Ponderings

Although we all enjoy reading Amber's blogs, this blog will be posted by another guest blogger, her mom, who's month in Germany is coming to an end....  It has been great being here with Landon, seeing him change so much in the four weeks I have been here, and, of course, spending time with Amber and Nate!  Since my main purpose in coming this summer has been to spend time with Landon, and because he does not yet have his passport (may take up to 16 weeks), we have spent our travelling time enjoying the sights around their little berg, Fischbach.  We have visited Idar-Oberstein, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Speyer and Rothenberg.  Landon has been a trooper, but does not seem to enjoy spending as much time in his car seat as he used to!  Each town has been unique, with an abundance of magnificent churches, marvelous architecture, plentiful wine and beer, and an endless supply of chocolate and ice cream!  We are still in search of 'spargel,' white asparagus, and are going to make one more attempt to find it tonight.  It is abundant here in the spring, and we've seen it growing in the fields, but haven't been to a restaurant yet that serves it.  Since Amber and Lindsey have already posted about most of the places we've visited, my blog will have a different twist...

We have seen very few German's out with their infants, toddlers or young children.  I'm not sure if they just don't take their young ones out as much, or if we just haven't seen them. We have not even seen many out when shopping in the German supermarket.   Landon always gets lots of attention when he is out with us, and an occasional person who is very insistent about wanting to hold him, probably because babies out in public are few and far between, and he is so cute anyway!  I'm also not sure what kids drink when they are out, since water and soda are as expensive as beer and wine. I have learned to take water with us wherever we go.  Some restaurants will not even serve tap water, saying their water is not good, but we have had no problem filling up our water bottles in their bathrooms!  There are not any public water fountains at most places, including at major tour attractions.  I don't think Germans worry much about having their minimum of 8 glasses of water a day!  Most places that we've visited are also not stroller (or wheelchair) friendly.  Granted, it would be difficult to make most of the castles which are built high on a hill for protection reasons, accessible, but I have been surprised at the lack of accommodations for people in wheelchairs.  Speyer was the only place we have visited that is accessible for most people, and we saw several adults and younger children in wheelchairs there.  There may be a school and/or work opportunities in Speyer for people with disabilities. I was surprised that the train system is difficult to access for someone with a physical disability.  It was even difficult getting a stroller on and off the trains!  Probably most of the places we visited would be off-limits to the public in the USA since the chances of a fall or a turned ankle while walking would be high!  Fortunately, it seems that Germans are held more responsible for their own safety and can visit many places with the understanding that they could possibly be injured if they are not careful!

Landon loves to be outside, so we have been on almost daily walks in the woods close to the Kahle's house.  I have also taken the dogs on daily walks in the woods, which Tucker enjoys, and Jackson tolerates.  I have taken many different trails, and always managed to find my way back 'home' although at times, I thought I might have to turn around and retrace my steps to get back!  I have seen some wildlife in the woods, but not as much as I would have expected.  While here, I have wondered about several things, some of which still have me perplexed!  I have seen a few deer in the woods, which seem to be smaller than the deer back home.  I'm not sure why they are smaller...it actually rains here and foliage is abundant in the woods.  The deer have plenty to eat, but don't seem to grow as big.  I have seen some rather large snails (escargot, anyone?) and the flies have been plentiful.  Other than the flies and a few other bugs in the woods, the bugs here have not been bad...  which is amazing.  German's can not have their houses sprayed for bugs, as that would be cruel to any animals that live there, yet I have not seen many bugs at all in the house, even though it is bordered by woods.  There are flies and an occasional spider, but no roaches, water bugs, and just a few mosquitoes.  One would think all would be abundant here!  There are also strict regulations about making sure dogs get taken on walks, and what kind of collars can be used.  The dogs here, however, are friendly and tolerant of each other and people.  Most dogs we have seen are out walking in the woods without being on a leash and are just fine.

The autobahn has not been nearly as bad to ride on as one might think.  Since at times there is no speed limit at all....one can go as fast as one wants!  Since trucks have to stay in the far right lane most of the time, and passing can only be done on the left, things are pretty orderly and Germans seem to be a lot more courteous drivers.  I have only seen two accidents in the time I have been here on the autobahn.  Truckers have strict regulations about how fast they can go (not as fast as cars), how many hours they can drive at one time before taking a break, and the total driving time for the day.  Truckers also do not drive on Sundays.  Even though the people of Germany are not nearly as religious as they once were, most stores and restaurants are closed on Sundays as well.  Germans also celebrate many national holidays that are religious holidays, including the feast of Christ the King, and Good Friday.

One thing I have not seen at all are any dead animals on the road.  There is an overpass for animals not far from Amber and Nate.  Apparently all of the deer got (and read!) the memo about crossing the roads safely!  Since most of the autobahn (at least the parts that we have been on) are bordered by woods, you would think there would be an occasional dead animal on the road since traffic moves so fast, but not so!  I'm also not sure where all of the cattle and pigs are that are used in German meals, since none have been visible from the roads we have travelled.  The animals stay well hidden! 

Another thing I have not seen while driving along the autobahn, or while traipsing through the woods is litter!  There is no trash along the roads or paths.  Germans seem to be much better about keeping things clean than Americans do.  There doesn't seem to be any need here to have a 'Keep Germany Beautiful' day in order to pick up trash.  I don't know if the fines here are high for littering, or if Germans just take more pride in the land they live on, but one can enjoy the natural beauty here without having to look past the trash.  Even the rest stops are relatively litter free! Trash is actually put in a trash can, and not allowed to overflow onto the sidewalks.

I have enjoyed my time in Germany, especially spending time with the family.  It will be hard to leave, but no matter how far away the Kahle's are, they are only a phone call away...and thank goodness for Skype!  There are many things I really like about Germany, but it will be great to be back in the states where ice and water are plentiful and Target is only a short drive away!  I still may have a chance of stowing Landon away in my suitcase....getting past parent security could be a different issue, however!