FALLing into Goodness

I am finding that I have started to appreciate the small things here in Germany.  While many of my friends sip on their pumpkin spiced lattes state side, I have been drinking shulers, German beer and hopping from fest to fest all while taking in the slow and glorious change in the color of leaves.  The days grow cooler which is pleasant even when the light lasts a little bit less then the day before.    

I was thinking the other day (the first day of fall) and realized that this would be the first year I actually get to experience fall in eight years.  Florida couldn't afford the luxury of changing leaves, hot mulled wine or the crispness of the morning dew.  I also have enjoyed fall clothes...wool and angora cable knit, leather boots to the calf or a fancy scarf.  Don't get me wrong, I often found myself on the beach working on my tan over Thanksgiving while others froze their butts off during snow-pocalypse.  

Ryan has been busy with work...SHOCKER.  I have kept busy with subbing and tutoring.  We were able to steal away some time at Globus which is a high class version of Walmart.    I had been there before...but knew Ryan would love the cheese, chocolate and candy aisles.  We spent a few hours browsing the store and he understand how wonderful a place like this is.  I have already started collecting goods for Christmas gifts.  

Here are some photos from Bernkastel-Kues...a winefest along the Mosel river.

I hope to update this blog at some point with photos of German hillsides and mountain tops.  As of this weekend, Ryan and I will head to the Volksfest (Bad Cannstadt) which is Stuttgarts' Oktoberfest.  Slightly less ignorant and insane...I fully plan to rock my dirndle with joy while hoisting a true liter beer into the air.  

We also have decided to "skip" Thanksgiving formal meal...instead we pursue a vacation to Zermatt Switzerland for skiing and a divine meal among friends with Tannenbaum.  

We have other travels planned but plan to take it one trip at a time.  Below are photos of a recent trip to  Brugge, Belgium.  We met friends there over a holiday weekend.  Despite going to Venice, Italy and loving our time there...we found that Brugge was far more charming and friendly.  The architecture was exquisite and old world.