Mannheim, Water Towers, and Pumpkin Spice Lattes

Keeping up with a blog is a little more difficult than I thought it was going to be. There are a million things that I would love to post, sadly I just can't think of words for them. But I am trying and I hope that all of you are hanging in there with me! So here goes!

York and Paris all at the same time. If you don't know, Mannheim was bombed in WWII and most of the historical architecture was destroyed. There are a few buildings that are still standing and in the middle of the city stands a water tower..... Think about an American water tower..... now think of a castle tower. Take the castle tower and put water in it and there you have it! This was by far the most beautiful devise for holding water that I have ever seen, and I had a Frank Lloyd Wright stained glass whiskey glass....it broke, we won't talk about it. (Still makes me want to cry.)

This is the water tower!

This is drinking water. Coolest thing ever!

These were absolutely beautiful vine covered walkways next to the water tower.

I was on the water tower. You can walk around it. Gorgeous fountain. 

And now for something completely different...

I don't know how many reading this post know how much I like a good cup of Joe, but you better bet your bottom dollar that you will by the time you've finished reading!!! Upon hearing about the opportunity to have a day in Mannheim, what did I do? Looked up if there was a Starbucks! I was very glad to see that they did, and very sad when I didn't write down where it was. I don't know who the genius is that decided to put coffee and pumpkin together, but whoever it is, God Bless them for being such angles. Now, the closest Starbuck to me right now is 45 minutes drive away. I went from living in a college town where I could walk to Starbucks and get back to class on time. I love the holiday drinks there, and like to get one of each every year...I am a gold card holder if that tells you anything.

Pumpkin spice latte with a blueberry cheesecake muffin.

Apfelrollen with a coffee. I swear I'm not addicted.... That's all for now. More to come this week! Wednesday is a big day!!! Wish me luck!

Bis bald!

Forgotten photos and Adventures Out the Whazoo!

Alright folks! Here are the pictures that I promised in the last post and forgot to post!
 The following are very random but I will do my best!

Stefan, the birthday boy! We had a tour through the city. It was awesome!

FUN FACT: Carl Marx was married in this church!

That's a cannon ball....

This is the church that Sabine and Stefan were married in! 

The following are from a different time, not the tour.

Chari will just lay on my feet if I stand somewhere for too long.... Jut thought you ought to know because it's absolutely adorable!

This is from the concert! Stefan walked in at the right time... This is the church.

I got excited that I was really dressed up and decided to have my own photo op when no one was looking.

The next ones are from a trip that we took to a historical village that is similar to Cade's Cove (for those of you who know) or like colonial Williamsburg.

Lukas and Alex, an exchange student from London.

Almost caught up! Promise!!!! Next up is my very first big production opera! Wagner's Flying Dutchman!

This was the view from my BOXSEAT!!!! How Stefan landed these tickets I will meet know, but it was great!

I will be posting a desperate blog for Mannheim. Coming shortly. So shortly that you shouldn't even blink. Keep breathing, just don't blink.