Sunday, January 13, 2013

Burg Satzvey


Burg Satzvey December 2012 all decorated for the Christmas Market


Burg Satzvey is a gorgeous MOATED castle that our friends and us had the pleasure of visiting in December.  I could have blogged about this a few weeks ago but with holiday hustle and bustle, I just honestly ran out of time.  So now, we are going to give Satzvey its well deserved spot to shine!  Its on your way to Koln, Germany and in the picturesque town of MECHERICH.  Cobblestone roads, small bridges and friendly locals all help make Mecherich a nice place to visit.  This castle holds events and activities throughout the year.  We will be going back this year for the Ostermarket (Easter Market) to see what home made decorations and delightful sweets they will have to offer.  If it's any compared to their Christmas Market that we visited in December we will surely be in for a treat.
My husband is so patient when it comes to my picture taking addiction


We came across several hand made wooden booths that were selling beezwax sculpted candles, miniature scenes, ornaments, quilts, paper art that were so detailed you would have thought someone had used a fine paint brush to create each design, lace decorations, Italian vendors that were offering specialty cheese, limoncello, cookies, olive oils and more.  Of course the popular gluhwein was there to warm you but they had some unique fire drinks and hot apfel punch drinks that you could add rum or whiskey too if you so desired. 
Trying out the Apfelpunsch it was very tasty

Something that I love at Burgs are when they have people dressed up in period clothing.  What makes it even better is when they act as if they are back in that time period.  Very entertaining and for myself definitely makes our visit just that much more memorable.



Burg Satzvey 2012 December

Old cannon


I run a pet vacation business so naturally I had to take a picture of the dog :o)


Thank you for following my blog and Happy Traveling

Beverly







Saturday, January 12, 2013

Otzenhausen, Germany Celtic Ruin Wall



Justin and I at the top of the Celtic Ruin in Otzenhausen, Germany
Justin and I enjoy most the outdoors has to offer: fresh air, time to clear your mind, bonding time, gorgeous views and great exercise.  So what better way to spend a Sunday then driving to one of the oldest Celtic Ruins around our area.  It's free for one, is close for us with only about a 45minute drive and pretty easy to find.  We just plug into the gps Otzenhausen, Germany and once we get into the town follow the brown signs.  There are several paths depending on why your visiting this area/your hiking level, today we took the child/stroller friendly.  Below are some pictures from our morning.



My husband being the goofy guy he is!!!


The wall ruin starting the climb

Great Bonding 

My friends daughter...She's armed with creativity and her found treasure...a walking stick

Hey what's this stick I see standing straight up?

Haha, Justin found a hole

From the Top...you can see the path leading away.  

Behind me in the far distance is Bostalsee...a great place to swim, bbq and more


It was kind of chilly today

So if you look in front of me you will notice 2 rocks that are together and shaped a heart.  I promise we did not do this, maybe another hiker had.  We didn't even notice until we came home to look at our pictures.   

Thanks so much for following my blog & happy exploring!
Beverly 

Friday, January 11, 2013

Bastogne on the Fly...


Happy January 2013!!!!!  My husband and I have certainly been taking advantage & filling our plates to the brim this year and its only day 11 of 365!  Along with millions of others around the world, I too made a New Years Resolution.  I kept it simple and obtainable.....to travel more.  Now that doesn't mean to spend lots of money and fly to exotic places, though that certainly sounds exciting.  No, I decided that instead of sitting at home if the weather was agreeable (as well as the hubby...cuz lets face it, he does have some say in this endevour I've decided to take on) we were to get out and explore.  



So on the first Saturday of January in the mid afternoon Justin and I hopped in the car and drove...destination..Bastogne, Belgium.  Now for those of you who aren't familiar with Bastogne's history and interested here it is courtesy of Wikipedia 

"Liberated by the Allies in late 1944, Bastogne was attacked by German forces shortly after. Hitler was, again, looking for control of the Ardennes. The goal was to advance to Antwerp, to cut off supply and separate British from American troops. On December 16, taking advantage of the cold and the fog, the German artillery started the so-called Battle of the Bulge by attacking the sparsely deployed American troops around Bastogne. A few days later, Brigadier General McAuliffe and the 101st Airborne Division along with elements of the 10th Armored Division (United States) and the 82nd airborne arrived to counter-attack but, after heavy fighting, became encircled within the town. On December 22, German emissaries asked for the American surrender, to which the General answered quite briefly, “Nuts!” The next day, the weather cleared up, allowing air retaliation and the parachuting of much needed food, medicine, and weaponry. On December 26, troops under the command of General Patton broke the deadlock. The official end of the Battle of Bastogne only occurred three weeks later, when all fighting finally stopped."

Naturally my husband being military this was one of his bucket list stops.  We walked the streets enjoying the holiday lights, browsed/tastes delicious belgian  meat and desserts, stopped in the gift shop for the infamous magnet and rounded the night with a quaint italian restaurant.  

I bet in the spring and summer time this fountain is running and breath taking

Everyone needs a cuper cute 4foot tall pig in their life :oD


Belgium Chocolate Store...JACKPOT



Bruschetta our weakness...this was absolutely delicious

Justin's lasagna

My noodle dish...Noodles sauce, ham and fresh parmasean 

We love traveling together :o) 

Sweet treat for the road Belgium Chocolates



Beautiful Lights that cross the streets of Bastogne

Variety of restaurants to pleasure your pallet

This one made us laugh not sure why :o)

I love how each type of meat is specially packaged and displayed..the samples inside were awesome

Love the writing and these cakes look like they taste great!

These we tried, there were so many different flavors, I like cappuccino to drink, but not a fan of flavored coffee items.  But if you are the sprinkled one is a MUST TRY


Thank you for following my Blog and Happy Traveling in 2013
Beverly