Snowballs in October

Ich liebe Schneebaelle!

Schneebaelle (snowballs, in English) is a delectable, tasty treat that is commonly found in the Franconian area of Bavaria, Germany. My German boy and I had the grand opportunity to sample these sinful pastries during our day trip to Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber!

These snowballs have been around for hundreds of years! I read that they were more commonly used for weddings, and used to be only covered in a type of confectioners sugar. Now they're more more elaborate! Unfortunately I didn't discover any pistachio ones.

I had been wanting to go to this quaint, medieval town for several months now. It took about two and a half hours to reach the village, but I'm so glad that we went! The town is very touristy--American, Russian, and Japanese tourists were everywhere, enjoying the warmth of the autumn sun and the astonishing, fiery hills that surrounded Rothenburg. There were even some small "parades" which consisted of traditionally dressed men and woman, meandering through the streets, while other performers were adorned with grand feathery hats and bells. I especially liked the large hats, of course.

I couldn't have imagined a more perfect autumn evening. 

We began our adventure with the Criminal Museum--I was beyond excited for this part of the visit! The museum was about four or five stories and included old documents, photos, torture devices, and things of that nature. I was extremely interested in the context of the medieval judicial and justice systems, and often found it ironic that many of these "middle aged" practices are still common in numerous parts of the world today. Also, I found this incredibly massive rosary to be rather intriguing. Good thing Methodists don't practice this form of punishment for missing church, or I would most certainly be in trouble! 

After our walk through the museum we wandered aimlessly through the town and gazed into the little shops that lined the picture-perfect streets. Even though I really loved the town, Sebastian commented that it must have been so dirty just hundreds of years ago. I think he is definitely right! Although I was mystified by all of Rothenburg's charm, it was a little eerie walking along the old castle walls as the sun was setting. Perfect for the Halloween spirit, right?! 

A nice Asian man professionally snapped this photograph! :) It was much warmer than either of us expected. We are always lucky with our traveling weather!

We were getting a little hungry at this point since Schneeballen aren't the most filling, or nutritious, of snacks! There were, of course, the traditional Bavarian meals in most of the restaurants--although they were quite pricey compared to Bamberg and Stuttgart! I loved looking at the old houses and towers in this part of the village. Also, I stumbled across a couple of churches in the area too, they were not as elaborately ordained as I expected but still beautiful nevertheless. 

Just before sunset. We were trying to find an old mill, but it still remains a mystery! Perhaps because I was too busy playing in the leaves? 

We found the perfect size drinking 'stein'! This was probably well over 1,000 Euros. I suppose if I were German this would be a great investment? ;)

The day ended much too quickly for my liking. As I sat on an old bench underneath the flaming trees and looked out upon the rolling hills, I couldn't help but miss Tennessee since the Bavarian landscape looked so strikingly similar. Autumn is my favorite time of year and this trip was the perfect way to celebrate it. 

I thought this bridge looked like something from Sleepy Hollow. I was half expecting the Headless Horseman to come charging out of the other end on his horse from Hell! Which reminds me, Halloween is only a few days away (and I still *gasp* haven't decided on my costume)!

OKTOBERFEST! "Ein Prosit, Ein Prosit!"

Oktoberfest

A festival full of sexy lederhosen, gorgeous dirndls, all the beer you can drink, and German drinking music galore!

Oktoberfest was absolutely everything I expected it to be, and I'm so incredibly glad I had the opportunity to go for just one day. 

I really love Oktoberfest attire--but I'm still warming up to the beer. 

My German boy and I accompanied our friend, Martin, to the wiesn grounds around noon on Saturday morning. My nutritional breakfast consisted of two radlers (half beer, half lemonade) and some chicken schnitzel on a glorious carbohydrate of sorts. After guzzling down our breakfast in the pitter patter of rain, we ventured down into the swarm of delightful chaos! 

It was really cold that day, and a little dreary, but everyone's spirit was so high I didn't really notice! :)

I was happily overwhelmed by the smells of candied almonds, questionable meat roasting, massive mounds of cotton candy, and other delectable treats. There were men and women from all over the world, some more more inebriated than others. However, my two escorts looked especially charming in their blue, plaid shirts and lederhosen . 

We were extremely lucky in the fact that we only waited about one hour and a half before we were finally able to get into a tent. The doormen were absolutely ferocious, and quite vulgar to say the least, to whomever attempted to clamber inside of the doors without their permission. While waiting in line I saw several men thrown out of the doors for perhaps drinking too much, causing a ruckus, or touching the waitresses. One poor fellow was thrown out wearing a dirndl and lots of rogue--the ending result of a bachelor party or malicious bet? Then, in the next moment, I found myself being hustled inside of the Paulaner tent. This tent happens to be one of the largest at the festivals and all of the beer is brewed right in Munich!

The Beer Goddesses were on our side this day!

Once inside the temperature rose immediately and my cheeks were flushed from everything I saw. Music filled my ears, along with the drunken slurs of Oktoberfest-goers. We rushed to a table and the visitors graciously let us join their party. I should also mention at this point that I was VERY grateful that Sebastian and Martin discouraged me from wearing heels to the wiesn! As soon as we got to the table we stood up on the benches, ordered three liters of beer, and started dancing like fools (to say the least). It would have been a complete, tragic disaster if I would have worn anything other than flats--those benches, and my ankles, would have surely been broken! It was also very competitive to get a seat--some men had been sitting in the same place since sun rise. Others had passed out with their poor foreheads on the beer and roasted chicken-slimed tables from one too many liters. Thankfully I didn't experience this personally!

"Gut, Besser, Paulaner!" Yes, it WAS good. 

Due to all of the dancing, laughing, and lack of food I found myself very thirsty! I may or may not have had four liters of beer during my evening at the Paulaner tent...

Also, I'm pretty sure the jovial band was what kept the whole tent going. 

At one point "Sweet Caroline" and "American Pie" were also sung, but I preferred the German songs that the band almost-patriotically played throughout the night. Below you'll find one of my favorites! It's especially fun because you have to make swimming, muscle squeezing, and other motions as the song progresses. 

German Fliegerlied Lyrics

"So ein schöner Tag (Fliegerlied)"
Ich lieg gern im Gras und schau zum Himmel rauf. 

Schaun die ganzen die Wolken nicht lustig aus? 

Und Fliegt ein Flieger vorbei, 

Prost! :)

dann wink ich zu ihm rauf. 

(Kinder: "Hallo Flieger") 

Und bist du auch noch dabei, 

dann bin super drauf. 

Und ich flieg, flieg, flieg, wie ein Flieger 

bin so stark, stark, stark, 

wie ein Tiger 

und so groß, groß, groß, wie 'ne Giraffe 

so hoch uoh-oh-oh 

und ich spring, spring, spring immer wieder 

und ich schwimm, schwimm, schwimm 

zu dir rüber und ich nehm, nehm, nehm dich bei der Hand weil ich dich mag 

und ich sag: 

Heut ist so ein schöner Tag - la, la, la, la, la 

(Wiederholung)

English Fliegerlied Lyrics

"Today is Such a Beautiful Day (Flier song)"

I like to lay in the grass and look up at the sky.

Really, I wish I could wear a dirndl everyday!

Don't all the clouds look 

funny?

And a plane flies past,

and I wave up at it.

(Kids: "Hello flier")

And if you're there too,

then I feel fantastic.

And I fly, fly, fly, like a plane

am so strong, strong, strong 

like a tiger

and so tall, tall, tall like a 

giraffe

and tall all-oh-oh

and I jump, jump, jump 

and keep on jumping

and I swim, swim, 

swim

over to you and I take, take, take

you by the hand because I 

like you

and I say

Today is such a beautiful day - la, la, la, la, la

(Repeat)

Auf wiedersehen, Oktoberfest! 

Until next year.

Things That Go Bump In The Night

Red and gold leaves swiftly falling. 

Chai tea lattes (lots of them, because I often lack self control).

Beautiful silk scarves.

Sticky popcorn balls and delicious caramel apples.

"It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!"

Jolly Jack-O-Lanterns (and the more devilish ones too). 

Reading one too many mystery novels on a blustery evening. 

Mom's pumpkin pie, with extra whipped cream. 

S'mores and bonfires while sharing spooky ghost stories.

Apple pie moonshine.

The search for the perfect thigh-high boots. *I don't want to be mistaken for a lady of the night!*

Apple butter on fresh biscuits.

Party planning. 

Cozy socks and an oversized flannel shirt (or a certain German boy's favorite jumper). 

Cinnamon candles flickering. 

Tennessee ORANGE.

Hocus Pocus. 

Mountain wandering--and getting unintentionally lost for hours. 

Purposefully getting lost in a corn maze.
Ghoulies, ghosties, and long leggedy beasties. 

Warm, sweet kisses on a crisp Autumn night. 

Pranks, jokes, and lots of fright...

Just 30 long days until...

HALLOWEEN! 

My most FAVORITE holiday of the entire year!

Which just happens to be during my favorite season of the year.

I've been trying to decide on the perfect Halloween costume for this October, especially since my "Aphrodite" costume last year was sewed onto me at the very last second. 

Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. :)

Here are some of the glorious costumes that I've been in lust with. 

Heidi Klum as the Hindu goddess, Kali. Isn't she amazing!? I really love all the tiny details, regardless of the uproar that it caused.

Not your typical mermaid! This fierce, little siren put so much effort into her costume! I really like the green body paint and finger tentacles. :) Not to mention the skeletal headdress. 

I most certainly have an unrequited love for all things beaded and fishnet. Cabaret, you say? Yes, please! 

Oh, childhood. Dressing up as a troll would be quite interesting! I prefer the one with the emerald green locks...

Eve--wouldn't this be fun!? Only not so generic, and with a stealthier looking snake. 

One of my favorite Disney villains. Cruella DeVil, dahhhling! Fashion meets insanity, and a "love" for puppies.

Too many costume ideas, too little time.

Happy October everyone! 

P.S. Not to worry, Oktoberfest photos are coming soon! :)