If I had intentionally tried to design and execute the *perfect* final Saturday plans for my stay here in Germany, I truly don't think they could have held a candle to the way things panned out for us yesterday. It was simply one of those days that, even while it has not yet finished, you know you will always remember it. We didn't meet any celebrities or purchase any extravagant gifts. We didn't break any world records or stare into the face of our own immortality. What we did do was spend time together, make memories, and share plenty of laughs.
As usual, we kicked Saturday off with breakfast. After breakfast, Lana and I hung around for a bit before we started our baking adventures. Our first baking project was simple- Rice Krispie Treats. We weren't able to get Rice Krispies cereal, so we used a version of Honey Smacks cereal instead. They are absolutely delicious, and I have come to the conclusion that virtually any cereal makes a good Treat with butter and marshmallows.
After making the "Honey Smacks Krispie Treats", we moved on to a German cookie called Kokosmakronen. I made sure to note the recipe so that I could make more in the United States. I will also share it with you!
After the Kokosmakronen, we also faced the task of making a Gingerbread House. We used powdered sugar and an egg white to make our own frosting/glue, and we decorated it like champions, if I do say so myself.
After all of our baked goodies were complete, my host family bundled up and traveled to Münster to visit the Christmas Markets. In Münster, there are many smaller Christmas Markets, so we visited several of them. I ate "Bratwurst mit Brötchen" and got two more souvenir mugs to take home.
After we got home from Münster, we ordered pizza. Nothing says Saturday night like eating pizza in your pajamas, right? At dinner, we also discovered the gifts that Nikolaus had left for us! In Germany, a version of Santa Claus, known as "Nikolaus", visits the houses on December 6th. Nikolaus brought me plenty of chocolate and a lovely new scarf!
Nikolaus brought Lana a new book, and an American Santa seems to have left her a new scarf, too! Margitta and Stephan received a bottle of special holiday cider from an American Santa, and Nikolaus brought each of them new fragrance!
Everyone had a wonderful time sharing a meal, opening gifts, singing songs, and spending quality time together on my last Saturday in Germany. Today, I will attend one more handball game to support Lana and prepare for my final days at Anne Frank Gymnasium.
Time is speeding by quickly, so we will make the most of what we have. I will write one more post before returning to the United States, so be sure to check back in for more stories and pictures.
Tschüss,
Johni (Mrs. L)