We are finally on our last trip of our European stay. It is sad, but also very exciting, because it is our biggest trip yet. We have ten days of traveling fun, with Grandma and Grandpa Jensen. It includes traveling by train, car and boat to a total of 5 countries.
Our first stay is in Northern Germany, where we are now. We met Grandma and Grandpa at the Hamburg airport. It started as a five hour drive from our home, but turned into a 8.5 hour drive. By the time we reached G and G, we were all fried. Since our van is in the repair shop, we took our little Toyota, which made the trip extra "cozy." At the airport half of us stayed in the car, the other half transferred to the train and we met up in Lubeck, where we are spending three days.
After my mission 15 years ago, my parents came to spend some time in Germany and to pick me up. We traveled to my Dad's former mission, the North Germany mission and spent some time in Lubeck, where my Dad was a missionary 5o years ago. Since I had been here before, I knew what I wanted to see again.
The morning started out rough. The streets were packed! The roads were crowded and the skies opened up and let loose with rain. We quickly found refuge in a Marzipan shop, which had a small museum upstairs. We bought some yummy treats and watched a video on how Marzipan is made. We also went to the local puppet theater, which has a museum full of puppets from all countries and from all ages. The kids found some souvenirs, which is always the highlight for them.
We found a restaurant for lunch, called Jensen Bofhus. Of course, we had to give our patronage! We dined in the European style, taking our time, so that the skies could clear. The food, was more American than not. We had yummy steaks and a salad bar! The customer service was polite, kid friendly and reminded me of home. There was a play area adjacent to our table, the kids had their own crayons and coloring books. We stayed until we were all refreshed and the sun came out again.
Afterwards, we meandered back to the Puppet Theater for the 3pm show. That probably was the highlight of the day. Although the play was in German the kids enjoyed the funny antics of the cute characters. I was amazed at the skill of only two puppeteers. Taylor got scared, but I think he laughed more than he covered his eyes.
We ended the day with a boat trip around Lubeck. The river Trave surrounds the city and creates a moat. We had a great view of the sky line and river houses. It was a pleasant relaxing ride after long day on the go.
Today I am staying in Lubeck with the Taylor and Sadie, while Greg, his parents and Micah take a trip to Berlin.
20 hours ago
