A German Wedding

December 19-23, 2012

Shortly after returning from Iceland we hopped a flight destined for Stuttgart, Germany.  Our primary purpose in visiting Germany was to attend the wedding of Steven and Steffani De La Rosa.  When we arrive Steven, Steffani and Steven's sister, Amanda, took us to one of Germany's famed Christmas markets.  I had been told by numerous people that Germany's Christmas markets were a must see but had never been able to attend one.  I was, to say the least, excited.  Our German tour guides made sure we experienced everything Germany had to offer.  We drank Glühwein and ate sausage.  A German vendor sold us a kind of soft ginger bread.  We were told the English translation was Belly Bread.  It was giving to the children in East Germany during Soviet control.  At this time many people could not get enough food to eat.  This bread is made with few ingredients but is very filling, although not nutritious.  It served to stop the hunger pains but the children remained malnourished.

A large weihnachtspyramid

Our tour guides

Just a man and his music box

      The next day we attended Steven and Steffani's wedding.  Some of their friends were kind enough to translate and explain certain traditions.  It was a beautiful wedding, we were so happy we could attend.

The Bride and Groom in front of the courthouse

Chiseling open the "cake."  It was made out of the plaster that doctors use for casts and filled with coins and confetti.

 The next day Steven took us to the Fernsehturm Station Tower and the Ludwigsburg Palace.  Then we went to his apartment and Steffani taught us how to make Swabian noodles or, Spätzle.  Afterwards, we joined Steven's mother and sister for dinner. 

The Palace

View from the tower

Ed making noodles

after an amazing dinner