Living in a Painting

Saarburg

I think I've mentioned more than once in this great adventuresome blog that I live in a painting. Literally.  I mean it.  Those of you who've lived here or who have been here to visit know exactly what I'm saying.  I've seen these paintings my whole life.  Beautiful, verdant, peaceful landscapes.  Quaint picturesque villages with quaint picturesque villagers (and assorted tourists) mingling about quaint, picturesque town squares.  I hope you're not tired of the redundant postings about all this "living in a painting stuff" .  I can't help it (not that I would want to).  We are coming up on our two year mark of this incredible experience.  I remember thinking about three months in, that I hoped I would never take the beauty of Germany and it's surrounding countries for granted....that I wouldn't take for granted the charm of my little village and the streets I drive down each day.   I have to say that that hasn't happened.  I still marvel at the sights that I see all around me!

This week brought new brand new experiences just about an hour and half away from Spesbach.  

Restaurants along the river in Saarburg

The first one was a visit to a village called Saarsburg.  It's a very cute place along the Saar River.  A group of us ladies went there to see the castle ruins that overlook the town....

My friend Melanie's little girl..such a doll!

Waving from the top of the tower

...and then we walked into the village to explore, take some photos and eat lunch.

Waterwheels on the river

Having lunch with the girls

What a view through the arch!

The second place we went to was Bernkastel Kues.  It's another town that's right out of the picture books.  I'm sure Walt Disney must have visited here and used the old town with the castle overlooking it as a model for some of his movies.  It's situated on the Mosel River and the Mosel is wine country! 

We went to Bernkastel because this is a ward tradition here and we had heard so much about it.  We missed it last year because we were in Rothenburg and didn't really know what we were missing.  Every year during this weekend, this town has a huge wine festival.  And if you're thinking what the heck are a bunch of LDS folks going to a wine festival for..let me explain.  While we don't drink wine, we do like a good festival because we know there will be yummy food booths, a carnival and fun times.  We love to party like anyone else, but we just don't happen to drink while we do it.  Anyway, we met several families at the Netto and drove together up to this very cute town.  Almost half of the ward goes and they all put down blankets and chairs in one area early in the afternoon and then just hang out.  The teens loved the big carnival area and the food booths and the adults went exploring across the bridge in the old town.   

The Mosel River

Bernkastel Kues on the Mosel

Old part of town..very cute!

Oompa Band!

A really skinny, top heavy house!

Grilling Schweinsteaks...mmmm!

Schweinsteak, sauerkraut and german bread.  Wonderbar!

No that's not wine....that's Traubensaft!

Part of the LDS bunch

That night they had the most amazing fireworks display that represents a battle between a ship on river and the castle on the hill.   I've explained in a previous New Years Eve post that they have different rules here concerning fireworks.  Well, that was evident in last night's display.  The fireworks were BIG, LOUD, and CLOSE!  It really was unlike any display I've seen!   

It was a great day of socializing, eating and exploring.  What a fun tradition this is and I'm so glad we were able to join in this year.

Other news:  Travis has started school.  I didn't get a school photo yet, but I will be sneaky and get one soon.  He likes his classes and  he got the electives he wanted.  He was just called to be on the stake youth council as a ward representative.  Seminary starts Tuesday, so it's back to early mornings again. I'm so grateful Mike is here and can take him in on his way to work!

Have a great week.

Love and miss you all,
-corri