Champagne and sunshine welcomed us to Germany where we are visiting my cousin Detlev and his family for a couple of weeks. Although we arrived in Leipzig quite late in the evening last Saturday night and we had to travel about 100 km to Detlev’s home in Jena, the family popped open a bottle of champagne to celebrate our arrival. What a warm reception!
Our first few days in Jena have been sunny and warm, in fact, it has been the nicest weather for quite some time. Rather ironic that our home town Ottawa has experienced perhaps one of the hottest, driest summers on record and we have been “enjoying” one of the wettest, coldest summers in the UK. The warm weather here in Germany has been a welcome change.
Eating famous Thuringen bratwurst while visiting EgoPark, Erfurt.
We also enjoyed the beautiful dahlia gardens. Check out the video created by
my cousin for his marketing business.
Detlev, the grill master – our first BBQ this summer.
A visit to Wartburg Castle on a warm, sunny day.
My cousin Detlev was well prepared for our visit. In his limited English, he explained the full program he had created for us with activities covering history, education, sports, and relaxation. He is eager for us to have a good time and to see all that this region of Germany has to offer. We have the use of a car at our disposal so that we can explore the local sights while he and Sylvie, his wife are at work.
Detlev and Sylvie showing us the sights.
The only problem for us right now is that we are tired of travelling and sightseeing. All summer we have been dealing with a serious case of travel fatigue. A comfortable home base for five weeks in England wasn’t enough to cure us. I think our absence on the blog this summer is a reflection of how we’ve been feeling. I hope you understand. As we approach the first year anniversary of our departure, we are questioning our immediate future. Should we continue to travel for the next year? Should we go home? Should we just settle down for a few months in one place?
For the first time in a year, we don’t really know what to do or where to go next. A high level warning issued by the Government of Canada against unnecessary travel to Egypt has caused us to re-think that destination. Nepal offers a unique culture, natural beauty and challenging trekking opportunities. India is another option. Thailand would be a good, cheap place to stay put for a few months while we recharge our travel batteries. What to do? What to do? We’ll let you know once we’ve figured it out. In the meantime, we’re going to enjoy our time in Germany, and take in the sights as best we can.
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Hi guys,
Well, here it is! Your first year anniversary on the road! What a great adventure you have taken us through and (hopefully) more to come!
I just loved the pictures from Ireland! it seems that everywhere you look you get a great shot. It makes me want to go! Maybe some day… I have Irish roots on my mom’s side (The Abbott family) and it would ne nice to explore my family tree. I’ll put it in my bucket list (I still get a chuckle thinking about the video 🙂 )
Hope to read you soon!
BTW Christina that hotdog looks deeeelicious!
Hi Marc
I hope you get to Ireland one day – it’s a beautiful country with lots to see and do. Who knows maybe you’re related to some ancient king or something 🙂 We’re having a good visit in Germany with my cousin and his family. It’s nice to stay in one place for a couple of weeks after being on the go in Ireland and staying in a different place each night. The weather has been so warm and sunny, which is really helping to uplift our spirits.
When I look back, I can’t believe all we’ve seen and done over the past year. It really has been quite the adventure for us. Don’t worry, there is definitely more to come!
Cheers!
Christina
What a difficult decision. Asia is so close and so different it would be a shame to miss even if you only pick a couple of places. I highly recommend visiting Beijing. What about a quick trip down to Kenya for a safari?
Hard to believe it has been a year. We miss you guys!
Hey guys, just wanted to wish you a happy “traveling anniversary”. Can’t believe it has been a year already. You guy have seen and done more in a year than most do in their lifetime! Congrats!