One Year Later... We Belong

This weekend we realized it's been one year since our move to Germany. Just like we thought, it went fast. So we re-traced our first and what has become our regular Saturday walk - down the hill into the Marktplatz. We met our friends in the usual spot, walked past the Kur House and into the market.



The weather this year was more mild and almost springlike - and the flower booth displayed their fresh flowers outside instead of under a heated tent.



Friends come and go around here. Patty and Gary who came to our home about one year ago bearing beer and candy, are still here but shortly moving back to the states. But new friends have entered the scene. They are expats from England and have been living here almost 3 years.


In the market, we found fresh produce, then went to our favorite (yes, favorite) breakfast place - Halt Bar. Afterwards, some went shopping and others had a beer. As ever, people are out and about on Saturday. Then, taking a short break, we went home and re-grouped before trying a new Italian restaurant... believe it or not, we still haven't tried every one in town yet.


On Sunday, we did what the locals do... take a walk in the park. It was the same walk we have done for almost a year. It was a sunny day and even more springlike than Saturday. It seemed like the whole city was in the park that day.


During the winter, the beautiful old homes bordering the park are more visible. We passed trees with bunches of mistletoe hanging in the branches.


We passed some of the usual sites, including Pete's favorite (all along the)Watchtower. A castle in the neighboring community - one of many along the Rhine just a few miles further.


Then, it was time for coffee and cakes - a favorite pastime for Germans - in a former hospital converted into a restaurant. The hipsters hang here. But not on Sunday.



So, one year later, we toured our own city, feeling like we belong.
Tschus!