Germany, Part 3: Frankfurt

Where was I????

This is why I used to blog right after an event... things were fresh in my mind. And, in the olden days I took notes along the way to remember details. Efficient note taking and blogging are not in my realm anymore. Instead, I've got a little wild man named Danny who brings destruction and smiles wherever he goes.

Since things are foggy, here are a bunch of pictures.

We picked out a hostel that was in walking distance to the train station, which also meant it was in the red light district. Let me just say, things are not as sleazy during the day!

I have a message for everyone.

*steps up on soapbox*

Meet people from around the world. It is easier than you think. In recent years, my family has hosted several Chi Alpha students from Korea, Japan, and China. I also befriended foreign exchange students in college. In high school, we were able to host a German exchange student from my little town's sister city.

I had no idea that I would go to Korea and not only visit our Chi Alpha student Jun, but attend her wedding! I had no idea that I would find myself in Japan, reconnecting with a dear friend Atsuko, who lived in my dorm in Liberty, Missouri seven years earlier. I had no idea, that I would go to Germany, see our exchange student Katharina after a decade of meeting, meet her fiance and introduce my husband and son to the entirety of her family.

The connections you can make with people from around the world are truly priceless. The knowledge and insight gained from these relationships are incredible. You don't even have to leave your country! But if you do, you'll know people. ;)

*steps off of soapbox*

Life is strange....and also crazy, awesome.

Here's Katharina and Dennis meeting Danny for the first time.

It was wonderful to have Katharina and Dennis as guides. It is so good to have someone from the area show you around in a way that guidebooks can't. You get to hear stories and tidbits, and most importantly, they know what to order at the restaurants!

David and Goliath

Someone's feeling cozy.

St. Martin's Day

St. Martin was a Roman soldier that was baptized then became monk who is celebrated annually for his kindness. We got to celebrate! On the evening of November 11th, children gathered in the church, sang songs and acted out the story of St. Martin with puppets. Then, we all went outside with our lanterns (most children make these at school, but Katharina bought one for Danny) to greet a man on a horse dressed like St. Martin. Danny slept through it all.

Sister City Family

It was too difficult to figure out the logistics of getting our gang to visit Columbia's sister city Gedern. However, we were able to take a short train outside the city, where we got to meet Katharina's family. My parents had met them a few years prior when they went on an official sister city trip. Katharina's parents were thrilled to meet Josh, me, and especially Danny. We also got to meet Katharina's younger sister Alex and boyfriend Matthias. It was a lovely visit, where we enjoyed delicious food, tasty beer (!), and great company.

This and That

Besides visiting with Katharina's family, most of our time in Frankfurt was spent shopping and eating. I ate waaaaaay too many Dunkin' Donuts and I regret nothing.

I was so thrilled to see that Christmas preparation was in full swing. Trees and decorations were up, but we came a little too early to catch the Christmas markets. It didn't stop me from hunting down candy canes and baking supplies to bring back to China.

Brittany runs on Dunkin.

All in all, I'd call this a successful trip. I got a real taste of what "traveling with kids" is like,though I was spoiled with having so much help. Thanks, awesome parents of mine! You can only imagine how sad it was parting ways again after our two weeks together.