From left to right; Susan, Barbara, Kimberly, Mi Young, and Stacey
This past Wednesday, I enjoyed a lovely road trip to a French Kaserne (which is a military base) located about and hour and a half from Stuttgart. I had been invited by some new friends, Susan, Stacey, Mi Young, and Barbara. Susan and Stacey had heard about a wonderful shopping opportunity for some French gourmet treats at the commissary at this particular base, so we set out on Wednesday morning to find it. Now, I honestly can’t remember the name of the little village where it was located — but I can tell you it was located at the spot where the Danube River headwaters begin here in Germany.
We enjoyed a delightful time shopping. There were wondeful French wines, all sorts of stinky cheeses, pate, and other culinary delights. They sold L’Oreal, Longchamps handbags, and a wide variety of perfumes and other French products. I didn’t actually purchase much, but I did enjoy seeing a “bit of France” here in Germany. After shopping, we drove along a little stream away from the village and found a delightful Gasthaus in which to have lunch, called the Gasthaus Hammer.
This particular little eatery has been in the owners’ family since the 1600’s! The specialty of the house was trout — and when they said it was fresh, they meant it!
At one point, Susan looked out the window from our table and saw the owner coming up from the stream with a bucket in hand and live fish in the bucket! Although it took about an hour for our lunch to arrive at the table, it was worth the wait. Just look at the presentation of the fish! We all laughed and giggled, and took pictures of the ultra-fresh entree, and we commented that it was hard to believe those fish had just been swimming a few minutes before arriving at our table!
I usually don’t enjoy eating fish, but Susan shared a few bites with me and I must admit — it was the best fish I have ever tasted! (There wasn’t any fishy taste at all.) I enjoyed turkey medallions and spatzle for my lunch, but if I ever have the opportunity to go back to the Gasthaus Hammer, I’ll order the trout!
On our ride back home, we passed a home in a little village with a sign out in the front yard advertising fresh, homemade jams and jellies. We stopped and we each bought some of the wonderful berry jams — they were so fresh the jars were still warm! The lady selling these fruity concocctions had a little tin bank sitting on the table with a sign that said “kasse.” Purchasing those goodies-in-a-jar was simply on the honor system. How refreshing is that? I bought the raspberry jam, and when I spread it on my toast and ate it for breakfast the next day, I simply could not believe how delicious it was! Yum!
Fresh jams and jellies -- still warm in the jar!
There’s simply nothing quite like a wonderful day out shopping and talking with girl friends, and I’m looking forward to our next outing in the coming weeks. Are you ready to go, girls?
Pink perfection, growing by the side of the road.
Hi, Kimberly. Congratulations on your new website/blog. Wow, the Internet is an amazing thing! I’ve been thinking about you lately and wanted to wish you a happy birthday. I tried directory assistance in Kettering to no avail. I was wondering, “Where in the world is Kimberly . . . .” A quick search in Google, and, presto, I found you.
I was going to ask how you’re celebrating, but judging from your travelogue I’m guessing you have something special on tap. Hope all’s well with you, Kent, and the boys. Please drop me a note when you’re back in the country. I like to catch up.
Fondly,
Eric
Hi, again, Kim. I was at work when I left the earlier post and so didn’t have the opportunity to read through all of your blog entries. I just now noticed that you were in a town that you describe as “the spot where the Danube River headwaters begin here in Germany.” If I’m not mistaken that’s probably Donaueschingen, a small town about due north of the northwesternmost point of the Bodensee (Lake Constance) in the southern Schwartzwald. It’s the town from which my Great Grandfather (my paternal grandmother’s dad) emigrated over a century ago. Terry and I visited there briefly during our honeymoon. I can’t wait to read more about your trip.
By the way, regarding your most recent post on the weather problems — evidently, the situation was quite bad. I spoke to my folks today. They’re now living in Bradenton, but as it so happens, they were back in Cincinnati this weekend for my Dad’s high school reunion. They thought it ironic that they left the Gulf Coast of Florida to be greeted by the first hurricane (Cat I) to hit Cincinnati in recorded history. Not only does Mother Nature answer to no one, she has a wicked sense of humor. Evidently power is out all over the region, from Chicago through Pittsburgh. Lots of folks in Cincy displaced from their homes due to water and wind damage.
Eric
Eric — It is great to hear from you! I’m just delighted that you found me through the Internet.
(NOTE: For those of you who don’t know Eric; he was the first person I met as a freshman at orientation at Miami University, in Oxford, Ohio, where we are both alumni. We’ve been great friends through the years!)
You are absolutely correct about the name of the village we visited. It was indeed Donaueschingen. I cannot believe that is the same town where your Great Grandfather emmigrated from years ago! Quite honestly, the village itself probably hasn’t changed all that much since your Great Grandfather left. It is quite charming!
Kimberly