Hallo!
It’s Wednesday and I’m sitting in the back of a cute, modern café in Essslingen. It’s a really beautiful day and I spent the morning walking to the top of a hill/winery. The town is surrounded by wineries and this one used to be a fort (I think) at the top of a very long and steep staircase (I know). I'm not sure if you can visit the wineries and have a glass because they're family owned and don't actually make that much wine. As of now, I don't have the courage to figure out the answer, but the view and winery are beautiful. The photos don't really do it justice. When I went this morning around 10am there were about 10 people picking grapes, all spanning across three generations. I creeped a bit and listened to them and took photos. It was really nice. This might be my go-to spot.
(Foreground- wine, middleground-Esslingen, right-side- my new StairMaster)
I picked up a German book yesterday and I’m going to try to learn as much as I can. Within the first 24 hours I was here I had 3 different people come up to me and start speaking German, so I guess I still look the part after two generations of Americans. Unfortunately, I can't say anything and very few people here know English. If they do, it's a very little bit. Ordering food and reading menus has proven to be the most challenging. Though, 'vegetarische' is pointed out on some of the menus, which obviously means vegetarian but is difficult for me to pronounce. The 'g' in German is hard like in 'dog' and the end sounds like 'ish'... so it's something like 'veh-geh-tahr-ish-eh'... I just met Dave for lunch (pictured below) and then came to this cafe to start planning our weekend trip. Dave's pronunciation is really good. I sound like I'm from Milwaukee…
Dave has Tuesday the 1st off of work. His coworker said it’s for Halloween, but we’re not sure if he was kidding or not. A lot of his coworkers are taking Monday off, so he’s going to ask for it as well, which will give us a four day weekend.
Auf Wiedersehen!
Kara
Ps. I used all my German in this post.
This is so fun!! I can relate to being in a place where I don't speak the language. The good news is once you have it down in one place, you can travel anywhere!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear more. AND feel free to tell me about ALL the vineyards, Kara!
The pics are super pretty! I dig your spot!!
ReplyDeleteI love that you already have a spot. Inglourius Basterds has been draped over my shoulders for the past few weeks like an old leather jacket. One of the main themes is language and how it was wielded artfully like a weapon in WWII - especially German. I know watching movies is probably nowhere on your list, but if the circumstances make it so, strongly consider.
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ReplyDeleteMyles... we totally watched Inglorious Basterds on Wednesday night! It's one of few Dave has downloaded on his computer. I love that movie. And I'm totally okay with watching movies! I love to and I definitely have the time :)
ReplyDelete!Too good. I love the aesopian/animal qualities of the story, I could talk about it all afternoon. I'm diligently attempting (for a second time) to learn Chinese - but German is most certainly next.
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