Tales from Nordrhein-Westfalen

So, the merry time is not quite over (still Sylvester-New Years Eve to go) but much has happened.
Christmas Eve was spent first at Scotty-Opa's house (around the corner) with Aunty Andrea and cousins Freddy (13) and Laura (20 or so), where we had 'Kaffee und Kuchen' (coffee and cake) in the little cosy living room with a fireplace etc

Freddy, Laura, Merle, Malin and I at Scotty-Opa's on Christmas Eve

We then came home for dinner, which was Rouladen (like schnitzel made into individual roasts) with gravy and so, and Rotkohl (red cabbage, sort of pickled and saucy) and Knödeln, like a type of dumpling, and potatoes. I'd made my pavlova that morning, which turned out okay...so we had that for dessert with about 5 different types of berries.

My pavlova being served up

Between dinner and dessert we all relocated to the lounge to open presents and so, where the sweet (real) christmas tree is, covered in only red decorations (which reflects the taste of Kerstin) and with real candles you only light at special times so the tree doesn't burn, which is comfortingly logical.

Malin and Merle singing Christmas songs on Christmas Eve

Udo, Kerstin and Merle opening presents

Ersteweihnachtsfeiertag (first xmas celebration day)- 25.12, was pretty relaxed in the morning, sleeping in, then we walked along the Wupper river, which is just around the corner (not altogether much to see at all in winter) and surprised Tante Andrea with a coffee visit, then rushed back home to get changed and go to Speckmausoma's house for an afternoon meal (also with Andrea, Freddy, Laura and this time Uncle Michael), which was fun. Also noted: this was not Frieda-Oma, whom I had thought we were seeing, but Speckmausoma, so as a result this poor lady received no christmas present on the right day because i took the wrong one. oops.

Everyone in the living room at Speckmausoma's

Laura (with pashmina over head), Speckmausoma's (second)husband, Uncle Michael (freddy & laura's dad and Andrea's husband), Speckmausoma, Kerstin, and Malin (with other pashmina over head)

The equivalent of Boxing Day was similar to the day before - we went at 12.30 or so a little into the hills to a gorgeous hotel and restaurant with Udo (host father)'s family - FRIEDA-Oma, and his brother Harald, sister-in law Verena and nephew Sebastian.

Udo, Harald, Verena and Kerstin at the restaurant

Sebastian outside the restaurant

the (blurry) outside of the hotel/restaurant

Afterwards, coffee and cake(torte) at Frieda-Oma's...and watched good old LOTR I at night. Made me miss home lots :.(

Frieda-Oma and Harald at Frieda-Oma's

Today (Wednesday 27.12) Malin and I went by train to Oberhausen, about 40 min or so away, to meet Ava and her exchange partner Lena for shopping and such things. Humongous shopping mall there, and hoards of people too, but lots of fun.

Malin and Ava at lunchtime in the food court

Lena

Ava, Lena and Malin

the inside of Centro, the shopping centre

lots of love to everyone
ox kim