The German Challenge is half over! How about that? As I write this, I’m mid-way through my self-imposed challenge to do 30 hours of German practice in a week. There have been positives and negatives and I wanted to share those, as well as how I’ve been spending my time.
German Challenge: Mid-Week Check-In Read More »
It’s time to get serious and work a little harder on learning German. I can personally admit that, for a variety of reasons (read: life and work) I haven’t been working as hard as I once was. But I’m going to jump start my German skills as 2014 winds to an end with a week
The German Challenge Read More »
While I might unintentionally fling flour all over the kitchen from time to time — I’ve gotten better; I’m not nearly as messy a baker as I once was. It’s amazing what practice can do! — I’m not the only one in our household that is guilty of making a mess in the kitchen. My
Homemade Hot Sauce Read More »
I feel like taking photographs of monuments, busts and sculptures in parks has become my thing. They seem like such underrated works of art that we all take for granted. During our recent trip to the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, I loved turning every corner and not knowing what would be next. Often,
Golden Gate Park’s Monumental Monuments Read More »
Originally, we were not going to venture too far from the Fisherman’s Wharf area during our recent whirlwind trip to San Francisco. Then I discovered the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park and my friend recommended Uber. It seemed too good to pass up. Needless to say, we made a special trip to the
A Visit to San Francisco’s Japanese Tea Garden Read More »
It wasn’t that long ago I was wishing I could attend the exhibit by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei in Berlin. Then it was announced that the famed (or infamous) dissident would be showcasing a new collection — @Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz — at the famed (or infamous) Alcatraz Prison. To be honest, I really
A Trip to Alcatraz to See Ai Wei Wei Read More »
Recently, every time I watch German television online or read a digital newspaper, I keep seeing specials about the past 25 years popping up. In one week from today, on November 9, 2014, it will be 25 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. In October of 2015 it will be 25 years since
Germany’s 25 Years Since the Berlin Wall Read More »
The last couple of times I’ve traveled to Manhattan I’ve ditched the awkward rides on the subway in favor of walking. In theory it sounds crazy but the island really isn’t all that large depending where you’re going. It’s great exercise (which means you can feel a lot less guilty enjoying food on your travels)
Taking a Ride with Uber Read More »
What a whirlwind weekend. We recently spent approximately 48 hours in San Francisco in order to attend the wedding of a friend of mine. Our flight took off bright and early at 6 am on Friday and we touched down back home late Sunday afternoon. I say that in the past tense despite the fact
San Francisco in 48 Hours Read More »
It really wasn’t that long ago that Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood wasn’t all that special. There were a couple of music venues and bars but there wasn’t much else. Those times have certainly changed. While the neighborhood isn’t quite bustling, it’s still pretty darn full of restaurants, bars, and shops as well as plenty of residences.
Frankford Hall: Philadelphia’s Biergarten Read More »
With work, life, errands, household routines and so on, it’s not often that we make time to visit the local area outside of predetermined, pre-scheduled vacations. So it was a lovely little break on Saturday when we journeyed into Philadelphia, despite some cold and wet weather, to visit the Barnes Foundation and then enjoyed a
Museum Visit: Barnes Foundation Read More »
I’m always trying to recreate at home the foods and drinks I’ve enjoyed in Germany. I’ve tackled spezi, Jägerschnitzel, Linzer cookies and Zimtsterne to name a few. But there are some things I can’t recreate. Some of the ingredients I can’t always get. Some of the condiments will just never be the same — and
Philadelphia’s German Butcher Shop: Rieker’s Read More »
