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 »
Learning a foreign language is difficult. You simply cannot cut corners. There’s no secret trick. But there are things you can do to work smarter and not harder. I’ve put together a list of five simple things that I’ve found have helped me as I continue to tackle German.
5 Tips for German Language Learning Read More »
When I visited the Mashantucket Pequot Museum in 2005 for the first time it made an impression. The building is massive and the architecture, which features more windows than you can count, is certainly eye-catching. The exhibits on display are interesting as well as well-curated. There are also many elements of interactive technology to make
Museum Visit: Mashantucket Pequot Museum Read More »
While my general music preferences tend to be rather “moody,” shall we say, there’s something to be said about a high energy band with an infectious melody and lyrics you can’t get out of your head. And, from my experience, there is no better way to absorb the German language (or any foreign language, for
German Music: Mega! Mega! Read More »
If you’re a boat-buff or simply enjoy visiting historic sites, then Mystic Seaport is for you. Even landlubbers will enjoy it. The museum was founded in 1929 and consists of a recreation of a 19th century village complete with marina, shipyard and lighthouse. And did I mention boats? There are plenty of ships, including four
Visiting Mystic Seaport in Connecticut Read More »
