Two Years in Germany

Two years ago yesterday we landed in Frankfurt. Now the kids speak fluently "auf deutsch", have German friends, teachers etc. We have German drivers licenses, drink German beer (Spanish wine though), pay higher taxes and go on longer vacations. Our drive to my parents became considerably shorter, but all in all not much changed. We miss our friends...
The picture above was taken last night, when I tried to make a cosy special night, while it was snowing and being bitter cold outside. The kids ended up playing computer games, while the parents read, drank the Spanish wine, and ended up watching Jay Leno on CNBC. So believe me, not much changed...

Rhine Valley

Two weeks ago we had to renew the kids US passports in person. This required a trip to Frankfurt, which we combined with a four day trip to the Rhine and Mosel valley (school was on fall vacation for a week). So we visited some castles, and cruised on the Rhine. We had amazing luck with the weather, and thus could really enjoy the fall colors.
Our first stop was at Eltz castle (picture above), nestled above the Mosel valley. What a gem! The castle was never destroyed by enemy or fire, and is still in possession of the Eltz family, which lived here for 33 generations (since the 12th century). The rooms had perfectly intact 550 year old massive beams. The castle kitchen contained a massive tree stump that served as cutting board for over 500 years. The interesting fact is that it is bigger than the kitchen door or windows i.e. it was there 500 years ago when the kitchen was built around it! The main room of the castle that served as bedroom and family room had beautifully painted walls (arabesque) that was never changed, only the colors were refreshed.
We also cruised the Rhine, visited other castles and even stayed overnight in a castle. It was a really fun trip!
The kids at Burg Eltz:
Mark at Rheinfells Castle: