From Europe to Africa in America - A Sisters' Expedition

[eandesmom]

Happy New Year to everyone!!​

Then, directly after Berlin I will meet Cynthia (eandesmom) in Nuremberg! This is the third DISmeet here in my hometown within less than half a year! I never expected to meet so many of you without travelling to WDW! It is a fantastic treat and I am really looking forward to the dinner we are planning to have together as well as with her family! She is coming to visit her brother and sister-in-law (who live close to Nuremberg) together with her parents for the christening of her niece and future god-child! I am very excited about this DISmeet!

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hey, that's not a boring detail! I am so excited. And have SO not done anything for the trip yet

What a GREAT DHS day! The public works guys are some of my favorite, if not our favorite skit. Wonderful wonderful pictures of both of you, I can't pick a favorite at all.

Good bus karma can make or break a day, glad you had that with the phone drama. I do have a small amount of angst about not having one of my own that will work over there but it is what it is. Easy enough to call home from their home and they do have one I can use while there should we get separated (I'll email you the number) and I will have my laptop so I should be able to manage (and MAY be able to do a slight workaround via the Kindle...)

Funny the difference the time of year makes, my kids LOVED that skirting coke bottle in the heat of August!

I may make a Roz picture a mission for the May trip.

 

[Flossbolna]

I am enjoying all your updates, Katharina and Magdalene! Thanks for continuing with your TR.

Hi Elin, thanks for the compliment! I hope you enjoyed your annual Christmas trip!

No, you used it correctly. Especially being not capitalized, I knew what you meant. But growing up where I did, upon reading that sentence, the city jumps to mind as well as the animal (for me anyway).

I thought you might be only pulling my leg, but after all the Weiner/Wiener Schnitze talk on your TR I was afraid I had fallen into a similar trap...

I have to agree with Glenn--the Photopass pictures are terrific! You two really packed a lot into this visit.

Love the little details in this report. Your approach to the Queen of Hearts is brilliant. And I've never, ever seen that door to the Monsters Inc greeting area. Amazing how you can find something new on every visit.

Sorry about your sister's struggles with the phone company. This clearly violates the First Law of Disney, which clearly states that the Real World must never intrude.

Thanks for the photopass compliments. We had some really bad pics this trip, but also some really good ones. A few more pretty good ones will be in the next two days...

How funny how many people comment on the Monsters Inc door... I remember that we kind of had a look at it thinking it was a photo op and then were so surprised when it turned out to be the backside of the wall where we had been that morning waiting for the rain to stop.

I will try to remember the First Law of Disney for the next trip, I will tell this to the call center people who are unhelpful, I am sure that this will change things!

The two of you got some really great photopass pictures. I love just embracing the moment at Disney, and playing along with the silliness. So much fun!

Thanks! There will still be some more siliness to come!!

I love your tree Magalene! It's so cute! Have fun in Berlin say hello to Katharina for me!

Ohhh another DIS meet in Nuremburg!!! How exciting! Please take pictures!! Where are you going to eat??

And how fustrating with the whole phone situtuation! You know we never got our phone working to call home while in Germany either. We just used Skype it work out well.

I love all the photo pass pictures of the two of you! Nice update!

I really hope you will be able to go next year to the Christmas market in Chicago! And bring pictures!!

Thanks for the compliment on the tree, I still have it up and enjoy seeing it!

I will report about the DISmeet! I hope Cynthia won't mind me posting a picture. We will be eating at a restaurant which offers a version of traditional food with a bit of a more modern approach. It is not directly in the old city, but since she claims that her brother is more or less a local, I am sure they will find it. It also offers a large variety of different beers from small breweries of the area. It is one of my favourite restaurants in Nuremberg! I really hope that she and her family will like it!

 

[Flossbolna]

hey, that's not a boring detail! I am so excited. And have SO not done anything for the trip yet

What a GREAT DHS day! The public works guys are some of my favorite, if not our favorite skit. Wonderful wonderful pictures of both of you, I can't pick a favorite at all.

Good bus karma can make or break a day, glad you had that with the phone drama. I do have a small amount of angst about not having one of my own that will work over there but it is what it is. Easy enough to call home from their home and they do have one I can use while there should we get separated (I'll email you the number) and I will have my laptop so I should be able to manage (and MAY be able to do a slight workaround via the Kindle...)

Funny the difference the time of year makes, my kids LOVED that skirting coke bottle in the heat of August!

I may make a Roz picture a mission for the May trip.

You are right, it's not boring!!

The Public Works guys were what convinced me of streetmosphere - I am planning on spending hours at DHS watching them and their colleagues on my next trip. Being able to walk to DHS will be such a treat!

I totally understand how you must feel without a phone, but there are still plenty of payphones around in public places, so you will be able to get in touch with your brother if necessary! And don't worry about preparing for the trip: Germany isn't Kazakhstan, you can get everything you forget here as well!

And I totally get the point of the coke bottle on a hot day!!

 

[Kleese]

I just started to read from europe to africa today and i've been stuck in my chair for hours. I haven't finished yet but I wanted to tell you both how much I'm enjoying it. I've never read anything from you or your sister before but i have to say i feel like i'm old friends with you both already. Your writing style really takes us with you. Love the history love the fact that your writing about the AKL because that's where we are staying next time we go and my knowledge is limited. Thank you for taking the time to post your wonderful trip and all the little extras like your picnic at the airport. I hope to read a lot more from you two in the future

 

[podsnel]

Oh how upsetting and frustrating for Katherina!! I am glad to hear in the end her hubby was able to get it all worked out. That is definitely true about the cards with the phones- we had no problem purchasing a cheap phone and sim card when we were in Europe- thanks to a lovely woman we met on our way to Venice from the Airport (and we still keep in touch!). And we had no problems refilling it all over Italy. But here? Would not even know where to begin.

I LOVED your Christmas tree- it is BEAUTIFUL!! But I could only find two of the hidden Mickeys...

Can't wait to hear about dinner!!

 

[kid-at-heart]

Both of your holiday trees are so pretty. I love the candles! I was able to find Mickey on Katherina's tree but only two Mickey's on Magdalene's tree. You will have to give us a hint.

My daughter Sarah and I decorated our tree this year while Dad hid in the back parlor. It is definately a "girl" tree, all fairies and disney ornaments.

Although I am teasing "Dad" for hiding while we decorated the tree he and Sarah did go to our local tree farm and cut down the tree.

 

[mom3sonstt]

Both of your holiday trees are so pretty. I love the candles! I was able to find Mickey on Katherina's tree but only two Mickey's on Magdalene's tree. You will have to give us a hint.

My daughter Sarah and I decorated our tree this year while Dad hid in the back parlor. It is definately a "girl" tree, all fairies and disney ornaments.

Although I am teasing "Dad" for hiding while we decorated the tree he and Sarah did go to our local tree farm and cut down the tree.

I have let the boys decorate the tree any way they want to - as long as they do it. It beat begging them to help put the tree up and decorate... A couple years ago Sean did the tree - he went out and bought blue and silver ornaments and blue lights. The tree was very pretty - but looked like a store display (to me ). Last year Mark used Sean's blue ornaments and added some Cubs stuff to it. This year Sean had taken all his ornaments with him to his apartment - so I had a very sparse tree. The topper was a Santa hat - but with Chicago Cubs on it, my garland was this cheap silver stuff with little cardboard Cubs logos, the ornaments were a couple dozen Cubs ones. That's all we had for the first week or so. Then Christmas Eve Mark went back downstairs and rooted through my ornament box and brought up a few more - some Elvis, Nascar, WWE, and a couple Disney ones. Plus our Santa Kermit that we have in memory of my brother. It's still a pretty bare tree compared to when I would have it covered with all my hallmark, and Disney, and homemade ornaments. Maybe someday when the boys are out of the house and I have to decorate the tree myself again I will cover it all up again.

 

[eandesmom]

You are right, it's not boring!!

The Public Works guys were what convinced me of streetmosphere - I am planning on spending hours at DHS watching them and their colleagues on my next trip. Being able to walk to DHS will be such a treat!

I totally understand how you must feel without a phone, but there are still plenty of payphones around in public places, so you will be able to get in touch with your brother if necessary! And don't worry about preparing for the trip: Germany isn't Kazakhstan, you can get everything you forget here as well!

And I totally get the point of the coke bottle on a hot day!!

Oh I'll be fine, a little email and facebook via my phone withdrawal will probably be good for me. Texting the boys (or the inability to do so) is a bummer but again, they will live. I'll have plenty of access to things.

It's just funny, I prepare more for a weekend trip to Palm Springs than I have for this Germany trip. Like any trip though, nothing you forgot that you can't buy.

Except maybe a passport!

And of course you can post pictures, I plan to as well. My brother does know the area the restaurant is in but has not been there before.

 

[All7OfUs]

We will be eating at a restaurant which offers a version of traditional food with a bit of a more modern approach. It is not directly in the old city, but since she claims that her brother is more or less a local, I am sure they will find it. It also offers a large variety of different beers from small breweries of the area. It is one of my favourite restaurants in Nuremberg! I really hope that she and her family will like it!

As much fun as the Hexenhausel was, I'm glad you're not going there! Witches in trees seems so not fitting for a baptism.

Can't wait to see all the photos from BOTH of you!!!

Germany isn't Kazakhstan, you can get everything you forget here as well!

You mean salted, dried cheese curds aren't on your list?? Whips? Horsemeat??

And I'll have to say, my internet connections there were far better than here- when we had electricity.

 

[marcus.ka]

And we finally realized why the line was so difficult to get into earlier in the day for the Monster Inc. Meet & Greet: This was the official entrance!! But of course nobody used it since it was pouring down outside while we were in there.

I hope I am not disappointing anyone but this area has changed since you two have been there.

When we have been in the Studios in October I wanted to have my picture taken with the Monsters. And according to the park map this should have been the entrance.

But what we saw when we arrived there 5 minutes after the Meet and Greet should have started was only a blue box and no sign or information regarding the Monsters location.

And so we asked a CM nearby and he told us, that the Monsters area should be over there.

And so we wondered and started to explore the area and then we found out that the only official entrance is now on the opposite site.

The advantage of this new entrance/waitingline is the fact that you don’t have to wait in the sun or rain.
But it is sad that due to this new entrance there is no Roz waiting for you anymore.

 

[marvali]

Sorry I am so way behind on your thread! Trying to catch up, but it is a slow process. Back home trying to get back into the routine, plus getting everything ready for two boys to head back to college this weekend! Unfortunately DIS time is limited for now but have to get some in anyway!!!

And I see you are stirring the POT with a wooden spoon. Will you be modeling the drindl !! If so I think that will top Piglet!!!

Nobody can top you Rosie, especially when you're topping Piglet!!!


Magdalene, love your update of the Christkindlesmarkt. I would be in real trouble with all those sweets and great foods all so readily available in one place! I'm afraid if I was there Germany would have a new hot air balloon called the "Marv"enberg! The crowds are amazing, very similar to some I saw last week!!!

And then all the Christmas ornaments (they even sold pickles, even though Germans don't know about them...)

I had this discussion with the family in front of the "pickle tree" at Epcot. Not sure if they were impressed with my knowledge of German customs or not.

I looked at some Christmas ornaments at Epcot in Germany the same style as the ones hanging in this picture. I started to buy a few of them, but decided to wait since we had already made a few purchases at the Christmas Shop in MK. I really liked them and just might have to make a stop on our next trip to pick up a few.

Some of my first Christmas tree memories as a child, we had a tree topper similar to these. Now I'm wondering if it might be in all of the stuff boxed up in my parent's attic??? I doubt my Mom would have thrown it out unless it got broken.

Oh wow, I love these nativity scene figures! Some of the most beautiful I have seen!

I hope you enjoyed this tour and it got you into the Christmas spirit! Once again, wonderful holidays to all of you and your families!

It was a great update! Thanks!!!

Hello everyone, I hope you all had / have a wonderful Christmas and thank you for all the post and wishes!

And for this special occasion I finally have a Dirndl picture for you, with my first own little Christmas tree

Great picture Katharina! Love the Dirndl and the Christmas tree! You have such a cool looking apartment.

BTW, is that strictly what is called a dirndl, or are there other versions? After all the previous discussions, that is not exactly what I expected. (Time for some more Marv education in all things German!)

I'm looking but I have to find my magnifying glass

You might want to try the Hubbell telescope Rosie!!!

Mine is still untouched, because there were some little Marzipan thingies as well in her parcel!

You Germans and your specific terms!!!

A smoking pig sounds very funny!

It would be even funnier if the smoke came out the other end!!!

Hallo Rosie, danke mir geht's gut!

I am impressed by your German!

Yeah, even better than her English!!!

Happy New Year to everyone!!​

Happy New Year Magdalene AND Katharina!!!

I know Christmas has been a long time ago, but I wanted to share one picture of my Christmas tree as well, it has three hidden Mickeys in it!

Pretty sure I spotted all three, and I didn't even need a magnifying glass!

But I am not longer going to keep you with these boring details, here comes the next real update!!

Great updates! I don't remember noticing the Monsters Inc. entrance before with Roz there, and I don't think I've ever seen the coke bottle opening. I guess I'll have to go back soon, like maybe in June!

And thanks for the kiss from you and Katharina! That picture WAS especially for me, wasn't it???

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Awww..thanks for thinking of me when you were posting the Christkindlmarkt! It's magical and while the pictures are beautiful one can't really appreciate it unless they are there. It's also the energy of the people, the smells, the crisp winter air, etc!

I loved your DHS photopass pictures and agree the umbrella pictures are so cute! Great job! I also know that Coke spitting machine very well as it got me last time and of course it scared me to death so I screamed! LOL

I'm really looking forward to your DLP report too and so it's so cool you have another DIS meet! Very cool!

Heather

 

[englishrose47]

Evening all !!I see Marv has been busy picking on me !!! Actually Judy did put a lighted magnifying glass in my stocking

Now I am TOPPING Piglet!!! What exactly do you mean Marv!!!

 

[All7OfUs]

Just stopping by to say hi! I was hoping that I'd find a DISMeet picture here, but was not exactly sure what day that was happening...

 

[Flossbolna]

I have mentioned this in a previous post: I never would have imagined it a year ago, but in the last 6 months I was so lucky to meet three wonderful DISers from the USA here in my hometown Nuremberg in Germany. Who would have thought that this is possible???

Today I was so lucky to meet Cynthia (eandesmom), her parents, her brother and her nephew for dinner. We spent three hours chatting about this and that (and only very briefly about Disney at all!!!) and I was really sorry when our meet had to end. They are all wonderful people and I would have loved to continue our interesting conversation! Cynthia was so generous and brought lovely gifts and even had a package from Liesa for me!! Thank you again to both of you! The Seattle Starbuck's coffee mug (it even says "Seattle Starbuck's Hometown on it! ) is already holding my cup of tea while I am typing this.

I have only one picture, but I hope Cynthia will at some point post a few more:

 

[All7OfUs]

You are entirely welcome! It was a last minute idea (literally!- Fed Ex picked it up just as I was dropping it off to be overnighted to Cynthia)- I thought you'd enjoy a couple of treats from my own backyard. Knowing that you could get both there- but still a little piece of Oregon.

Enjoy some of that nice Rhine Hesse with it!!

 

[Flossbolna]

Enjoy some of that nice Rhine Hesse with it!!

What a great idea! I will share it with my parents!

 

[MRYPPNS]

How fun!

 

[eandesmom]

I have mentioned this in a previous post: I never would have imagined it a year ago, but in the last 6 months I was so lucky to meet three wonderful DISers from the USA here in my hometown Nuremberg in Germany. Who would have thought that this is possible???

Today I was so lucky to meet Cynthia (eandesmom), her parents, her brother and her nephew for dinner. We spent three hours chatting about this and that (and only very briefly about Disney at all!!!) and I was really sorry when our meet had to end. They are all wonderful people and I would have loved to continue our interesting conversation! Cynthia was so generous and brought lovely gifts and even had a package from Liesa for me!! Thank you again to both of you! The Seattle Starbuck's coffee mug (it even says "Seattle Starbuck's Hometown on it! ) is already holding my cup of tea while I am typing this.

I have only one picture, but I hope Cynthia will at some point post a few more:

I will post some more, including pictures of our meals, when I get back. Though they are all rather awful of me! My camera is off with my sister in law having pictures downloaded to their computer so she can make one giant CD to send back with my parents who are here for another week to celebrate my brothers birthday and a surprise party for my sister in law, planned by my brother. It was a lovely evening and a wonderful restaurant, we all enjoyed ourselves tremendously. In fact I don't think we actually discussed the parks at all, just some very brief DISboard chat at the very very end. In fact we were chatting so much, the server brought me another beer and I didn't even realize it had arrived, thought she'd forgotten and decided not to say anything and then it was like "oops!" here is a full beer that hasn't been poured. I guess that's a mark of good service and good company, she slid it in there, took the other bottle and I didn't even notice!

How fun that you are drinking your tea out of the mug! Magdalene brought me a wonderful bag from Berlin, from her recent visit to see Katharina which has quite the fun story about it and some gummi's that actually kind of go with the bag. A bit hard to explain without pictures so I need to take some of it (and make sure I don't eat them on the plane which will be easier said than done). I was impressed and touched that Magdalene remembered I had a weakness for gummi's.

I am very sad to be heading home tomorrow, it's been a lovely visit (though I do confess, I'd forgotten just how exhausting babies and toddlers are...there are 3 in the house and WOW! LOL) so my bed will feel lovely. I could gobble those babies up though they are so darn cute.

I am all checked in and packed and now off to bed to await my last wakeup from my 8 year old nephew who joined us for dinner and last snuggle with my brothers one-eyed cat, Una (or Oona, not positive how he spells it). My nephew was mostly behaved during dinner and some conversations that was likely not remotely interesting to him, though I think the 3 hours was a good 30 minutes past his limit. Luckily he was able to crash on my shoulder the ride back home.

 

[glennbo123]

Too cool!

Seeing your picture together brought a to my face! It's great to see DIS-friends meeting up, even though they're continents away.