December 15, 2015

Foods to Try at German Christmas Markets

December 15, 2015/ Meghan Oaks

Half the fun of visiting the Christmas markets in Germany is trying the food. There are, of course, lots of traditional things to try that are found throughout Germany, but many markets also have local favorites that you can buy as well. Aaron and I each have a couple of favorites, and sometimes, when I don't feel like cooking dinner, will just run down to the market and get stuff there to eat. Now, it's not necessarily healthy, but it sure is tasty! If you're planning a trip to Germany this December and are planning on visiting the Christmas markets, here are some foods that you should definitely try. Depending on the market, you may find all of them, or just a few. In any case, I'm sure that you will find something warm and tasty to eat. Guten Appetit!

December 09, 2015

That Time We Almost Went to Venice

December 09, 2015/ Meghan Oaks

A few weeks ago, in the middle of November, Aaron and I had planned a weekend trip to Venice. I know, it sounds so glamorous. Heading off to Italy for the weekend. NBD. I researched, planned, and priced it all out. It was supposed to be one of our last trips before the baby is born at the end of January (travel after 36 weeks can get dicey). We had decided on a new-to-us method of travel: the overnight train. I was hoping that we could scope it out ourselves and decide is this would be a convenient and feasible way to travel with an infant (note, if you have suggestions for this, please share!). Alas, as the famous poem, To a Mouse, by Robert Burns suggests, ''The best laid plans of mice and men/Oft go awry.'' So, here is the story of that one time we were supposed to go to Venice.

December 04, 2015

Timbuk2 2015 Aviator Convertible Backpack Review

December 04, 2015/ Meghan Oaks

Seeing as how we have really embraced the whole traveling thing while living in Germany, we are always on the hunt for the perfect bag. At first, we used an old rolling carry on with a busted zipper. It worked well, but it had definitely seen better days. And after taking a number of short trips (anything 4 days or less), we had narrowed down some of the things we were looking for in a bag. Well, Aaron did. I have some different priorities in what I look for.

December 02, 2015

American Thanksgiving in Germany

December 02, 2015/ Meghan Oaks

Fall is my favorite time of the year for many reasons. I love the cooler weather, the colorful leaves, the crisp feel the air gets, the way the sun seems to shine softer on everything, and the smells of the season - from apples to pumpkin to that special smell of the leaves after they have fallen from the trees. Some of the best times, and best memories, happen in the fall. It starts on my birthday, continues with our anniversary, is followed by Halloween and finally Thanksgiving. For many, Thanksgiving is the official start of the holiday season. It is the turning point from fall leaves to winter snow; it ushers the coziness of fireplaces, flannel pajamas, family, and the warm smells of Christmas. While many Germans are starting to visit the local Christmas markets (which opened this weekend), Aaron and I, some German friends of ours, and Aaron's cousin (who is currently living near Munich), celebrated a belated, traditional American Thanksgiving!

November 27, 2015

10 Tips for Attending German Christmas Markets

November 27, 2015/ Meghan Oaks

Christmas market season has officially started in Germany! The market in Mannheim opened on Wednesday, and many of them open tonight, and will stay open until Christmas. The main market in Mannheim is just down the street from our apartment. I can literally see the lights, hear the music, and smell the food from our apartment door. It's a massive effort in self control to not head down there for dinner, a waffle, or a Glühwein (or, in my case, the non-alcoholic, slightly less satisfying, version) every single night. In case you are planning a trip to a local market, or taking a vacation to Germany to explore them, we wanted to share some tips with you that we have picked up.

November 24, 2015

Packing for a Weekend Getaway

November 24, 2015/ Meghan Oaks

We are no stranger to the weekend getaway. Actually, it's our preferred method of travel. In 2015 alone, we have gone on 15+ trips that are 4 days long or less. For many of them, we either take a train or fly. We're able to do this because we find cheap tickets, but once you factor in baggage fees, the overall price can tend to creep up. We have been working to streamline (and by we, I mostly mean, me) our packing and find the best luggage pieces that work for the way we travel. And I think we have finally found it! On our last two trips, Aaron and I have been able to pack using one piece of luggage. Yes, one piece of luggage. I wouldn't believe it was possible had we not actually done it ourselves.

November 20, 2015

A Visit to Schloss Lichtenstein in Southwestern Germany

November 20, 2015/ Meghan Oaks

After visiting the Steiff Museum, we made our way to the small, quaint, town of Blaubeuren to spend the night in a hotel. The next morning, Aaron woke up early (he is a morning person....I am not) to take advantage of the ''golden hour'' and get some pictures of the town before breakfast. Speaking of which, the hotel we stayed at, the Hotel Ochsen, had one of the BEST breakfasts I have had, and dinner the night before in their restaurant was just as tasty! After a hearty breakfast, we set out to go see one of the most picturesque castles in Germany that kept popping up on my Pinterest - Schloss Lichtenstein. It's much smaller than many other castle, but it's precarious position, perched on a cliff overlooking the valley below, makes for a stunning pit stop.