Yesterday, I attended Lauri’s Baby Shower and then we went to Andrea and Philip’s for a home-cooked German meal. The weather was terrible and I had to walk to the baby shower in the rain. Brad had looked up the directions, so I was not exactly sure where I was going and the directions he sent me were not the easiest to follow. Therefore, I got lost and almost had a complete meltdown, but Brad was able to talk me off the ledge and I was only a few minutes late to the shower. The hostess did a really great job and I was super impressed since it was the first time either of them had ever been to or thrown a baby shower. They did all the traditional baby shower things, decorating the room with baby onesies, toys and bibs, sock cupcakes, pacifier candies and even a homemade diaper cake, and the best part no games! I thought it was great and think Lauri had a really nice time.
Then I headed home, got changed, picked up Brad off the couch and left for dinner in Pasing. Phillip and Andrea made us a traditional dinner of kasespaetzle which was delicious! It is now our turn to have them over for something uniquely American, maybe cheeseburgers off the grill?
Tschüss! Die Liebe der Gauntletts
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Skiing for Brad and Drinks at Taxisgarten for Ashley
The weather in Munich has been wonderful the past few days and yesterday at lunch we decided to all meet at the Taxisgarten in Gern. But before I met with them, I had a jam packed day. Brad went skiing today with his coworkers this morning and I went on run with Karie for the first time thorough the Englischer Garten. Now, I do workout everyday, but was really nervous to go on this run. Needless to say, it was great, but I may need to go on a few more runs on my own before committing to another one. We started off really fast and after 1.5 km I had to slow down. However, she did mention towards the end of the run that we did start super fast and this made me feel a little better. We completed 5 km in forty-minutes, which I thought was pretty good. I then went home and decided to do some heavy spring cleaning, all the way down to squeegeeing the windows (inside and out). By then it was time to get ready for drinks with the ladies. I love the Taxisgarten as it was the first one Brad and I went to when we arrived in Munich and is located in a beautiful part of the city, Gern. After a few hours and a weissbier, we decided to do a girls trip this summer and plan to get together next week to discuss it further.
The ski trip took place in Zugspitze, the tallest mountain in Germany. The Company chartered a bus to get us all down there. I was surprised at how quickly we made it to the mountiain, it took just a bit over an hour to get the base. The weather couldn’t have been better, clear skies and sun, perfect for a day of spring skiing. The mountain is not a huge one, but had a good variety of intermediate runs. We took a break mid-day for some currywurst and weissbier on the patio. The weather was so nice, some people didn’t leave the patio after lunch!
Gute Nacht! Die Liebe der Gauntletts
The ski trip took place in Zugspitze, the tallest mountain in Germany. The Company chartered a bus to get us all down there. I was surprised at how quickly we made it to the mountiain, it took just a bit over an hour to get the base. The weather couldn’t have been better, clear skies and sun, perfect for a day of spring skiing. The mountain is not a huge one, but had a good variety of intermediate runs. We took a break mid-day for some currywurst and weissbier on the patio. The weather was so nice, some people didn’t leave the patio after lunch!
Gute Nacht! Die Liebe der Gauntletts
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Dinner at Milagros
Last night, we finally had dinner at Milagros (the new authentic Mexican restaurant in Munich) with the book club ladies and all of their significant others. Even though Brad was not looking forward to this dinner (a little hung over from last night’s activity), I was excited to finally put faces to the men I have been hearing about for months. We did arrive first, but the rest of the ladies were not too far behind. We all sat at a long table, which made it hard to socialize with all of the people, but I was happy with the way the table seating ended up. After a few strong margaritas, several Corona’s, and delicious Mexican food, I could tell Brad was really enjoying himself and ended up hitting it off with a few of the husband’s. Then, we decided to continue the party and went to a lounge/disco (Harpers and Queens) for a night cap (tequila shots were involved). All and all it was a wonderful evening and I am looking forward to the next time we all get together.
Tschüss! Die Liebe der Gauntletts
Tschüss! Die Liebe der Gauntletts
Friday, March 18, 2011
Stark Beer Fest for Brad and Dinner with Evan for Me
Last night, Brad attended Stark Bierfest with KPMGers for James going away party and I went out to dinner with Evan, a college friend. We met up at a small German restaurant near my flat called Steinheil, which is very popular with the students at the University and known for the giant Schnitzel, so of course Evan ordered it. Initially I ordered it, but then quickly changed my mind and went with the soup. It was wonderful to see him and to catch up.
The Stark (“strong”) bierfest is really the winter version of Oktoberfest. I was told that the tradition began centuries ago when monks decided that they wanted more calories in their winter beer. The beer has a much higher alcohol content and is dark and thick. They serve it in liter glasses (crazy, given the alcohol content). Augustiner is a great place to attend the festival because they hold it in a space underground beneath the brewery. You have to walk down a long, windy staircase to get there. The room is somewhat dark and all the walls are made of bricks. Great times!
The Stark (“strong”) bierfest is really the winter version of Oktoberfest. I was told that the tradition began centuries ago when monks decided that they wanted more calories in their winter beer. The beer has a much higher alcohol content and is dark and thick. They serve it in liter glasses (crazy, given the alcohol content). Augustiner is a great place to attend the festival because they hold it in a space underground beneath the brewery. You have to walk down a long, windy staircase to get there. The room is somewhat dark and all the walls are made of bricks. Great times!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
St. Patty’s Day
Brad and I just returned from Munich’s St. Patrick’s Day parade and were surprise to see how much they celebrate this holiday. Yesterday, we went to a party at the Hacker Schorr Bierhaus last night where they had a Live Irish Folk Band, traditional dancers, Irish cider, Jameson, Baileys and of course pints of Guinness. The place was packed and we were unable to find a seat; therefore, we only stayed for an hour and then headed home.
This morning, we met James and Cheryl for breakfast at Bagel Brothers and then went to the parade. It was cool to invite them to something that they had never done especially because they have been here for three years and leaving in about a week…so sad. Of course the parade does not come close to the celebration in Chicago, but it was still nice. Brad did get recruited hard for all of the local Rugby teams, I think he was handed fliers from at least ten different teams. It was really funny as they would walk past tons people without handing out one flier; then they would see Brad and run over to him immediately and shove it in his face. I found it to be quiet humorous!
Die Liebe der Gauntletts
This morning, we met James and Cheryl for breakfast at Bagel Brothers and then went to the parade. It was cool to invite them to something that they had never done especially because they have been here for three years and leaving in about a week…so sad. Of course the parade does not come close to the celebration in Chicago, but it was still nice. Brad did get recruited hard for all of the local Rugby teams, I think he was handed fliers from at least ten different teams. It was really funny as they would walk past tons people without handing out one flier; then they would see Brad and run over to him immediately and shove it in his face. I found it to be quiet humorous!
Die Liebe der Gauntletts
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Water For Elephants and Fasching
For the past two days, I have been reading Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen for our March Book Club. As usual, I waited until the last minute to start the book, but thankfully it was highly enjoyable and a quick read. Here is a summary:
An atmospheric, gritty, and compelling novel of star-crossed lovers set in the circus world of 1932. When Jacob Jankowski, recently orphaned and suddenly adrift, jumps onto a passing train, he enters a world of freaks, drifters, and misfits, a second-rate circus struggling to survive during the Great Depression, making one-night stands in town after endless town. A veterinary student who almost earned his degree, Jacob is put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It is there that he meets Marlena, the beautiful young star of the equestrian act, who is married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. He also meets Rosie, an elephant who seems untrainable until he discovers a way to reach her.
I would definitely recommend reading it before the movie starring Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson comes out in April. We are meeting tonight and I am looking forward to seeing all the ladies. Also our April book is: The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery, which was decided back in February and I was able to pick it up in the states. Not exactly certain what it is about, but hopefully, by having it early I will start reading before the week of our meeting.
More importantly, yesterday was Fasching, which is Munich’s version of Carnival. Most people will get the afternoon off work and head down to the Viktualienmarkt wearing silly costumes and surprisingly, Brad was able to leave work early. Therefore, we decided to head down there to check it out. Everyone was wearing crazy costumes, dancing in the streets and extremely drunk at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. I have never seen so many empty champagne bottles littering the streets. The festival reminded us of bay to breakers without the race and Halloween (Germany does not really celebrate this holiday). I had no idea that Munich took this festival so seriously and needed to find out more about it. Fasching is carnival season and originally was a Pagan festival which came out of ancient Rome or Greece. However, in recent centuries, it has become more associated with the Christian Church. The season starts on November 11th at 11:11am, although I have no idea why and is pretty low key for about three months. But then seven weeks before Easter things really start happening, where people are allowed to "flip out" and behave recklessly before the beginning of Lent.The Thursday before Ash Wednesday is known as "Weiberfastnacht", or "Women's carnival night". On this day, women are allowed to cut off the tie of any man within reach. So guys, don't wear your favorite tie to work that day! Also, women are allowed to kiss any man they like. Then, the following Monday is known as Rosenmontag (Rose Monday). On Rosenmontag there are various street processions involving lots of costumes and carnival floats. Faschingsdienstag (Carnival Tuesday) is the last day of Fasching and when most of the festivities happen.
Someone did tell us that girls will cut off men’s ties on Tuesday too, so after begging Brad to remove it, he finally took it off after we found a party and guys were pointing at him. At least next year we will know to get costumes and arrive in Mariensplatz early to enjoy the festivities.
Die Liebe der Gauntletts
An atmospheric, gritty, and compelling novel of star-crossed lovers set in the circus world of 1932. When Jacob Jankowski, recently orphaned and suddenly adrift, jumps onto a passing train, he enters a world of freaks, drifters, and misfits, a second-rate circus struggling to survive during the Great Depression, making one-night stands in town after endless town. A veterinary student who almost earned his degree, Jacob is put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It is there that he meets Marlena, the beautiful young star of the equestrian act, who is married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. He also meets Rosie, an elephant who seems untrainable until he discovers a way to reach her.
I would definitely recommend reading it before the movie starring Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson comes out in April. We are meeting tonight and I am looking forward to seeing all the ladies. Also our April book is: The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery, which was decided back in February and I was able to pick it up in the states. Not exactly certain what it is about, but hopefully, by having it early I will start reading before the week of our meeting.
More importantly, yesterday was Fasching, which is Munich’s version of Carnival. Most people will get the afternoon off work and head down to the Viktualienmarkt wearing silly costumes and surprisingly, Brad was able to leave work early. Therefore, we decided to head down there to check it out. Everyone was wearing crazy costumes, dancing in the streets and extremely drunk at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. I have never seen so many empty champagne bottles littering the streets. The festival reminded us of bay to breakers without the race and Halloween (Germany does not really celebrate this holiday). I had no idea that Munich took this festival so seriously and needed to find out more about it. Fasching is carnival season and originally was a Pagan festival which came out of ancient Rome or Greece. However, in recent centuries, it has become more associated with the Christian Church. The season starts on November 11th at 11:11am, although I have no idea why and is pretty low key for about three months. But then seven weeks before Easter things really start happening, where people are allowed to "flip out" and behave recklessly before the beginning of Lent.The Thursday before Ash Wednesday is known as "Weiberfastnacht", or "Women's carnival night". On this day, women are allowed to cut off the tie of any man within reach. So guys, don't wear your favorite tie to work that day! Also, women are allowed to kiss any man they like. Then, the following Monday is known as Rosenmontag (Rose Monday). On Rosenmontag there are various street processions involving lots of costumes and carnival floats. Faschingsdienstag (Carnival Tuesday) is the last day of Fasching and when most of the festivities happen.
Someone did tell us that girls will cut off men’s ties on Tuesday too, so after begging Brad to remove it, he finally took it off after we found a party and guys were pointing at him. At least next year we will know to get costumes and arrive in Mariensplatz early to enjoy the festivities.
Die Liebe der Gauntletts
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Brunch with James and Cheryl
The Atchison’s are leaving in a few weeks and I cannot believe it. Therefore, we all went to brunch today at CANS and afterwards, I got a new bike. Cheryl no longer needs hers and was nice enough to give it to me. I am really excited to start riding all around Munich, especially to the beer gardens, but before that can happen I need to take it into the bike doctor for a tune up (new tires, rubber handle bars, lights etc). Also, I need to clean it up a bit but still super excited as it is red and has a basket in the front!
I must say that Friday’s dinner turned out really well. We had made the fish before, so I knew that it had the potential to be good, but the polenta was delicious and surprisingly extremely easy to make.
Tschüss! die Gauntletts
I must say that Friday’s dinner turned out really well. We had made the fish before, so I knew that it had the potential to be good, but the polenta was delicious and surprisingly extremely easy to make.
Tschüss! die Gauntletts
Friday, March 4, 2011
Back to Munich
I arrived in Munich yesterday afternoon and to keep myself from falling asleep I unpacked, did laundry, put together Brad’s US care package (Girl Scout cookies, dunkin donuts coffee, toothpaste, mouthwash, venturi, household utensils etc), and made a quick dinner. I did try to take the ubahn from the airport with my four large bags and had brought a strap to attach one of them to my wheelie, but as soon as I got it on the bag strap broke and I immediately headed for the cab line.
A few random things happened while I was at home though…my parents and five other couples are coming to Munich for Oktoberfest this year and of course my mom wanted a dirndl (she loves to dress up and any excuse to wear a costume, she is in). Therefore we went to Lincoln Square (the German part of Chicago) to find her a proper one as I told her she could not wear a St. Paul’s Girl Outfit if she wanted to see me at all during her trip in October. After my mom picked out the one she wanted to try on, we started talking to the shop owner and long story short we discovered that she and I are on the same flight to Munich next week. Fast forward to Wednesday (the day I leave for Munich) and who do I see the minute I get to the gate, Inga. We end up chatting until boarding the plane and figured out we are in the same row…how strange. The flight was completely empty so I got to change seats, but we were originally placed next to each other…crazy how things happen. Then, after my mom purchased her dirndl, we went into the local grocery store and when I walked in it felt like I was back in Munich. Everything was the same (the layout, products, beer etc) and they even have a lot of the stuff I put in my sisters foodie basket for Christmas (she was super excited). The street also has the Chicago Brauhaus, which serves Spaten, Hofbrau, and one of Brad’s favorites Franziskaner Weissbier, German Restaurants, and of course I called Brad immediately (thankfully it was an acceptable time) to tell him all about it.
Anyway, today Brad went to work (promises to home at a reasonable hour) and I decided to hit the gym for the first time in two weeks and then the grocery store. I must admit that it was really nice to be back in the states for a few weeks, but I am very happy to be back to my routine, Brad and Munich. The gym is as wonderful as I remember, but the only thing that stinks is that most days it opens at 9 AM instead of 7 AM…oh well. Shopping in Germany is always an adventure for me, but since I have been away, the store layout has changed and new products were added. So it takes me a little longer than usual to collect my items, but I enjoy going up and down the aisles to see what is new. We decided to make dinner at home tonight and then try to grab drinks at a local bar down the street from our flat. I hope I am able to stay up late enough since the place does not even open until 20:00. Since Brad has been living off of Doners, Mac and Cheese and Pizza since I left, I decided to make something a little healthier –white fish with olives, basil and pine nuts, roasted red pepper polenta with gorgonzola cheese and a small salad. Hopefully the dishes turn out as I have never made polenta before.
Tschüss! Die Liebe der Gauntletts
A few random things happened while I was at home though…my parents and five other couples are coming to Munich for Oktoberfest this year and of course my mom wanted a dirndl (she loves to dress up and any excuse to wear a costume, she is in). Therefore we went to Lincoln Square (the German part of Chicago) to find her a proper one as I told her she could not wear a St. Paul’s Girl Outfit if she wanted to see me at all during her trip in October. After my mom picked out the one she wanted to try on, we started talking to the shop owner and long story short we discovered that she and I are on the same flight to Munich next week. Fast forward to Wednesday (the day I leave for Munich) and who do I see the minute I get to the gate, Inga. We end up chatting until boarding the plane and figured out we are in the same row…how strange. The flight was completely empty so I got to change seats, but we were originally placed next to each other…crazy how things happen. Then, after my mom purchased her dirndl, we went into the local grocery store and when I walked in it felt like I was back in Munich. Everything was the same (the layout, products, beer etc) and they even have a lot of the stuff I put in my sisters foodie basket for Christmas (she was super excited). The street also has the Chicago Brauhaus, which serves Spaten, Hofbrau, and one of Brad’s favorites Franziskaner Weissbier, German Restaurants, and of course I called Brad immediately (thankfully it was an acceptable time) to tell him all about it.
Anyway, today Brad went to work (promises to home at a reasonable hour) and I decided to hit the gym for the first time in two weeks and then the grocery store. I must admit that it was really nice to be back in the states for a few weeks, but I am very happy to be back to my routine, Brad and Munich. The gym is as wonderful as I remember, but the only thing that stinks is that most days it opens at 9 AM instead of 7 AM…oh well. Shopping in Germany is always an adventure for me, but since I have been away, the store layout has changed and new products were added. So it takes me a little longer than usual to collect my items, but I enjoy going up and down the aisles to see what is new. We decided to make dinner at home tonight and then try to grab drinks at a local bar down the street from our flat. I hope I am able to stay up late enough since the place does not even open until 20:00. Since Brad has been living off of Doners, Mac and Cheese and Pizza since I left, I decided to make something a little healthier –white fish with olives, basil and pine nuts, roasted red pepper polenta with gorgonzola cheese and a small salad. Hopefully the dishes turn out as I have never made polenta before.
Tschüss! Die Liebe der Gauntletts
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