Foreign Guests and Old Traditions

Tony and Muriel from England - by way of Mittenwald in very south Germany  - called on Tuesday to ask if they could spend the weekend with us.  OF COURSE!  And really, who would say no?  We were delighted to see them again and such spontaneous visits speak to friendship.

Even more friendship came into play when Klaus and Johanna said, Sure, bring two more guests to the annual Kohl und Pinkel Fahrt.  Very cool.

Friday was rather low key as they arrived in the evening.  Dinner.  Lots of talk.  Off to bed.

Saturday morning we visited the market and found a thing or two we couldn't do without.  Then, it was party time!

It is so predictable, these wonderful traditions. Have coffee. Take a walk. Eat sweets. Drink Schnapps.

 This year we met a bit later in the year than usual and the weather was a bit warmer than usual.  For that, there were no complaints!  I don't mind, really, when I don't have to wear long johns and three pairs of socks to take a walk.  Really. 

The crocuses were in bloom in the meadows.

And political commentary was abloom in the garden of the art center.  We couldn't exactly figure out the message, but clearly the NSA was being criticized.

The meal afterwards was - predictably - DELICIOUS.  Tony and Muriel were suitably impressed with our north German food and drink and Gastfreundlichkeit :  our friendliness to guests.   How do you say that in English.  AH  -- southern hospitality!! 

At the end of the evening, Klaus and Johanna took a turn around the entrance hall to celebrate their anniversary - 47 years that day.  Johanna admitted she was not looking forward to their 50th, three years hence.  Why ever not?  I asked.  AARGH!  Who wants to be that old?? she said.  But we're getting there, all of us, and sooner.

Sunday we got up slowly and late, had a lovely brunch and then set out for the Rhododendron Park.  It's of course too early for most of the blooms, but we found a few.  Better, we found a lot of sunshine and had a lovely time wandering the paths.  Here we are with our coats on our arms!  Hot!

And suddenly, the weekend was gone!  We waved goodbye on Monday morning and promised we'd visit again soon - in Mittenwald, in England or again here in Bremen.

We're such jet-setters!