Our first visitors arrive in Germany- Amberg and the Mariahilfberg Fest

July 1-8, 2016-

Michael and Samantha Jones fly into Munich on a clear, sunny day! Jeremy and I pick them up from the airport and plan to bring them back to our town of Amberg to settle in. Halfway back we stop for lunch at Abensburg with a stop in the hops fields that are growing now! Abendsburg number one attraction is the famous beer garden and artist who designed this unique beer tower. Kuchlbauer-Hundertwasser-Turm. We did not tour the brewery but sat outside and enjoyed a beer and lunch in the sunshine.

After lunch we headed to Amberg, Germany and showed them our home and our town. They settled in and then we set off to explore Amberg! We had our own tour guide and personal photographer- Eric Davis! Thank you, photo credit to this incredible guy :) First stop is the city square with the City Hall, also known as the Rathaus, dating back to 1348- pictured below. The cathedral is in the square as well. Next stop the fortification of the city walls, Amberg has a very well maintained ring around the city. Nabburg Gate is the focal point of entry into the city ring. It was first mentioned in 1317 when King Ludwig of Bavaria founded the Amberg hospital. The city gate, designated as the "hospital gate" in the middle of the fourteenth century is no longer to the original that you see today due to city expansion. Over the gate a fortified two story towers were built. 

The Mariahilfberg Fest was currently going on, so after we walked around the lovely town of Amberg, we took a bus up the hill to the fest for the night. It was a clear night and we had plenty of time before the sunset to enjoy the incredible panoramic views from the patio restaurant on top of the hill. Once again, photo credit given to Eric Davis! Thank you. According to the Tourist information, "It is impossible to properly describe what constitutes the particular charm of this experience, you simply have to experience it for yourself! It is likely the natural coexistence of the spiritual and the physical enhancement without the urban daily hustle." Thousands of people from near and far make the pilgrimage to the Mariahilfberg on July 2nd in accordance with this old saying. Many first attend the sermon, while at the same time others stop in one of the Amberg brewery tents. Many emigrants also return to their homeland for the mountain festival to meet with friends, relatives, and earlier classmates, to talk, to eat, and to drink. Beer and grilled sausages, cheese and spitzl, radishes and cabbage.

Our trip will continue to Prague, Czech Republic. Stay tuned.

Birthday in Nuremberg

March 14, 2016-

Andrea and I ventured to the Easter Market in Nuremberg by train from Amberg to Nuremberg is an easy commute with no transfers. We arrived right in the city center and headed to brunch at .. right next to the market. We were early so we saw them setting up the market for the day. The market was lined with stalls of homemade crafts and clothes and street food. I love the hand painted Easter eggs. As we walked down the aisles we were stopped by two broadcasters from the radio station asking if we would participate in their ready for spring shoot by dancing with them. Andrea and I looked at each other, then back- of course!! So fun, it was a beautiful sunshine filled day perfect for dancing! Check out the link- https://www.facebook.com/energynuernberg/videos/955645611196309/

After a fun filled day with Andrea I was home waiting for Jeremy. I was able to skype my parents on my birthday. So much love felt despite the actual miles that are between us. They are incredible parents and have taught me well, I love them dearly. They always make me feel special on my day as well as every day.

Dinner date with Jeremy in Amberg at Kupferphand'l Address- Herrnstrasse 20, 92224 Amberg. Best steak dinner outside of Nebraska! I had the steak with pear, cranberries, and cheese with potatoes and salad. Jeremy had the steak with mushroom sauce. A romantic setting with a candlelit dinner for 2 in a rustic booth. I felt like this day should never end. He is an amazing, caring, and thoughtful husband. He spoils me for sure!

Searching for housing, landing us in Amberg, Germany

October/ November 2015-

Jeremy was in-processing and starting his daily routine with the unit, while I was forever looking for a place to call home. So far from home, we wanted a place as unique as the country we are now calling home.

We did get a letter of authorization for off- post housing, yay! This is exactly what we both wanted, to be immersed in the German culture daily. Making our experience the most memorable and true to the German culture. We looked near post in the town of Vilseck but did not find something that we both loved. Some very unique places we found ourselves in but either way to small, not enough storage, or parking issues. One place in Vilseck was literally right next door to the Burg Dagestein. Despite the size I wanted to live there, how often can you claim your neighbors to a castle! Built in 1190, so historic!

Anyways, we looked further than Vilseck and finally found our dream place. We both new it the minute we walked into the place. It had the unique feel that we were looking for, with the exposed wood beams above our heads and hard wood floors as we walked in. The open floor plane was not common in German housing but since this place is an attic it was different. Despite the word attic, it had very high ceilings and many windows, plus a loft. We loved it, we could picture ourselves here!

We moved in 15 November 15 and also had our household goods delivered that same day. We had not seen our belongings since the movers packed them up in July... Christmas came early this year! We quickly put our lives together. Making our first home together as a married couple. Just us!