Trip Day 23

Wednesday August 30

Blogs are different now since we are not tourists any more like in Scandinavia. We are with family. A lot happens during the day. Talk, talk, talk. But not many photos. Not everything can be captured with the camera. I like to look at the fronts of houses. Some people have been very creative with their gardens and walks to the front door. This is Tobias' neighbor. Obviously very concerned about the bee situation. 

We are spending most of the time with Ute of course. But this evening we are on our own. Gero, Tobias and Manu's oldest, Ute's grandson, is graduating from Police Academy. A big important day. He had to study very hard.

Gero tried to get invitations for us too but could not. We were touched that he tried.

(Photo from FaceBook)

Weather had not been that favorite all day. In the evening (about 6:30 here) we thought we might be safe not getting rained on and needed steps. Location of our "guest quarters" is great and I remembered that we could walk into the 'Altes Dorf Westerholt' (the old village) from here. 

At the edge of the castle grounds is a very nice old restaurant where I have been several times before. We were not hungry at all but thirsty. Since it was chilly outside we thought maybe they have a soup. When we walked in they said that they were full but she said quickly that she had a thought. She asked two young men, who sat at a large table, whether we could sit at the other end. Of course they didn't mind.

It was very nice and relaxing. 

Yes, a 'Gulasch Suppe' for James and special of the season 'Pfifferlinge Suppe' for me. Gosh, was it good.

James had something like a baked brie salad or so.

And I had some 'Schnecken' (escargot). Ha-ha, not bad for 'not hungry'.

It had taken quite a while because they were so busy and not had enough help just like in the USA. But it was lovely walking home. No rain and the houses and streets looked so charming with the streetlamps etc.

At the church we came to this statue we had not seen before. Our friends from St. Martin's Church in Richmond, VA, will love this. This is Saint Martin!

The inscription underneath his name says (translated) Who gives receives

A nice ending to the day!