Carnival of Cultures

We have just been back from the Road Trip and again we are off to Berlin's "Karneval der Kulturen" which is a parade of lots of different societies from around the world. The weather was beautiful warm and sunny but not too hot. We packed bottle of waters in our backpack and we had a shady spot from where we could watch the parade. I would say let’s get started.

And we didn’t get disappointed, the music, the atmosphere, the variety of people, costumes, backgrounds just very colourful the world we live in. It’s pretty amazing when so much colour comes together and enriches our lives…. you just need to open your eyes and be part of it. Great Event.

Road Trip to Poland - Oświęcim

From Poznań to Oswiecim we've travelled another 400 km to reach the second leg of our road trip. Such a idyllic place this small town has become, just gorgeous considering the dark past some 70 something years ago. This was the reason we went on this trip to actually take a look at the infamous concentration camp.

It was an experience walking those ground. I can’t put it into words what I was feeling. The seize of that area and what has happened here, unimaginable. Never again!

Well, our trip came eventually to an end and all together it was an amazing trip with lots of fun as well as deep thoughts and not to forget a special day we were celebrating, Tobi's birthday, just the two of us.

So, we drove some 550 km to get finally back home. Can I just mention that Tobi forgot his Credit Card which he's noticed when he tried to pay for fuel at a petrol station in Poland so the whole trip was basically his birthday present. You‘re very welcome darling.

Road Trip to Poland - Poznań

Last year we celebrated Tobi' birthday at the Vabali Day Spa, this year we've decided to go on a Road Trip to Poland. The city of Poznań and Oświęcim will be our destination. The first leg of our trip we travelled roughly 270 km to arrive in Poznań. 

We were totally surprised how beautiful the old part of the inner city is, the market place such a lovely spot and very clean. As we arrived there around lunch time, we headed straight away for the food stalls to have some Polish Cuisine, some sort of Sauerkraut but made differently compared to the German Sauerkraut and Polish Sausages. 

Later on, we went on a sightseeing tour by foot and again we were impressed on how many churches we came by, very interesting and beautiful. Now and then we had a look inside those churches. Also positive to mention are the Bakeries and Cafes as well as Restaurants and the food, just delicious. 

And so, our first leg of the trip was over and we continued on to get to Oświęcim (back then better known as Auschwitz).

Commencing the Swimming Season

Even though the water temperatures are still chilly, today is the day we are dipping in. The water also needs some more treatments in order to clear up otherwise I'm pretty happy with result.

The paving around the pool we are not going to start this summer as other projects are more of a priority. However, next season we will have a cover as well as pavement.

Nevertheless, we can enjoy a season full of refreshing cool downs as another hot summer has been predicted.  

Happy Mother's Day

To Mom from Thomas and Kathrin

Dear Mum….we wish you a Happy Mothers Day

Lots of love, hugs and kisses

Project 2019 - Fassade - Insulation...continues

Our project for 2019 progresses with the help of a few friends and family members. What else do you have friends and family for? While the guys were working on the scaffolding the ladies worked the kitchen. We actually worked in heh kitchen preparing food as this is the least we could do and we had lots of fun.

So far the rockwool insulation has been attached to almost all areas of the house. Next step was to covered it up and give it a layer to protect the insulation from the rain and make it more durable. Later the plaster will be applied but that will happen more towards the end of summer maybe beginning of autumn.

At the end of this weekend we have progressed quite a bit and we can not thank everyone enough for the help and support. I guess I will post a few more updates of the progress on the project during the summer.

Tracking down Mittenwalde

What a busy but relaxing long weekend it has been and we have one more day to fit in a little adventure. So let's go and track down some childhood memories of Tobi, visiting his home town Mittenwalde where he grew up.

Can I just say, the weather has been on our side for the whole long weekend so no wonder a couple of great shots I captured with blue skies and lush looking nature.

Mittenwalde is a small town located in the State of Brandenburg, south of Berlin. Once we arrived Tobi took me to the house of his grand mother & grand father. Of course this house belongs to someone else these days nevertheless he associates happy memories of this place and shared some stories with me.

Later on we walked around the town and went to the lake taking a stroll through the forest and fields. Each spot we've visited Tobi told me what he had done here or there. At the end of the sightseeing tour trough Mittenwalde we ended up in a Restaurant enjoying a glas of wine and lunch.

Happy Easter - Happy long weekend

We decided to stay home for the long Easter weekend, no traveling or visiting anybody. But you are more than welcome to pay me a visit, hence I invited my parents over for Sunday, Easter. Even better my Mum offered to bake a cake and bring along. Mums are the best they just know what makes their kids happy. Well, for lunch Tobi wished for veal schnitzel with asparagus and potatoes a typically German dish, so I cooked the lovely meal and succeeded.

Later on we had of course the cake which Mum made for us and we totally enjoyed, home made cake. Tobi loves cake but unfortunately I'm not really into baking cakes apart from the cheese cake I love to share with lots of friends, workmates and family.

Anyway, a lovely day in great company comes to an end and my parents left to drive back home. Thanks for the fabulous time we've had together and always a pleasure to have you around.

Spring is back...Welcome

As some of you remember that we spontaneously put a swimming pool in our back yard late last year which doesn't even look like one yet more like a construction site, the season enjoy a swim was definitally over. However, a couple of months have passed since and I'm actually so excited to get the most out of this season. Spring was knocking already on the door and we are ready welcoming the warm weather.

We used the weekend to uncover and clean the swimming pool as well as fixing some small issues for which last year was no time left. Even so there is much more work to be done to make the back yard look presentable and to invite some friends over for a pool party I still like to share some pictures on the progress and of the current state.

Well, Rome wasn't build in one day….so let's be patient and see how we progress over time. Anyway, I'm so excited to finally have a swimming pool which was one of my dreams which now is a reality. Thank you Tobi for the hard work and organising lots of things to make it happen.

Yet another project - Facade Insulation

As we had not much of a winter around here we decided to start early on our next project; facade insulation. At the beginning of March we had the material delivered which we researched and organized during the winter months. Each project as you know starts with planning & budgeting.

The weekend we actually started the weather conditions worked for us quite well however since then we experienced some set backs because of the so called April weather even though it's not April yet. Lots of ever changing weather from rain to storms to sunshine was holding us up on progressing.

Nevertheless, we are in good spirits that by the beginning of the summer season we will have ticked yet another box, another project will be done and dusted. Let's not forget we need to continue on landscaping the back yard in order for the swimming pool to be the highlight of the property.

The Ice Bears - "Die Eisbären" - Ice Hockey

I do remember that back in Perth (Australia) I ones tried to purchase tickets for an ice hockey game. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get some so I think ice hockey must be popular. Anyway, over here in Germany it was much easier to get my hands on tickets as we have friends who are devoted ice hockey fans and that was our chance.

Not that I know much about the sport but watching it live in the Mercedes Benz Arena, I guess, is a great Sunday afternoon activity, especially with friends. Before we were enjoying the atmosphere of the game we decided to have brunch nearby. As the weather wasn't that flash it was the perfect spot to hang out with friends and we were not the only ice hockey fans hanging out there.

This wasn't the first time we went for a game of ice hockey, actually it's the second one and this time our team "Die Eisbären" brought home the victory. Awesome !!!

Kitchen to be completed

In the colder winter months we have plenty of time to fix things on the inside of our house. In my opinion getting the kitchen finally completed is actually the most important part. So first project in the new year is the kitchen.

There is not much that needs to be done but the tiling and skirting boards are the workings to be finished. We have already purchased the tiles ages ago which were sitting in our cellar and collect dust.

Anyway, my handyman took care of everything and bevor I knew it the kitchen was completed. At the end of the day I just needed to clean up the mess and decorate the kitchen again my kitchen utilities.

Well done and thank you my darling, Cheers.

CHER - Here we go again - Tour 2019

As we've collected some X-mas bugs from my grand mother (thank you again) we thought we are not just spending the money on stuff but decided to invest the cash into an event and purchased some tickets to attend the concert where Cher will be performing in September 2019.

Not that I have been a huge fan of Cher but I think it's worthwhile seeing her perform at least ones. Just thinking what kind of energy someone must have to do a show at her age, respect. Anyway, I'm looking forward to spend a nice evening with my other halve enjoying some great songs and hopefully an entertaining show.

Awaiting, Welcoming the New Year - 2019

This year's celebration will include two little "Monsters" my nephew and niece. According to the circumstances we've decided to attend one of the family fireworks at the island of Usedom. Arriving one hour prior to the start of the fireworks we had enough time to explore from which spot we could watch the fireworks best. 

We soon found some room between all the other spectators and the kids were excited. Before we all knew it we counted down from 10 to 0 and here we go the spectacle started. Everyone and in particular the kids were in awe and pretty amazed about the sheer size and duration and colours of the fireworks. And indeed, even for us adults it was pretty spectacular. 

Afterwards we made our way to the Christmas Markets nearby in order for the kids to go for a ride on one of the carousels. Meanwhile others, like Grand Mum, Grand Dad, Thomas and the two of us had something to eat, some German Bratwurst, Crepes and "Glühwein". 

For entertainment a band was playing and Joy was eager to watch them perform standing at the front row....and clapping and dancing away. Just to watch her was so enjoyable and cute. Once the band finished their gig, we also left the Christmas Market and went home to continue our New Year's celebrations in order to welcome another new year.

Of all things on this particular day our traditional "Tüppelziehen" could not be left out to be mentioned and everyone took part in it. We drew a lot of the possible four items, luck, money, bread and a bit of worries. All together it will be another great new year - 2019. Soon midnight arrived and we all kissed & hugged each other followed by yet another firework and watching others.

After we arrived safely in the new year, we enjoyed a cup of coffee and some homemade doughnuts.

Thanks Mum & Dad....they tasted awesome.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

To all my family, friends, followers and visitors….near and far,

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a peaceful time surrounded by your loved ones. May also the new year bring you joy, laughter and happiness.

Let the new year be another great one or an even greater one.

Love to you all.

Yours Kathrin

Project Swimming Pool

Who would have thought that we will be able to start another project this year. However after our well deserved holiday in Spain our batteries are re-charged and we are ready to start with the project swimming pool.

This year we are blessed with a very hot, dry and long summer considering we only have began with the project at the end of September. It helps being well organised and prepared in order to run the project as smooth as possible and again Tobi has outdone himself. He is on the front and I'm in the background and together we wooped it.

Not that we will start the bathing season in 2018 but we are all prepared to have a great next spring & summer time having a swimming pool and cool down whenever we feel like it. For too long I had to do without the pleasure of going for a dip whenever I feel like it.

That is what I call a little bit of heaven….and a little bit of luxury in life. And again it motivates me to work hard in order to full fill a couple of dreams.

Spring 2019 the land scaping will commence as well as paving the swimming pool area but for now we will cover the swimming pool and just rest.

Vacation - Island of Mallorca

This years vacation leads us to the Island of Mallorca, Spain. All these years I've listened to how great a holiday on this so called "17th state of Germany" would be. So I wanted to find out myself what it is all about. Also, Mallorca is called the party island in particular the city of Palma de Mallorca, Ballermann (beach), however we looked for a different spot and booked accommodation on the east side at Cala Millor.

Traveling for almost 12 hours we finally arrived at our destination just before midnight in Cala Milor where we enjoyed a quick midnight snack after checking into our hotel. Who would have thought a trip from Germany to Spain takes halve a day, well....it can only get better. After a good night sleep we decided to take it slow, after all....we are on holidays. So we decided to hit the beach as well as checking out the pool area at the hotel. The swimming pool and area was pretty great, clean and quite compared to the beach which was unspectacular and packed with people, I guess I'm still spoilt by the vast, white beaches in Australia...nothing compares to these.

Nevertheless, we had a wonderful first day relaxing, swimming, enjoying food and checking out the shopping mall as well as the beach promenade. We better take it slow the first couple of days before my parents & brother with kids will join us here at the Sabina Hotel for my BIG 40th Birthday bash.

Project - New Rooftop & Chimney

Our rooftop project started back in April right after the Easter break by putting the scaffolding up. It took us a little longer as anticipated due to some delays and challenges along the way. Nevertheless, we finished just in time before heading on vacation.

Thanks to all that gave us a hand and assisted in completing this major project. Even though it took 5 months from start to finish the result is stunning. I must say we were spoilt with great weather conditions, sunshine, hot temperatures and no rain in sight. To be honest, at times it was a little too hot to work on the roof, so we took that time to take a break and enjoyed the weather instead of working.

Just like last year when you have people who help you out on such a project I was catering food in great variety, from breakfast to having regular BBQs or serving Asparagus which is a special vegetable from April to June or cooking exotic dishes, dinner etc. I nearly reached my limits by preparing and providing food 4 times a day, that includes coffee & cake time.

Tobi also build a brand new chimney which now suits the roof much better than the old one. The new one is smaller and hits my taste in colour and design. Well done!!!

House Warming & Birthday (Party)

Why not celebrating two great occasions on the same day, preferably on the weekend. One is the birthday of Tobi and the other one the completion of the house we've purchased and renovated last year. Sure there are still things that we need to finish but in time we will get there.

A very warm thank you to all who attended, helped and assisted in organising the event, preparing dishes and cakes. We could not have done it without you guys, you are awesome.  And what a surprise by one very special guest who brought along a home made "birthday cake".

As everyone knows it is the time of the Soccer World Cup yet again, so we had to put the TV outside in order to follow one particular game, France vs Australia. We also followed the other games of the day but not as intense as the Australian game.

At night time we finished the celebration with a bonfire as we still have the fireplace on the property which came with the house and as long as we have it we will use it. The following morning we had a big breakfast with family & friends and around lunch time we finally had a breather, everyone  was gone and we enjoyed some quite time.

On Vacation

Finally, I'm on vacation for one week and I'm not leaving the country. I will stay in Germany and take it easy. So, I got picked up directly from work not wasting any time and heading up north to Ferdinandshof aka "woop woop". Leaving behind the city of Berlin in order get some quite time, fresh and clean air at the countryside is exactly what I need to recharge my batteries.

Having checked the weather forecast it looks like we are in luck of having a sunny and hot week ahead of us, perfect to actually hitting the beach and getting into the water of the Baltic Sea, our sort of "the ocean". Going to the Baltic Sea we just had to drive one hour to get to the island of Usedom which has a German and a Polish part. This time we stayed at the German side of the island. However, I've heard a lot of great feedback for the Polish part of the island which we'll keep in mind for our next trip.

What a fantastic day trip, doing a bit of everything, from sun bathing, swimming, enjoying some food to just walking up and down the promenade.