Chore Charts

You always need a good chore cart to keep everyone on their toes!

Schloss Oelber

This is a cool little castle that is close to Hannover and near Hildeshiem. It is shaped like a horse shoe. Many different types of events are held at this castle. We were here on a day that they were having a antique show/flea market.

Flat Stanley!

Have you ever heard of Flat Stanley?
Jeff Brown has written a series of books about a boy that had became flat when a billboard hit him. There were advantages to him becoming flat. He was able to slip through doors and be sent through the mail.
So, several schools have been participating in a project called "The Flat Stanley" Project. Children make a flat version of themselves and send it to people they know in other places around the world. Then when their "flat person" returns, it returns with several stories about their adventure. We were asked to have a flat stanley friend come and visit us and here are some pictures of our adventures with him.

Visitors

We had two beautiful, wonderful women from China come and stay with us for a few days. We had the opportunity to drink Chinese tea together and share stories of our cultures. This is a picture of a gift that the gave us. They hook on to our cell phones, but I am afraid to use them (I don't want them to break).

Steinhude Meer

Steinhunde Meer is the largest lake of Northwest Germany. It is only about a 25 minute ride from Hannover. We took a ride there a few weeks ago. They have boat trips, paddle boating and many quaint little stores. This will make for some great day trips over the summer. Great way to cool off!!!

Hope everyone had a nice holiday!

Parade Time!

We went to a parade right here in Hannover. It was very fun!! They throw out candy for the kids and for the adults, they hand out beers.

Henry's Restaurant!

This is our favorite restaurant in Hannover. It reminds us a little of home. Our attention was drawn to it immediately upon seeing the Heinz ketchup bottles on each of the tables. Then when we found out that they had Root Beer floats we were hooked. They had us at Root Beer, let alone floats.

The Household Cavalry Museum!

We spent a day at the Household Cavalry Museum in London. This is where the ceremony of changing the Queen's Life Guard is held. This ceremony dates back to 1660. We were their to watch as the new guards came in with their horses and lined up across from the guards going off duty and then we watched as they performed their rituals.
As you can see, when we were done, we had the opportunity to try on a few of their things.

I was sure she was real!

Kroepcke Clock!

The main bus stations and main areas for shopping in Hannover are in Kroepcke. This is the Kroepcke clock. It is named after a man named Wilhelm Kroepcke. He was the owner of a cafe that was in this area from 1876-1919. Today, the clock is a frequently used meeting spot for locals and visitors.

Hameln

I know most of you have heard of the Pied Piper legend. The legend originated in the town of Hameln when several children went missing in June of 1284. The center of this town survived the Second World War and still to this day is a perfect reflection of the Weser Renaissance period.






















Above you see a picture of Hannah befriending a statue and to its right is a picture of the St. Nicolai Market Church.





This is the Hochzeitshaus (Wedding House). It is right in the center of the town. Do you see the window in the middle with wood covering it? About three times a day that opens and little figures Pied Piper figures come out, spin around, and reenact the story of the Pied Piper. Hameln also has an open air stage that puts on performances of the Pied Piper story every Sunday during the warm weather months.

New Year Flower!

A friend had given this to me. I was told that if any of it's flowers were blooming on February 3rd, the Chinese New Year, that we would have extra good luck and fortune. A few flowers did bloom on that day (with a little help for the water I gave it just one day before-timing is everything.)

Styling with new luggage!

This is a Deutsche Post Bike!

Beer!

Once I said that beer seems cheaper than water here. Here is an example of how inexpensive the beer is here. This is right by the check out station at the supermarket. Right by where you usually find the tic-tacs or gum!

A German McDonalds

Yes, they have them here!

Goslar

Goslar is a town (or village) not far from the city of Hannover and within the Harz mountains. It is part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. It has over 1000 half timbered homes.



This is an example of how some of the slate is carved on the homes.
















The sign basically says "you are cordially welcomed to Goslars historic pub and cafe".
















Water runs through the village. It is picturesque!!!!












This is Tannere in the cellar of the Braustuben restaurant/pub right by the town hall.








This is the market fountain. It is right in the center square. It dates back to the 12th century. It is the largest known Romanesque bronze casting.









This is a interesting judicial symbol that is on the corner of the Hotel Kaiserworth. It is called "Dukatenmannchen". It is said to be dedicated to debtors.













This is the Hotel Kaiserworth with beautiful stone figures placed along the building walls. The one on the top right corner is Hercules.










The next two pictures are of the Siemens family manson. Hans Sieman was an engineer, inventor and founder of the Siemens Group. This house was built in 1693 for his family.


























This is the Imperial Palace, the "Kaiserpfalz". Kaiser means emperor and the word palace has developed from the word pfalz. We went inside and what we found to be the most impressive was the large hall with the illustrated murals.
This,I thought, would also be a nice location for Hannah's wedding!
Boy are my plans bigger than my wallet!

Teeth!

Note of Caution: If you don't brush your teeth they will turn yellow!


Or: If you put lemons in your mouth!

Back from Holiday!

Sorry it has been so long since my last post. My hard drive was down and then we were on vacation (London). So, I am loading all of my pictures today and have lots to share.

See the Zaras!

This is Hannah in Vienna. Do you see the Zara's in the back!
Gotta love Zara's!
Thanks Dellapa's for the tip!

Seegrotte

Seegrotte is a underground lake. It used to be chalk mines and an area where the German jet fighter plane Heinkel He 162 or the "Volksjager" was developed and produced. The Disney movie "The Three Musketeers" was filmed here.



















It is hard to see in this picture, but if you look closely you can see one of the boats that was used in the movie.

Horse and Carriage rides in Vienna