Category Archives: Germany

Mittelalterliches Burggrabenfest in Nürnberg

While roaming the city of Nuremberg, Germany, we stumbled upon three people dressed up in medieval clothing. When we asked if we could take a photo of them and asked why they were dressed that way, they told us that they were headed to the Medieval festival by the Nuremberg castle. Since we didn’t have a schedule for that day, we headed off to check out the festival.

It was really hard to find the entrance to the fest and had to ask around. When we came upon the entrance point, we realized that it was €6 per person just for admission. We thought it was pricey, but thought what other times would I have to opportunity to check out an authentic medieval festival, right at the castle? So we decided to go in.

Admission:
0-3 years old are free
4-12 years old €3
13-100 years old €6
Family (2 adults, 2 child) €15

This year was the 10th year of the festival, taking place from Sept 12th-14th. The festival is separated into 3 sections;

Kids’ world: lots of games and shows to keep the little ones entertained
Magic world: performances such as fire circus, musical entertainment and flags
Arena: battle performances, bird shows

If you want to experience some authentic Bavarian festival, go check this festival out.

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Trip to Deutchland (Germany)

My first trip to Germany and the second time to Europe. It’s always very exciting to see other cultures and travel around. So many things to see and experience. This post gives a summary of my trip which was in May 2013.

The smoking rules aren’t strict like here in Vancouver, so those that are sensitive may have issues, and I have heard from friends that that was their complaint. Although I hear that the water system is pristine in Germany – as with many things in Germany, I didn’t drink any tap water as I have heard bad experiences with drinking tap water in Europe. Although it was probably safe in Germany, I didn’t want to take any risk on my vacation. I know myself that I have an extremely weak stomach and immune system, so I stuck to bottled water or my new favourite drink Apfelschorle also Apfelsaftschorle. (apple juice with soda).

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The first drink at Frankfurt train station. Latte Machiatto~ became my favourite coffee drink!! :D So creamy! idearabbit-deutschland2 idearabbit-deutschland3

Yup, they do have Starbucks, our free Wi-Fi supplier :) idearabbit-deutschland4 idearabbit-deutschland5McDonald’s. Yes, I was able to order Gartensalat bitte (Garden Salad please) in German (though it’s missing the infinite article lol)

In Bavaria, there were hardly any kids and lots of seniors around, and was interesting to see disappearing or empty towns. The oddest thing is that they were well kept and looked tidy, as if there was a caretaker for the almost abandoned towns.

It rained many of the days we were there, and a bit chilly compared to friends that went the year before. I don’t have experience pollen allergy here in Canada, but I do seem to have a bit in Germany (I know I have it in Japan). It was hard to find free Wi-Fi sometimes – Starbucks became your friend at these times :) Paying to go to the toilet was a bit of nuisance… some were more secure than getting aboard a plane… Cakes were really sweet, and I kept having sugar crashes.

Nurnberg
I enjoyed Numberg the most. The most memorable. Historical and what you expected European cities to look like. Beautiful place yo visit on sunny weekend with Small markets. Good souvenirs shops and cafe. But you can always count on McDonald or Starbucks if ever in doubt. very tourist location.

Berlin
East Berlin had grafitti everywhere. The buildings looked old and uncared for. Seems like some were falling apart, or weren’t even inhabited though that wasn’t the case. I noticed there were quite a number of mothers with infants, otherwise it was quiet and deserted for the most part. Berlin overall was significantly cheaper,  especially in the east. A plate of Asian noodles was 2.50 Euros. For most travelers or those packaged tours, you rarely get to see the East side. I was fortunate to see the ‘real’ side but even Sheepie was reluctant to go as it’s not really the safest part of the city to go to. I did see quite a number of skin heads or gang looking people. I don’t recommend going unless you know your way around.

West Berlin on the other hand seemed like a modern city. Lively with your typical malls, restaurants, stores and lots of people – foreign travelers in the main attraction areas. All day pass for Berlin transit is 6.50 Euro – a great way of going around to places without having to buy a ticket every time, or worrying about expired tickets.

Munich
Spent the least time here, but we did visit the famous The Glockenspiel (clock tower). We didn’t do a whole lot of sightseeing as we were in town to meet Sheepie’s relatives and friends. So instead, I did get to see how Germans lived. All homes that I went to in Germany had the powder room at the entrance of the house. All houses are made of stone, though the inside could be a mixture of stone or wood. All of them were kept well and clean.

Frankfurt
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see much of Frankfurt except for the airport x_x

We experienced some heavy rainfalls, and even some floods on the roads. We saw later on in the news when we got home to Vancouver that the situation had gotten much worse, so good timing! I wished I had know a little bit more German than the simple ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ as we spent a great deal with Sheepie’s relatives, friends and co-workers. I have been trying to learn more, more but quite difficult when you don’t live in Germany.

Hanok in Berlin, Germany

Hanok
Kurfurstendamm 134, 10711 Berlin, 10711 Berlin, Germany

Located in the west side of Berlin. It had a very modern decor and tranquil atmosphere. I was kind of surprised to see the restaurant completely empty which was on the very busy street of Kurfürstendamm. There was quite a bit of pedestrians walking by, so I wondered if the service or food was bad, or that Germans weren’t accustom to Korean cuisine.

Having grown up where you’re surrounded by Asians who spoke their native tongue (be it their Asian language or English), but never German, it was an interesting experience. I tried my best to say some things in Korean…at least I was able to order my dish saying 이것 주세요 (This please.) as I pointed to the menu. LOL…hahaha…

The dishes’ portions were small, but good. The banchan (side dishes – typically you get small 4-5 side dishes with kimchi, potato, salad, cooked yam, etc that you can eat with your meal) which are usually free to refill in Vancouver, were extra in Hanok – or perhaps in Germany…

The server could tell I was a foreigner, and gave us two refills for 2 banchan at no extra cost :) heehee

It was interesting to go to an Asian restaurant in Germany. I’d recommend it to anyone who’s craving Korean cuisine to those craving some Asian taste.

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Bare restaurant, but decorated really nicely

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Asian food in Germany! :D

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Food Taste: carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot  Price for Value: carrotcarrotcarrot

Atmosphere: carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot  Service: carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot
Location: carrotcarrotcarrotcarrot