Germany week 3

I am aware that it is now November and I am still writing about our summer vacation, but since school started I have had not much time to write. As you might remember I have been writing about the highlights of our trip. The days in between have been filled with visits to various swimming pools and off course the obligatory Italian gelaterias. Marlene made yet another friend. Katharina lives only two houses down from my mom's and the two girls have been spending quite a bit of time together. Marlene's German has improved very much and Katharina's English has probably not suffered either.

The final excursion of our stay was a visit to Karin, Christian and Charlotte in Ansbach, Franconia. It never seizes to amaze me to find a completely Lutheran area in Catholic Bavaria. While Karin was still working we explored the town. It has a beautiful old downtown with lots of little shops and cafes. The afternoon we went to Bad Windsheim to the Freilandmuseum. Christian has written and produced his 6th play this year. It is called "Teufelsmuehle" and set during the 30-year war. As the miller is called to serve in the war his wife runs the mill and protects the village by entering into a pact with the devil. Christian captured very well the effects of this horrible war on the community. There is no right or wrong and people turn to whoever offers the better odds, god or devil. But there is always a price to pay. The play definitely left me thinking. The girls did a great job watching. Not only was it later in the evening (it had to be dark), but it was in German, off course. I guess the sword fighting and the life animals gave them lots to look at. I am already looking forward to next years production.

The next day we went to the Playmobil Fun Park again. We had been looking forward to coming back ever since we left last year. This time the weather played along and it was sunny and not too humid. We were able to explore the whole park. Marlene liked playing with the toys while Amelia enjoyed the water features.

Our trip ended with visiting more friends, doing more shopping, and like always feeling there was so much more we (I) wanted to do. Well, hopefully we will be back next year.