I think. How was I supposed to know. Anyway the waitress brought me what I ordered and I stood out like a sore thumb. They serve it in a different glass. So everyone had this huge stein and I had this very elegant tall narrow glass of Weissbier. You learn something everyday dont you, handy for my next visit anyway.
Then smell of hot almonds was everywhere. We finally gave in to the smell on our way home.
We also went on the ghost train like a couple of kids. I giggled all the way while Mischa hid behind her hands. Then it was time to taste test the sweets, Dampfnudel with vanilla sauce, one of my favourites with a coffee at a stand amongst some cute lederhosen.
The pce de resistance was being invited into the Nymphenburger Wine Tent. Apparently you need to purchase tickets a year in advance to get in and then you wear a bracelet. Sort of for VIPS etc but a contact we had made earlier in the evening said to meet us there, he had connections and would get us in. So we met him at 10 pm at the door, 50 people waiting outside to try to get in with bouncers at the door and he pointed us out and we strolled thru the crowd and walked in. Like movie stars. We dont know who he was but he said what he whispered in the bouncers ear was that I was from Australia and had to experience this. And right he was, inside this tent was packed, loud music, drunks being escorted and thrown out, but mainly very happy lively people. Thousands. So it was the real thing. Just how I imagined the oktoberfest to be and very grateful I got to see it.
7 mins left and so much more to tell so I have to rush now. An overview of the week ahead. Tomorrow I am off to the Niederbayern Shau. On every 2 years, so again I am so lucky to be here at the right time. In the evening my cousin Enrico is taking me to watch a live Ice Hockey game, what a treat and a first for me. Monday its time to pack and head off to Singapore where Bronwyn and Tony are ready and waiting for me. Last stop before I get home.
Converting back to English will be funny. I am already comfortable with telling my jokes in German and speaking to strangers at the bus stops and in the stores etc. Its been fun, what more can I say. Till my next Internet stop.
Auf wiedersehen!
love as always from Gisela
xxx
# posted by Gisela @ 10:04 AM 
