Freiburg

Being at home, that is, where I grew up, is quite an interesting feeling, It has been three months since we were last here. Before that, I had been away from the place for about 17 years.

I went to the market in Freiburg twice; the first time I met my younger brother Hubert there, and we had a great time, but no pictures were taken. Then Patricia and I went back one more time to check it out the same day we returned from Basel. It was very cold, and we didn't stay too long.

The market has it's charm, and at the same time it's not much different from many of the other markets we had already visited. The atmosphere was great with lots of young people,and it had a small town feel to it.

So we wandered around, had our sausage and, did I mention, Gluehwein and took in the sights and admired the handicrafts on offer.

While in Freiburg, most of our time was spent relaxing and having time with Heidi and family.

One Christmas custom to be taken very seriously is cookie making , and not just any cookies. These are a specialty in the region called 'Springerle.' My grandfather was very proud of the quality he produced. and my cousin Johannes has his recipe and has learned from him.  I was not allowed to make any jokes while Johannes was working and instructing his daughter Lara.

Johannes teaching the next generation

Lara (10 yrs old) leaning on the dough with all her might.

This is what it's supposed to look like.

Now they are ready to rest for 24 hours before being baked. 

Then it was time for Mini to take me for a walk.

It was cold - that's frozen fog!

And quite beautiful.

In order to get ready to return home to Southern California, we went to the Eugen Keidel Thermal baths near Freiburg for a defrosting session.

Inside pool, lots of families with toddlers

Great way to spend time in the cold

Now we were ready for home.