Use Your Accent

It felt really good to be back in Freiburg! Even though most of our kids won’t remember this trip, it was important to us to take them to a place we hold so dear.

On our first day, without provocation, T1 wanted to buy a Bächle Boat. Even though we have three of these at home, we let each kid pick out one. It was the best €16 we ever spent! For the next three days, we never walked faster than a slow amble, while the kids “sailed” their boats in my most beloved aspect of this city, the Bächle.

T1 especially enjoyed launching his boat into every Bächle in town. Watching them love something that I loved so many years ago made my heart smile.

Joe and I compiled a list of all the things we wanted to see/do while back in Freiburg…aaaaaannndd….it was basically a bunch of eating and drinking at our favorite haunts! The kids were such troopers, just moving from one eating establishment to another! The weather was absolutely stunning…for most of our visit.

At our favorite wine joint, Joe came back to the table with a full glass, just delighted with himself: “I’ve still got it!” he exclaimed. I gave him a curious look. “I’m making jokes auf Deutsch left and right!” he chortled. At some point, many years ago, we had agreed that to successfully land jokes in another language required a certain level of fluency that we found admirable. Joe clearly left his linguistic inhibitions and humility back in England! 😉

As we drank in the view of the Münster and our wine, I noticed three retired ladies at the table next to us. They were enjoying themselves beyond measure. They were chatting, laughing, toasting themselves, and just loving the gemütlichkeit of a beautiful day! As we left, I stepped aside and exchanged a few words with the gals. To be very unhumble, I left them in stitches! Joe raised his eyebrows at me. “I still got it too, baby!” To be fair, wine makes everyone funnier.

We wanted to see the Black Forest again and hoped the kids would like a Rodelbahn ride. T1 loved it!! But after a few rounds with him, we decided T2 was still just a tad too young. Maybe next time, Punky.

We were so grateful that our favorite Strauβenwirtschaft was still in operation. The old broom is still there!

We even asked about the beloved boar, Emma. Thankfully, she is still alive and thriving! Although she has retired to the farm and doesn’t spend any time in the restaurant anymore.

Freiburg has certainly changed since our departure, but it’s also still the same. It was a delight to visit again and share this special place with our special people.