The opportunity to spend Christmas with my dear nephew and his family was extraordinary. He’s more like a son to me. We talk, we laugh and just being with him is a joy. Watching them open presents brings back memories with my own children.
I had some trepidation about Germany and a few adventures in my travel plans. One important note to share is that Frankfurt has 2 airports! And although I have flown into Frankfurt years ago, I assumed I was flying into the large main airport. No. My nephew was waiting at the large city airport as he thought the same as I. But we both were wrong and realized that little fact about the same time as I was landing! Local regional airline Ryanair flies into a small airport 60+ miles from Frankfurt! So with a great stroke of luck, I found the shuttle that would get me to the ‘real’ Frankfurt airport! Around midnight, quick taxi and voila!! The adventure begins!
Some backstory is needed here…my nephew works for the US State Dept. He’s fortunately married to a beautiful talented Argentinian woman and they have two children. Beautiful family. They live in various countries as he’s stationed at various consulates. And tomorrow is a tour of the Frankfurt consulate which is quite large. I’m psyched! No photos allowed but I will give you a small tour with vivid descriptions.
Germany is cold. No snow here now. A bit windy. Frankfurt was heavily bombed during WWII. They rebuilt and it’s amazing. They recreated some of the historic ’row’ houses in typically old styles. And many new ones. The downtown area and the Rhine River are lovely and vibrant. The main train station is huge and many fast trains. The local trains are awesome. We are in a suburb of Frankfurt on a consulate compound that is really very nice. More later on that.
Yes. I am slipping on the language (I studied the language in high school and remember just enough to be annoying to the Germans…). And I fall back onto the ‘Grazie’ and ‘sì’ and ‘ciao’ ! Then I catch myself and say the German equivalent. Generally the German smiles. But interestingly they walk past me, look at me directly and say nothing. No expression and no words. I find I miss that Italian acknowledgement! This is just their way.
The decorations are everywhere and it’s quaint and lovely. We’ll get to the German restaurant before I go!!
Frohe Weihnachten und ein gesundes Neues Jahr!!
Looks like a wonderful time! Your nephew sounds like he has one of the best jobs ever. To think….I could have gone into government and served by living among various societies.
Did you meet up with Carla?
Yes. Next blog!