Complete fail on the concept of "packing light". I thought i was doing so well--after hours of deliberation I still somehow ended up with a bag that is far too heavy and useless articles I will undoubtedly leave in mult locations during my trip!

Arrived at 725 to an absolutely perfect German morning. Customs and the airport were a breeze. Spent 30 minutes wandering around the airport supermarket where I picked up some of my favorite childhood candies as a keepsake. Off to Bremen...

First stop on the way back from the airport was to visit Helma's grandchildren at their new house. Nico was unsure how he felt about me. I was the first person he had ever met that didn't speak German!

Showing Oma her soon to be butterfly

Helma and Herbert Eating "ice" at the "ice" store. Somehow "cream" is not part of the name of this delicious treat here in Germany.

It's Ice, just I c e.

The ice cream here all seems to be gelato or gelato-esque. Its quite delicious. My Neapolitan ensemble topped off with a crispy waffle heart. Wanderbhar!

I promised her when I was 8 and she was visiting America that I would one day come to see her in Germany. I never make a promise I don't intend to keep--it took me 14 years, but I made it!

Amazingly beautiful day in Germany. After a nice long nap Herbert put on his rollerblades, I laced up my shoes and we went out to explore. 1hour and 6 towns later I returned with 15 new animal friends!

Said "Animal Friends". As I ran past their field on the way out some of them ran with me. On the way back, as I was passing there was not one cow that was not dashing across the field with me. (Yes, Cows can dash-it's not just for Reindeer!)

I have never been so content in the middle of nowhere. Nor have I spoken so few words in a 48 hr period. Perhaps a correlation?! So Serene. The perfect place to begin my trip. My mind is clear. This was exactly what I needed!

Beautiful sunset evening 1 after a nice 5K through the German countryside.

Soup, Beer and FC Bayren

For Tante Christa's first time using and iPhone she did a pretty fantastic job...

Painting and coloring with Jette and Jokee. Of course arts and crafts were paired w/ tea & German cookies dipped in all sorts of wonderful chocolate goodness. Tante Christa made sure to pack some extra candies in her bag like any good Oma would!

German "Dinner" today was spent with Niels, Borris and parents (whose names escape me!) These little "kinder" kept me entertained amidst the German banter. Especially Kim (in pink) there is something going on with me and babies lately...it's odd!

Hienrike found me quite fascinating. Niels, not so much.

The girls had a sand fight and I made a heart shape mold that lasted a whole .35 seconds before Kim tried to eat it!

Pictures by the flowers

Looking and feeling Oh so European (minus the hairy legs and no deodorant part)

The bakery that Padekens own

Hienrike leisurely smelling the flowers (or a bush...)

My new favorite flowers.

It's Tea time! Meaning another house to visit, more people to greet and never complete without kuken and kaffee. At Geslia and Gert's we had a formal German tea time and talked about the family tree dating back to 1644!

My adopted family. Thomas, Kristen and Tom. (Missing Celiene) never wanted a little sister but this 13 yr old I could probably have lived with.

We stopped by to visit Oma's baby sister on our way to the sea. Of course the table was set for tea and cake was cut upon our arrival. Orsi has such a beautiful garden. Her son Peter, who also runs the family transportation business joined us.

Just a few hundred yards from where Oma was born. What a special place to visit.I have heard the stories for 20+ years-getting to visit has been such a treat!

My lovely tour guides

And yes, I did wear a denim shirt with Jeans today. I figured if its ok anywhere it would be Europe...

I kind of liked it : )

Some children are told stories of castles; others tales of dragons and handsome heros . My stories were of my grandparents days growing up in Germany. Although I have heard them many times, i will always find an excuse to hear them again!

After a run around the block and being chased by 2 cows I managed to catch Herbert before he left for his evening bike ride. With basic hand motions I asked to join. He kindly agreed. we rode along the road, down gravel paths and through the fields.

I forgot what it was like not to be able to communicate w/ people. It has allowed me to enjoy my time in Germany in a very different way. We Americans talk far too much and spend little time enjoying the moment. Sometimes words are just not necessary

The water bus was a life saver, yet my legs sill felt the burn!

The view from the Academia bridge is fantastic. The weather here in Venice the past 3 days has been unreal. I have a dangerous love affair with this city!

Best food ever in the world!

Yummy lunch in Madrid

Real Madrid vs Man U charity game with my favorite portuguese import. Can't wait for our next adventures in porto!