Frankfurters and Currywurst

Germany! Full of surprisingly happy people, fascinating history, and delicious foodies... It's always about the food. My family and I would joke growing up that our vacation memories were always somehow tied to food. Oh Disneyland? That's where we discovered Del Taco. Traveling to Salt Lake as a kid?? Hello Maddox chicken fried steak. Oregon Coast? Tillamook ice cream. Daily.

Europe with Harmon is no different. In fact, pretty much everywhere we go is tied to food. Athens: souvlaki, gyros, and fresh Greek salads. Italy: gelato, pasta, gelato, and gelato. Austria: weiner schnitzel! Germany?? 

 

Leberkäse. "Liver cheese." Sound yummy? LOOK yummy? We didn't think so either, but the 15 people lining up outside the store to buy a slice didn't think so. We gave in and tried this....spam loaf?? It turned out to be actually slightly delicious.

Schneeballs, already described in the last post.... And quite plainly the bottom of the dessert totem pole.

Butterpretzels. Mother would be ashamed... But the Germans (or any European for that matter) don't eat pretzels with the disgusting nacho cheese that isn't really cheese at all. They saw the freshly baked pretzel in half and spread butter on it. We enjoyed several...

Currywurst!!! It's basically a hotdog (not as sketchy though) with a curry-like ketchup sauce on top. Quite delicious! And inexpensive! We enjoyed this at a castle... No biggie.

Germany had more than delicious and interesting foods... It had amazing scenery! In the Frankfurt area, while staying with a new found friend, we enjoyed a "cruise" on the Rhine river. 

This wasn't just any cruise though. We were out to see CASTLES! The best castle viewing on the Rhine is between Bingen and St. Goar. We were not disappointed!

And this only took us about an hour and a half! We saw castle after castle right on the shore... It was difficult to get merchandise through back in the day, as the kings imposed tolls on trade ships. 

After finishing the cruise we hiked up to another castle, Berg Eltz. 

We found out there was no bus to the castle from the train station, so we walked. Good thing the castle is nestled back in a beautiful hillside! I felt like I was in Island park again!

We also made it not only to church...

But to the Frankfurt Temple!

 

"The work will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent." I am so happy to see it rolling forth to touch every corner of this earth! 

Traveling Wisdom:

Try new foods, ESPECIALLY when all the locals are lining up to eat it.

Wear a wind resistant jacket on the Rhine cruise... Or you will freeze.

Americans have a rep for a reason. Yes, I am talking to the group that overtook the boat and engulfed us in there talk of breakups and cat fights. We are too loud and slightly self centered. :)

Look for cheap lodging options... We used Mormon Explorer and it has worked for us more than once!