- David Livingstone -

It will take another two to three years before the last U.S. soldier is sent back, but both towns have to prepare for the coming changes, especially in the local economy.

As much as opponents have decried the U.S. presence, there are many others who are very likely to suffer from the G.I.s’ absence.

Ledward Barracks, Schweinfurt, Germany

Well, it is time to move on. The U.S. has spent taxpayers’ money for an extra 20 years of military presence, beyond the end of the Cold War. It is time to reinvest.

Bye bye Schweinfurt, a rap song by the group Royal Riches from Schweinfurt.

Take some friends with you when walking through the 1000-square meter haunted house. The Hunchback of Notre Dame, the Phantom of the Opera, the bloodthirsty pastry chef… and others… are there to welcome you.

Entrance fee: € 20 for adults, € 18 discounted (children and students)

Hours:

Thu and Fri: 17:00 – 21:00

Sat and Sun: 15:00 -19:00

Access :

Metro: Gare de l’Est / lines 4, 5, 7 or Poissonnière / line 7

Bus: Faubourg Saint Denis (line 32)

More on LeManoirdeParis

If you are in Frankfurt or the surrounding area… if you see any homeless without a warm place to sleep, please call the Kältebus (an organization to pick up homeless during very cold periods) at 069 – 43 14 14.

While I’m at it, here is the number for the Kältebus in Hamburg: 040 – 40 17 82 15; In Berlin, call 0178 – 52 35 838

Winter can be deadly

Thanks for caring and sharing.

Edited on 3 Feb 2012:

Kältebusse 2012

- unknown -

Snow in Oberursel/Germany

This path leads up to our home. Some of these trees are protected by German law, because they provide nesting sites for wild birds.

Any kind of traffic in this area is foot traffic and therefore the snow usually stays white (except for the occasional yellow discoloration). Germans love their dogs, too.

Now the weather news tell us there is a Siberian cold front moving into Eastern Europe and it might move on to Germany. I just love the photo web. de provided. We can expect temperatures as low as – 25°C (- 13 F) in the next few days.

If you are a regular reader, you might already know I love winter and snow.

But if you are new and wondering about my sanity, in regards to my affinity for winter, then rest reassured. As a German, I just love the frische Luft in winter time.

To learn more about it, visit the group Camp King Oberursel Reunion on Facebook.

I am glad to hear this is happening!

Mountain Lodge/Officers' Club at Camp King

Thanks to AllThingsGerman for pointing out this event!

- Moorish proverb -

I am not a big fan of big cities such as Seoul, but I might as well include this into our travel plans. Taking pictures, eating lots of wonderful Korean food, and seeing a few former students of mine, should be the highlight of this short visit.

I prefer the countryside for its slow pace. Big cities are just too generic. If my Korean were any better, I would attempt to explore the Korean countryside. Maybe next time.

This time, we will focus on Japan once more. Again, we will purchase a five-day Kyushu JR railway pass which lets us travel all around the island with stops in Kitakyushu, Beppu, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, and Goto Islands. Each destination has its purpose, of course.

Kitakyushu is the place where I spent three years and therefore have quite a few friends there.

Beppu was great last time – I enjoyed being buried in black sand (see my previous post)

While living in Japan, I never made it down to Miyazaki and this photo, posted by a former student of mine on Facebook, finally convinced me to add it to my list of things to see.

Miyazaki-ken, Japan

Kagoshima is known for its heavy drinkers. Can’t pass this one up! Might have to teach them a lesson or two on drinking beer. . . but keep away the Shōchū (焼酎), a Japanese distilled beverage.

Nagasaki is where we have good friends and from there we will take the ferry to one of the main Goto Islands. Not sure yet which one is the best one to see, but I hope for some recommendations.

Our itinerary is slowly taking shape for visiting Kyushu during cherry blossom time!

Interestingly enough though, most Shipleys had not only settled on the East Coast, but also remained there. We know, as my husband owns four books of The Shipleys of Maryland (family history and genealogical research).

This was passed on to me by a German friend who lives in Mc Allen, Texas (thanks, Bea).

Shipley Do-Nuts in Mc Allen, TX (source: The Monitor)

You can read more at Valley Breakfast: Shipley Do-Nuts in Mc Allen from The Monitor.