Reconnecting in Münster

Our first stop was for three nights in Münster.  We came to visit Isa, who was married to Warren when he passed away.  We also took the opportunity to visit with the family who hosted Bob here when he was exchange student in the summer 1988. This was a good entry level start for us… Bob could get his German warmed up after a long hiatus, and we stayed in a private home where we were very well taken care of by Isa.

We enjoyed walking around town, with Bob showing us his old haunts from his exchange program days.

We finished up the day at the park.  And I thought French parks were cool!   They even have toys for adults.  I guess maybe American parks just kind of suck?

We had a really nice time visiting with Isa and her family.  This is from the first night when we sat down to dinner.  Potatoes, ham, and spargel all in one dish.  Score!

These are a few highlights of the international playdate set up with Isa’s grandchildren.  Auggie might have met his match with Matilda.

And here we have the whole crew.

I had my first opportunity to drive our rental car home from dinner with the Gutchke’s, Bob’s German host family.  The Germans take their drinking pretty seriously, but they even more serious about drinking and driving.

We also broke down and took the kids to the local carnival or Send.  Wow.  

Come to find out Carnies are Carnies, everywhere in the world.  In Germany, they happen to be Polish.  The rides seemed slightly less rickety in their construction, which is not to say they were at all safe.  We all got injured.  Logan – fat lip on the log ride.  Alix – stiff neck from the most terrifying octopus ride ever.  Auggie and Bob – bruised shoulders and chests from the bumper cars.   Aug had a terrible Indian burn on his neck too (which I know is very un PC term, but I don’t know what else to call those).  So in spite our initial enthusiasm, we hobbled away from the Sent feeling a little humbled (and grossed out)…. Send 4, Gades 0.