Valerie's Adventures

Camping in Zeeland

Friday, October 03, 2014 Valerie 1

Did you ever wonder what makes New Zealand new...???<br />
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Welcome to the original Zeeland!  Nestled between the North Sea and Belgium, this stretch of coastland has the most sunny days per year in the Netherlands.  No wonder each summer Dutch people from all over the country pack up their campers and head to Zeeland for 3 weeks of lounging on the beach.<br />
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Because of my work schedule, Steve and I only had one week of vacation in the small town of Hoek, which we both agreed was not long enough!  His parents generously allowed us to use their camping trailer and arranged the campsite for our stay. <br />
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Each day consisted of sleeping in, having coffee and a leisurely breakfast, doing dishes, getting ready and going out to nearby towns for the day, returning in the evening to barbeque, doing dishes again, then sitting outside the trailer talking and relaxing before bed.<br />
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One night Steve cooked dinner for us and packed it up to eat at the beach.<br />
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We enjoyed a bottle of wine with our meal as we watched the sun fade over the horizon.<br />
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Another day we visited the kite festival on the beach of Cadzand.<br />
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On the way back to our campsite, we noticed a traditional Dutch windmill on the road and stopped to take a self-guided tour.  The <i>molen</i> is still in operation using original milling techniques.<br />
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The gray-haired man wearing wooden clog shoes spends two days a week at the mill, grinding flour into whole wheat, white, and bran.  Each type can be purchased by the kilogram and are packaged in tan-colored cloth sacks.<br />
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We also went to several markets, did some shopping, played tennis, laid on the beach (I did put my feet in the water, which was quite warm), threw the football, played volleyball, and ate fresh fish by the sea.  But mostly we just enjoyed relaxing and being together.<br />
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Camping in Zeeland

Did you ever wonder what makes New Zealand new...??? Welcome to the original Zeeland! Nestled between the North Sea and Belgium, this str...

Final Days with My Parents

Tuesday, September 23, 2014 Valerie 0

Crowds of sweaty people, cars honking at us as the Mercedes stalls in the middle of city streets, plates filled with heavy meat and creamy sauces we can never finish eating, and lots and lots of beer (spread out over several days, of course...).<br />
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We did not have enough time to fit in all that we wanted to see and do together.  But we were able to squeeze a few more adventures locally before my parents had to leave.<br />
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My mom not only came to Crossfit with me, but also participated in the tough workout consisting of wall balls, jump ropes, pull-ups, sit-ups, burpees, and ball slams.  We started together and finished together.<br />
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Walking to the local Alte Ziegelei restaurant later that night, my landlords John and Kris joined us for dinner and dessert.  With the best burgers in town and a moist chicken salad, we hardly had room in our stomachs for sharing the 5-scoop ice cream masterpiece topped with pralines and carmelized almonds.<br />
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A trip to this region of Germany is not complete without visiting the architecturely ornate Dom in Köln.  Glimpsing the cathedral for the first time is enough to take anyone's breath away.  After touring inside the historic site, we ventured across the street to enjoy a cup of coffee with a perfect view of the Dom.<br />
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Köln is such a hodgepodge of history and eclectic mixed together.  Just a few yards away from crowds of people in black trench coats with fish-net stockings and eyebrow piercings is an original Roman road dating back 2,000 years ago.  The stones are a little worn, but can still be walked on today.<br />
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After walking past the people in black, we reached the famous Love-Lock Bridge.  Hosting padlocks of all shapes and sizes, couples come to Cologne to place their symbol of love in an eternal bonding on the bridge.  But don't worry if you haven't made it here yet, the city just opened a whole new section of the bridge for love locks!<br />
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Needless to say, we were ready for some solid food after walking around Cologne all day.  Thankfully, my ever-culinary-adventurous boyfriend Steve prepared a Dutch-style BBQ with sausages, chicken, pork, macaroni salad, green salad, potatos, and roasted vegetables.<br />
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The last full day of my parents' visit was seeing some of the local landscapes in the Dutch province of Limburg.  We drove by this traditional windmill, which has been renovated into a liveable home.  In fact, the owners were sitting out front while we awkwardly took pictures of their home.<br />
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The three of us wore our Dutch clog slippers that Steve's mom got for us one last time...<br />
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...and then it was time to say <em>auf Wiedersehen</em>.  Until next time.<br />
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Final Days with My Parents

Crowds of sweaty people, cars honking at us as the Mercedes stalls in the middle of city streets, plates filled with heavy meat and creamy s...

Alfa Brewery

Saturday, September 20, 2014 Valerie 1

It's not just a typical beer tour.  Visiting the Alfa Brewery in Schinnen, the Netherlands, is an entire tasting experience.<br />
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Beginning in the renovated bar with cozy brick walls framed by soft lighting, afternoon <i>coffie</i> or <i>thee</i> is served with a piece of cake.  While enjoying your snack, the tour guide showcases various points in the room to include four generations of men from the Meens' family who have served as president of the Alfa Brewery.<br />
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After finishing up the assortment of delicious cakes, you move into a small theater with a large movie screen to watch a 30-minute professional video of the brewery's history.  With colorful pictures and important words coming onto the screen, it is easy to understand the story even though it is completely in Dutch.<br />
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Now the real tour begins, starting with the original spot Joseph Meens found the underground spring in 1870.  Certified as one of the purest water sources in the Netherlands, it is the only one used in the production of beer.  Thus, it is the only beer allowed to be sold in Dutch organic stores.   <br />
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The tour continues through various rooms of the factory where fermentation and bottling take place.  Despite not understanding the Dutch language completely, the tour guide is obviously knowledgeable and has a dry sense of humor that keeps everyone entertained.<br />
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Every aspect of the production, from the first hops to distribution takes place at the <i>brouwerij</i> in Schinnen.  Due to increased exchange rate between the dollar and Euro, there is no longer a market for Alfa beer in the United States.  However, they do export to Germany, the U.K., and their newest market in China.<br />
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Back at the bar, your tour guide turns into a bartender, offering samples of four varieties of beers from the tap and bottles.  The traditional Edel Pils is a crowd favorite, but the award-winning Dortmunder is a good choice for those with a heavier taste.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpmKBkNO9JFwoPQUb4nZ0szBomnq2gU-L2L9kI-pmkGLxgsYBAfoJOV19hKRgWsZps9s7LEbxsfs8hA-mKe4aOX0F7ITLm64AkOHqxOdkSTVzU9C24BvFHNPQVoHBlk_gYLTTGGmqP5JR/s1600/DSCN1876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpmKBkNO9JFwoPQUb4nZ0szBomnq2gU-L2L9kI-pmkGLxgsYBAfoJOV19hKRgWsZps9s7LEbxsfs8hA-mKe4aOX0F7ITLm64AkOHqxOdkSTVzU9C24BvFHNPQVoHBlk_gYLTTGGmqP5JR/s1600/DSCN1876.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eWI6VI1jY2a3OYZ84Tu07-8Wl6tTnB2qytFVbFX4yLaQCIhvEhxZ03ZMr0e7_ekgu6ganBaORUdxzbXXC122xDFx5x6GsRd8YfTkS__DMw7ISjl-EN4qLOgozRB1uEdg9Brf2nWKAcec/s1600/DSCN1873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eWI6VI1jY2a3OYZ84Tu07-8Wl6tTnB2qytFVbFX4yLaQCIhvEhxZ03ZMr0e7_ekgu6ganBaORUdxzbXXC122xDFx5x6GsRd8YfTkS__DMw7ISjl-EN4qLOgozRB1uEdg9Brf2nWKAcec/s1600/DSCN1873.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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My personal favorite is the Oud Bruin, which tastes darker and sweeter but with less alcohol content of 2.5%.  Seasonal beers are also available to taste if you come at the right time. <br />
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Beer tastings are accompanied with finger-food snacks of cheese and salami on dark, thin, pieces of <i>roogebrood</i>, passed around the bar in a communal style.  The gift shop is open (the tour guide/bartender is also the shop cashier) with 6-packs available for purchase along with Alfa memorabilia. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ncUXKaJsikPznqEikmIqinmx3wsdr5wolbPMnQ7urQVm3Ut8UT7O2ct2sc3a0fw32hck7v8U64hyYIeytqxkCMiKNuzqjTw9dhszCJsQ2UTHWS0HjXiUglSN4za-Gl3m1TpEQgXQYNLw/s1600/DSCN1880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ncUXKaJsikPznqEikmIqinmx3wsdr5wolbPMnQ7urQVm3Ut8UT7O2ct2sc3a0fw32hck7v8U64hyYIeytqxkCMiKNuzqjTw9dhszCJsQ2UTHWS0HjXiUglSN4za-Gl3m1TpEQgXQYNLw/s1600/DSCN1880.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XVrz9sz9fju6PYPWFGEtvoA_0k4dP_7jtj-xkFAtYMgDw3lbcS9jlb3U3olNUerwqB-T50R93m45EEnwd5-TQCIXub41ZZpVgPltw-0_RMwOrkuUmMqoxB9c0HCel8hlqBHJbeG_Q3Hg/s1600/DSCN1878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XVrz9sz9fju6PYPWFGEtvoA_0k4dP_7jtj-xkFAtYMgDw3lbcS9jlb3U3olNUerwqB-T50R93m45EEnwd5-TQCIXub41ZZpVgPltw-0_RMwOrkuUmMqoxB9c0HCel8hlqBHJbeG_Q3Hg/s1600/DSCN1878.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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Included in your tour price of only 9.75€ is also a standard Alfa beer glass for you to take home and remember your brewery experience.  After 3 hours spent at the Alfa brewery, it will become your favorite household beer!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Zondheid!</i></td></tr>
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Alfa Brewery

It's not just a typical beer tour. Visiting the Alfa Brewery in Schinnen, the Netherlands, is an entire tasting experience. Beginn...

Spaichingen in Summer

Friday, September 12, 2014 Valerie 0

It seems like it rains every time I visit Kurt and Elvira in Spaichingen.  So a trip in mid-July with my parents seems like a good time to catch them in good weather, right?  Not so much...<br />
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Despite the rain, the weather was still warm enough to just wear a light jacket.  And we DID have some sunshine on the last day.<br />
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This was my parents first visit to Spaichingen, where the family frienship all started.  It was 2006 when my Aunt Melody, Uncle Cliff, and cousin/sister Sarah and her husband Chad first stayed in the small town of Spaichingen.  Not speaking any German, and with a waitress staff that did not speak any English, they struggled to translate the menu at a local hotel/restaurant.  A young Susi, fresh from a summer intensive English course, happened to ride by on her bicycle to overhear the conversation.  She stopped to translate and the rest is history.  The Klaiber family has since been forever friends of ours, visiting California several times in the past 8 years.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel Kreuz, where it all started</td></tr>
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Since living in Germany, I have visited (and practically lived with!) the Klaibers many times, so I was excited to take my parents there to see all the local landmarks.<br />
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We saw some beautiful churches....</div>
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....and some gorgeous scenery.</div>
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We took a ride up to <em>Dreifaltigkeitsberg</em>....</div>
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....and looked over the town of Spaichingen.</div>
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We played some <em>kegeln</em>....</div>
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....and most importantly ate Elvira's delicious cooking!</div>
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The visit was too short, of course.  Somehow the relaxing, fun days at the Klaiber's always fly by too fast.  But this was just my parents <em>first</em> visit to Spaichingen.  I'm sure they will have much more to see and explore on their <em>next</em> visit!<br />
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Spaichingen in Summer

It seems like it rains every time I visit Kurt and Elvira in Spaichingen. So a trip in mid-July with my parents seems like a good time to c...

Haas Familie in Hof

Saturday, September 06, 2014 Valerie 0

After a much longer drive than expected, the California Haas family made it to the Hof Haas family.  My cousin Jeanette had arranged a delicious spread of food for us to eat, which we promptly devoured.<br />
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As usual, the weekend was full of fun events and adventures of every kind.  Saturday morning began with a trip to the market, of course.  The last time my parents visited the Hofer market was in 2008.  Every time I have been there since then, I have always picked up some spices unique to Hof for my mom.  Since she was there herself this time, she picked out exactly what she wanted.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at the market in Hof</td></tr>
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After Saturday morning <i>frühstück </i>with fresh brötchen and assortment of meats, we sat down for kaffee und kuchen.  Enjoying a coffee in the sunshine on the back patio is what my dad was looking forward to the most in Hof (and me too).<br />
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Next it was time for the men to do a little maintenance on my new Mercedes (well...new to me), which I had just switched over to my name the day before.<br />
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While Helmut and my dad putzed around with the car, Jeanette gave my mom a tour of the garden and showed her all the vegetables she had grown this season.<br />
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From there we left for a local market that only happens once a year.  They had a large field with lots of vendors selling handmade and artistic items.  I picked up a small tote bag for myself, while Jeanette and Helmut bought some flowers for the garden.<br />
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 On Saturday evening, Jeanette fixed another wonderful meal and we enjoyed the company of the whole family.  The patio was so crowded that I had to take a panoramic photo to fit everyone in!  From left to right: Tobias, Sigrid, Hartmut, my dad, Stefan, Lisa, Sabine, Laura, Sebastian, Jeanette, my mom, Helmut.<br />
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Sunday morning we went to church and then had a typical German meal from that region.  All I can say is...<i>Guten Appetit</i>!<br />
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<br />Then it was time to leave Hof and head to our next adventure.  The weekend was far too short, but we were all thankful for the time we had together as a family.  Jeanette and Helmut's house will always be my 2nd home in Germany, and I hope to visit them again soon.<br />
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Haas Familie in Hof

After a much longer drive than expected, the California Haas family made it to the Hof Haas family. My cousin Jeanette had arranged a delic...

Parents in Germany

Tuesday, August 26, 2014 Valerie 0

What can I say?  Summer 2014 was one of the best I can remember!  My absence from blogging indicates a season of fun in the sun (and rain...let's be realistic, it's Germany).  Having my parents here for 2 weeks in July was the highlight of my year, but of course it went by way too fast.<br />
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In the first few days they were in Germany, my parents followed me around in my everyday life to experience how I live here.  <br />
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They came to base...</div>
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...and went to work with me.</div>
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We went for a walk...</div>
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...and spent time together.</div>
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We visited <em>Dreiländerpunkt</em> (point where Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands come together)...</div>
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...and enjoyed a beer in the bar at my house.</div>
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<em>And that was just the first few days...!</em></div>
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Parents in Germany

What can I say? Summer 2014 was one of the best I can remember! My absence from blogging indicates a season of fun in the sun (and rain......

New Mode of Transportation

Saturday, August 16, 2014 Valerie 0

I was on the freeway half-way to Amsterdam Airport when the car started going slower and slower.  Quickly pulling off to the shoulder, I barely had time to brake before my 1994 BMW jerked to a stop and died.  It was the final journey that vehicle would ever make.<br />
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Thankfully I have ADAC (the German equivalent of AAA), and my premium membership pays for all expenses in foreign countries.  After waiting for an hour on the side of the freeway, an angel named Frank came to haul my car away.  The engine was completely gone and I needed to trash the car.  ADAC made the arrangements and Frank drove me in his tow truck all the way to the airport to pick-up my parents (2 hours after their flight landed!).<br />
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That was on a Monday evening.  By the grace of God, I had already purchased another vehicle the day before on Sunday.  So although my beloved BMW is in a better place now, I have the joy of driving this beautiful 2002 Mercedes A-series diesel car!  It is comfortable, spacious on the inside, compact on the outside, gets excellent gas mileage (diesel kilometerage?), and makes me feel like a real European.<br />
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New Mode of Transportation

I was on the freeway half-way to Amsterdam Airport when the car started going slower and slower. Quickly pulling off to the shoulder, I bar...