Oh these cRaZy Germans

Posing with our neighbors, Beate and Harry (wish you were here Anette and Co.)



So we got to be part of Carnival here in Germany. We don't know exactly why it happens. It coincides with Mardi Gras at home. That much we know. There are a few days of parties and then on Monday (maybe it's chubby Monday, instead of Fat Tuesday?) there was a parade. Oh my. It is so much funnier when everything is in a foreign language. And the people all yell "Hellawwwww". Huh? And they throw candy from the floats. And if you yell "Hellawwwwww" loud enough they even share a drink with ya. My kind of parade.



Oh, danke!



Everyone dresses up (well except for us cuz we didn't know the adults dressed up too and didn't want to be the silly Americans wearing costumes). We made Indian headdresses for the girls. Then the kids stand out on the side of the street and hold out their bags and catch the candy being thrown out of the floats.

They had a blast. Casey was all business. She was determined to catch as much candy as possible. 3 bags later, she reached her goal. Maya just wanted to dance. As usual.

The parade went right by on our street. We had the experience with no waiting and no hassles. And we got to meet a lot of our neighbors. They were all so welcoming and friendly. Their kids played with ours and we left feeling part of it all.


Maya with our neighbor, also Maya




Casey getting candy






Go Maya, go Maya





Okay, so while I still have some energy, let's talk about differences, strange stuff and things we miss...

Differences:
They really do have a bakery on just about every corner, you can't leave mail in your mailbox to be picked up, you have to take it to the Post Office (ugh), they really don't have a problem staring at our different little family (mostly the older generation), the price of an item in the store is just what it says, no tax to anticipate

We miss:
An American dryer, Farenheit, playing with our cell phones, ice in our sodas, going to the grocery store and not having my brain fried by the time I leave, our family and friends and pets.

Strange stuff:
Walking everywhere (we are so car dependent at home), the food. brick streets, 120mph freeways

Things we really like,
The helpfulness of people to speak English, so many amazing sights, pretzels and Doner (insert umlaut over the o) sandwiches...yum, black Forest cake, driving through several countries in an hour, experiencing new things with our family.

What we have concluded so far:
That being in a foreign country isn't so different. People really all just want the same things, RYANAIR sucks, we are okay being together so much but could really all use a solid day or two to ourselves.
But overall, we are having a great time and we are so glad we took this journey! And I'm not just saying that because we have a babysitter tomorrow afternoon. I swear...