From Europe to Africa in America - A Sisters' Expedition

[nodnol]

So is it dirndl, or drindl???

Of course it is Dirndl! I should not post in haste....

 

[lovealldisney]

Quote:
Originally Posted by lovealldisney

I love those types of ornaments! NO PICKLES? Tell if this is true, do Germans hide the pickle ornament on the Christmas tree and the first one to find it opens the first present? We do that here, well at least in our house, mostly we do this for the kids. And do you open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

Germans in Germany don't have pickles on their Christmas trees. I read an article a few years ago about how Americans think that this is a German tradition. A historian actually did a lot of research and did not found any evidence that this tradition ever existed in Germany. One idea was originally that it came from one specific village and travelled to the US with some immigrants and then got mulitplied in the US. But now the most likely theory is that this was a marketing campaign invented by a German christmas ornament producer at the end of the 19th century... Apparently it is more a tradition amongst Americans with German heritage...

Actually, our family used to have a Christmas pickle. But this one Katharina and I bought as a Christmas present for our father one year in a shop which was mainly catering to American tourists. We bought it because we thought it was so silly! But we put it on the tree every year until one year my father when decorating the tree decided that he had to adjust the already decorated tree in its stand and in the whole process managed to destroy quite few of the glass ornaments when the tree fell down on its side...

Well I always thought that this was a German tradition! I've learned something new. Maybe I should send you a new pickle to continue the American tradition.

Quote:
Originally Posted by lovealldisney

I bought a Steiff bear while there! I know I could have bought one here in the US but I wanted one from Germany.

Are they cheaper here in Germany? I love the Steiff animals, I had a bear and a dolphin when I was a kid.

I don't know if they are cheaper here or not?? I didn't compare prices, I would think they would be more here?? I love my bear he looks like the one I had as a child, (it was not a real Steiff bear) Dave got upset with me it took me awhile to find the right one. I told him the bear picks you, you don't pick the bear. To me it's all about the bears eyes. He just said oh brother and rolled his eyes.

Quote:
Originally Posted by lovealldisney

10 million THANK YOU'S for the this picture! They all look so yummy! I'd like to try them all please!

I still need to send you the recipe! Btw, I found out that the form and colour of the stollen (long and white) is supposed to look like baby Jesus wrapped in clothes. I am not so sure what to think about my ancestors who invented this....

I don't know about this either? Hey there my ancestors too... Looking forward to the stollen recipe.

 

[lovealldisney]

Nice update Magdalene,

Not sure if I would have eaten there myself. I don't like to eat outside of what is normal for me and most of that was very forgein to me. Like what is Fufu? or Bobotie? But I did like all of the DESSERTS! That I wouldn't have had a problem with.

 

[lovealldisney]

Of course it is Dirndl! I should not post in haste....

DIRNDL DIRNDL DIRNDL

 

[marvali]

Of course it is Dirndl! I should not post in haste....

Just wanted to make sure. I'm pretty obsessed with trying to spell things correctly. Not completely worried if it is just "words" but when it comes to people's names, and items specific to my foreign friends and their customs, I like to get it right. Detente maybe???

Nice update Magdalene,

Not sure if I would have eaten there myself. I don't like to eat outside of what is normal for me and most of that was very forgein to me. Like what is Fufu? or Bobotie? But I did like all of the DESSERTS! That I wouldn't have had a problem with.

For the most part, I am a very unadventurous eater, but we love Boma! There are more than plenty items on the buffet to fill anyone up. The good thing is you can sample small portions of some of the more adventurous items and see what you like. The fire roasted meats are very, very good, and the mustard sauce mentioned is wonderful. I'm not sure I remember Fufu, but the Bobotie reminded me of some type of ground meat with some interesting spices, with something like cornbread on top. It wasn't what I would call great, but it is something I normally get.

If you want to read more about the food at Boma, check the OKW trip report link in my siggie. Some more food porn from there in my TR.

 

[manntra]

Thank you for sharing your Munich weekend with us. I always love your side trips and your history lessons I clicked on your link for the coffee ad and if drinking coffee can land me a man like that then sign me up!!

How did I not know about this culinary tour...and of two of my favorite restaurants nonetheless!!! You can bet I will be doing this on my next stay at AKV Speaking of...I did book for next October....the 15-22...currently at Kidani (no surprise there ) but I am going to try my luck at 7 months and see about switching I commend you for taking pictures of the Boma buffet! I don't know if I could do that but I always appreciate all who do!! I really enjoy the zebra domes cold...they always seem to find a way into my refrigerator I don't care for coffee and the taste is not overwhelming to me which is good

I remember your story about the pickles!! I asked you about that in one of your other TR's and I thought about it when I saw the pickle tree in Epcot

Tracy

 

[englishrose47]

Great update Magdalena !!! I am not the adventurous eater and while I found enough to eat at Boma , I was not keen on the spicing !! Now the dessrts were wonderful!!!

Marv who were you a dissappointment too !!!!I can honestly say you never dissapoint me with your Wit!!! Okay I'll take my temperature I must be sick .. being nice to Marv

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Mmmm...looks yummy. I've heard mixed reviews about Boma, so I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it overall.

The AKL is one amazing building. We had wanted to bring our kids over to see it, but never had the time to do so. I guess we'll have to go back! Thanks for sharing the pictures!

 

[swwake]

Love the Munich pictures. We are hoping to plan a family trip to Edelweiss this summer and will visit Munich.

Also loving the Jiko and Boma pictures. It takes me back to my trip in September. I love both restaurants!

 

[All7OfUs]

Hi Magdalene!! Looks like I am a couple of updates behind- both of them VERY interesting on the surface!! I will be back later today to soak it all in!!

 

[vamassey1]

What a lovely weekend getaway! I love the history and the pictures. My Dad was stationed in Germany in the early 60s. I wish he was still alive so I could ask him questions about all the things I learn on your report and Leisa's. I saw my Aunt over Thanksgiving and she couldn't remember where he was stationed.

I would love to stay at AKL just to take that tour. We ate at Boma's in 2007 and it was just okay for me. I need to give it another try.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[podsnel]

I always seem to get back to AKL too late for the culinary tour- I have been wanting to do it for quite a while! I LOVE the zebra domes when they are icy cold- frozen is the BEST!

Your trip to Munich was fascinating. The architecture there is gorgeous! So funny about the pickle- we have one, too- but I bought it because, like you, I think it's just so silly and funny!

And that's some sexy coffee you have there in Germany- I think I need to send Pods out for some!

 

[Flossbolna]

Magdalene, thanks for the Munich pictures. I especially liked the picture of the coffees. I'd like to just reach out and drink one of those.

Culinary Tour? I had to call Judy over to the PC and show her this...we had no idea there was such a thing! Well, you gave me something for next time.

Thanks for enduring the embarrassment and providing us with Boma buffet pictures. You are a dedicated DISer, through and through. I think my favorite dessert might be that chocolate mousse cup with the striped stick on top. Mmmmmmm.

The culinary tour is wonderful! I did it in 2007 when we stayed at AKL the first time (there is a review in my dining review which is linked in my signature), but missed the Jiko part then. In general the activities at AKL are great, there is so much to explore. Unfortunately we did not have enough time this trip to do more tours. I really enjoyed the cultural safari as well in the past. And I think even Kidani has a culinary tour at Sanaa, at least I once read someon on the restaurant board mentioning it. You really should check it out!

And I am glad that Judy got to see my update as well! At least she will then know who this German lady is who sends you a letter. I posted the prizes last Friday, so I hope that they would arrive soon!

I am not easily embarassed about which pictures I take. But at the buffet I was feeling rather weired. It is actually fun to have the pictures for myself as well!

Well I always thought that this was a German tradition! I've learned something new. Maybe I should send you a new pickle to continue the American tradition.

I don't know if they are cheaper here or not?? I didn't compare prices, I would think they would be more here?? I love my bear he looks like the one I had as a child, (it was not a real Steiff bear) Dave got upset with me it took me awhile to find the right one. I told him the bear picks you, you don't pick the bear. To me it's all about the bears eyes. He just said oh brother and rolled his eyes.

I don't know about this either? Hey there my ancestors too... Looking forward to the stollen recipe.

The whole pickle story is quite funny, especially because it is so confusing. I listen to the DISUnplugged podcast and they discussed this at one point and the Pete, the host of the podcast, started to call the tree at the German pavillion in Epcot which is decorated only with pickles the "Tree of Lies". I thought that was pretty funny!

And yes, they are your ancestors, too! And you have at least a tradition of home made stolle, while my family never made it themselves.

Nice update Magdalene,

Not sure if I would have eaten there myself. I don't like to eat outside of what is normal for me and most of that was very forgein to me. Like what is Fufu? or Bobotie? But I did like all of the DESSERTS! That I wouldn't have had a problem with.

fufu is some kindof mash which can be made from different stuff, depending where you are in Africa. I would suspect that the one they have at Boma is made from yams. Pap is similar, but made from maize.

I think most of the food at Boma is not too adventurous. I personally don't like fufu and pap either. One of the great things about buffets is that you can just get tiny portions of everything to figure out what you like (just as Marv suggested). The meat is pretty much just meat. The salads and soups are creative, but not very exotic. And then there is also a childrens buffet with the normal plain food in case you can't find anything you like. The only thing that you should be aware is that the food is more spiced than usual. It is not hot spicy, but for example cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander and such are more used. So this might be unfamiliar to you. I love Boma for the diversity of tastes, but I understand that it might not be for everyone.

Just wanted to make sure. I'm pretty obsessed with trying to spell things correctly. Not completely worried if it is just "words" but when it comes to people's names, and items specific to my foreign friends and their customs, I like to get it right. Detente maybe???

For the most part, I am a very unadventurous eater, but we love Boma! There are more than plenty items on the buffet to fill anyone up. The good thing is you can sample small portions of some of the more adventurous items and see what you like. The fire roasted meats are very, very good, and the mustard sauce mentioned is wonderful. I'm not sure I remember Fufu, but the Bobotie reminded me of some type of ground meat with some interesting spices, with something like cornbread on top. It wasn't what I would call great, but it is something I normally get.

If you want to read more about the food at Boma, check the OKW trip report link in my siggie. Some more food porn from there in my TR.

I think it is very admirable to be exact about other people's names!

Oh and btw, Dirndl is not only the name of the dress but also a word to describe a young lady in the Bavarian dialect (just the random fact of the day).

Great to hear another perspective on Boma. I never felt that it was too exotic to me, but then I am generally quite adventurous.

 

[Flossbolna]

Thank you for sharing your Munich weekend with us. I always love your side trips and your history lessons I clicked on your link for the coffee ad and if drinking coffee can land me a man like that then sign me up!!

How did I not know about this culinary tour...and of two of my favorite restaurants nonetheless!!! You can bet I will be doing this on my next stay at AKV Speaking of...I did book for next October....the 15-22...currently at Kidani (no surprise there ) but I am going to try my luck at 7 months and see about switching I commend you for taking pictures of the Boma buffet! I don't know if I could do that but I always appreciate all who do!! I really enjoy the zebra domes cold...they always seem to find a way into my refrigerator I don't care for coffee and the taste is not overwhelming to me which is good

I remember your story about the pickles!! I asked you about that in one of your other TR's and I thought about it when I saw the pickle tree in Epcot

Tracy

I naver associated this coffee brand with good looking men... But I guess since George Clooney's Nespresso commercial (do you have that in the US as well?) good looking men and coffee have to belong together.

The culinary tour is great! I have read that there is one at Sanaa as well, but have no first hand experience.

I will most likely miss you by four days next October. Where are you thinking of switching to at the 7 months window?

Great update Magdalena !!! I am not the adventurous eater and while I found enough to eat at Boma , I was not keen on the spicing !! Now the dessrts were wonderful!!!

Marv who were you a dissappointment too !!!!I can honestly say you never dissapoint me with your Wit!!! Okay I'll take my temperature I must be sick .. being nice to Marv

I hope you will feel better soon and stop being nice to Marv!

I can understand that the spices at Boma are not everyones taste. But I think it is a wonderful and one-of-a-kind eating experinece.

 

[Flossbolna]

Mmmm...looks yummy. I've heard mixed reviews about Boma, so I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it overall.

The AKL is one amazing building. We had wanted to bring our kids over to see it, but never had the time to do so. I guess we'll have to go back! Thanks for sharing the pictures!

I have eaten at Boma on every single trip to WDW so far (I think it is the only restaurant which has that honour) and enjoyed it every time! I think the mixed reviews are mainly due to taste and to the fact that a number of people don't understand that it is not one buffet line, but single "pods" where you can jump in wherever you want.

Love the Munich pictures. We are hoping to plan a family trip to Edelweiss this summer and will visit Munich.

Also loving the Jiko and Boma pictures. It takes me back to my trip in September. I love both restaurants!

Where is Edelweiss? I guess somewhere in the Alps? That should be a lovely place to visit. If there is anything you want to know for that trip, just ask ahead, I would be happy to help with any planning needs you might have!

Our Jiko dinner is still a few days away!

Hi Magdalene!! Looks like I am a couple of updates behind- both of them VERY interesting on the surface!! I will be back later today to soak it all in!!

I hope you will find the time at some point to enjoy the update fully!

What a lovely weekend getaway! I love the history and the pictures. My Dad was stationed in Germany in the early 60s. I wish he was still alive so I could ask him questions about all the things I learn on your report and Leisa's. I saw my Aunt over Thanksgiving and she couldn't remember where he was stationed.

I would love to stay at AKL just to take that tour. We ate at Boma's in 2007 and it was just okay for me. I need to give it another try.

Thanks for sharing.

I am glad that you are enjyoing the Germany pictures.

You don't have to stay at AKL to do the tour, it is open to everyone. It usually starts at 3:45 pm or 4 pm. You could just call AKL front desk and ask about it. I think Boma's appeal is in the salad and soups, not the main courses. And many people really like the desserts there as well...

I always seem to get back to AKL too late for the culinary tour- I have been wanting to do it for quite a while! I LOVE the zebra domes when they are icy cold- frozen is the BEST!

Your trip to Munich was fascinating. The architecture there is gorgeous! So funny about the pickle- we have one, too- but I bought it because, like you, I think it's just so silly and funny!

And that's some sexy coffee you have there in Germany- I think I need to send Pods out for some!

I know what you mean about coming back too late for the tour! We really made a point to do that as a "scheduled" activity. And it also helped that we were at WDW for ten days. Frozen Zebra Domes sound interesting... I guess I need to pick up a packet at Mara on my next trip.

Munich is a lovely city with a lot of charm! How funny that you have a pickle!!

I never thoght that coffee could be sexy, but I really like that picture as well!

 

[TyRy]

I'm back to being caught up now. I must say

CONGRATULATIONS​

on becoming a DVC owner..and at BWV. You'll love staying in that location!

Also - hope you had a fantastic birthday - sorry I'm a month late with the greetings.

I love the Munich pictures -actually all your side trips when you take them. It's always great to hear your stories and learn a bit of history.

Glad you liked Port Orleans French Quarter. We stayed there with DH's parents for our first three trips. We make it a point to go back and visit each time we are at Disney.

 

[Flossbolna]

I'm back to being caught up now. I must say

CONGRATULATIONS​

on becoming a DVC owner..and at BWV. You'll love staying in that location!

Also - hope you had a fantastic birthday - sorry I'm a month late with the greetings.

I love the Munich pictures -actually all your side trips when you take them. It's always great to hear your stories and learn a bit of history.

Glad you liked Port Orleans French Quarter. We stayed there with DH's parents for our first three trips. We make it a point to go back and visit each time we are at Disney.

Thanks Tracy! I am really excited, my contract closed on Monday, so I am only waiting to be added to the Disney database now!

How wonderful that you have POFQ as a place with special memories of your trips with your in-laws.

 

[Flossbolna]

I got the message that my resale contract closed on Monday, so I should be soon in the Disney system and be able to book my next trip! I am really excited but also a bit insecure... So I thought that I'd ask the DVC owners amongst you for some advice.

My plan so far is to be at WDW from October 26 to November 11. The 11-month booking window is already open now for part of this time. I am thinking that I might want to stay the first week at a different DVC resort and then the last 10 days at my home resort, BWV. My use year is August and I have 148 points from 2010 and 150 points from 2011. So my questions are:

When I call member services, I guess the first thing I need to do, is to bank these 2010 points in order to be able to use them for my booking?

If I plan to try to switch my booking to another resort at the 7 month window, should I set the reservation up in two parts?

If I understand the rule about 7 nights from the 11-months window correctly, I should be able to book the whole trip already seperated into two, but linked reservations?

I am thinking about trying to book a standard view studio at BWV. I know that this might already be sold out (at least for some nights) since they are very popular and my trip is during the Food and Wine Festival. So I guess I can waitlist for a standard view studio. Is there anything I need to know about waitlisting besides the fact that it exists?

And finally: is there any horrible mistake I could make when booking this trip? I am a bit scared, I really do not enjoy talking to call centers in the US due to the language barrier. I sometimes really have trouble understanding the people...

Thanks in advance!

 

[podsnel]

I got the message that my resale contract closed on Monday, so I should be soon in the Disney system and be able to book my next trip! I am really excited but also a bit insecure... So I thought that I'd ask the DVC owners amongst you for some advice.

My plan so far is to be at WDW from October 26 to November 11. The 11-month booking window is already open now for part of this time. I am thinking that I might want to stay the first week at a different DVC resort and then the last 10 days at my home resort, BWV. My use year is August and I have 148 points from 2010 and 150 points from 2011. So my questions are:

When I call member services, I guess the first thing I need to do, is to bank these 2010 points in order to be able to use them for my booking?

When you book say you want to use your 2010 points first- then they will move them for you. If they don't all get used, tell them you want to bank the remaining 2010 points.

If I plan to try to switch my booking to another resort at the 7 month window, should I set the reservation up in two parts?

Yes, that is a very good idea. Otherwise you would have to cancel the whole thing to book it all again, and you might lose the BWV part.

If I understand the rule about 7 nights from the 11-months window correctly, I should be able to book the whole trip already seperated into two, but linked reservations?

Yes, they can link the ressies- this is a new thing, so I'm not sure of the particulars.

I am thinking about trying to book a standard view studio at BWV. I know that this might already be sold out (at least for some nights) since they are very popular and my trip is during the Food and Wine Festival. So I guess I can waitlist for a standard view studio. Is there anything I need to know about waitlisting besides the fact that it exists?

I have only WL'd once, and it came through- so I don't have a lot of knowledge in this area. I think there can only be 1 WL at a time, and when it comes in, it is automatic- you'll be looking online and suddenly notice it came through for you. Some people say it helps to call, especially as you get closer to the date- that this has helped them. This is a good question for the DVC operations board.


And finally: is there any horrible mistake I could make when booking this trip? I am a bit scared, I really do not enjoy talking to call centers in the US due to the language barrier. I sometimes really have trouble understanding the people...

I don't think so, unless the beginning of August comes and you forgot to bank your points!!! It's very exciting when you make your first reservation!! Actually, I still am excited everytime I call MS to book anything!!! I love our DVC, and I am actually thinking it might be nice to pick up points at BWV because they are so reasonable lately. So hopefully I'll be joining you as a BW owner someday!!

Thanks in advance!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Oh- and one last thing- I'll be there then, too!! We will be there from Nov 8th to 13th next year! Oh please, oh please can we meet?

 

[Flossbolna]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Oh- and one last thing- I'll be there then, too!! We will be there from Nov 8th to 13th next year! Oh please, oh please can we meet?

Thank you very much for your answers!! They were a lot of help!

And that's just wonderful news that you will be at WDW during the same time as me! Of course I would love to meet you!! I am sure that we can figure something out within the next 11 months! Will this be an adults only trip for you or are your sons coming along as well?