St Wendel Easter Market

After missing the St Wendel Christmas Market in the winter due to a tragic mishap of gas, I desperately wanted to check out this cute towns Easter market when I heard about it! 

We found the Easter market and a parking garage and headed out to explore. The smell of food in the air instantly made you excited! We walked past a few stands of cute Easter items and quickly found those amazing smells. The food stand nearby was grilling several different types of sausages and that easily became our first stop. I asked the woman "Was empfehlen Sie?" And she without hesitation said "Käsewurst!". 

I said awesome! I took the Käsewurst and went on my way strolling through the market with my friend Adryia. We both bit into our juicy sausage that had bits of cheese embedded in it! It was piping hot and fresh and the flavors were amazing! I was instantly satisfied from stop #1! 

But of course we moved on.

There were awesome items for sale. So many unique things that you just can't decide on anything! There was wood carvings of things for a backyard like owls and other items but the Harley was the coolest and made me think of my dad!

The chocolate lady had amazing Easter chocolates and very large bunnies and other objects all made of chocolate. I couldn't resist the options and bought some small bags for later!

Adryia & I got distracted by an egg liquor stand that had some interesting beverages on the menu. The eierlikör was kind of similar to an eggnog but extremely intense like the strongest spiked eggnog you've ever had! It was a bit too strong for us but we threw it back and snacked on our cute mini cone cups.

The things you can buy there range immensely but there are amazing hand painted eggs, egg candles, Easter signs, and other items for decoration not Easter related. We saw a really neat wine rack that caught my eye made of real wood.

Among our wandering we came across a little tent that had a crowd of people so we followed. Inside was an exhibit with small diagrams of bunnies and other neat scenes that it looks like people submitted. It was really cool to see the creativity and competition among the locals. On the way out people were dropping coins in a basket so we did the same. I'm sure the funds to back into creating the mini museum or to the contributors. 

We stopped for a beer and potato pancakes. More food.... of course! I really wanted flammkuchen but I just couldn't fit it in my belly! We didn't buy much in regards to household items and decoration but I saw a lot of really cool things that I would like to get for gifts for others. Overall the food and environment at Sainkt Wendel was the experience. It was lively and happy. Visitors had their dogs, and families in tow. It was a very welcome market and I would definitely go back! 

Houmont/Bastogne, Belgium

Our morning started with meeting a bus at Antonios squadron at 6am. A little early for a weekend. But I sacrificed my sleep time to make this trip! 3 hours later the bus arrived at Houmont. This is where the Dead Man's Ridge Walk is held annually. 

We got there just in time for the ceremony. VIP cars pulled up with a couple American veterans and families inside. There was members of the USAF Color Guard and other European Military holding their flags. They had a few speeches and then a national anthem of various countries played. It was hard to hear everything because the speaker was low and the crowd noise. Overall we clapped along and took in as much as we could hear.

Right after the ceremony people started the trek. 4 or 10 mile option. We chose 4... Because it was freezing out and slightly miserable. My hands and toes were frozen and my face was getting beat with sprinkling rain and cold wind. But I sucked it up and walked faster. Through grass then rock then muddy mushy trails! Trying to find where I'm going to step next without slipping in mud or hurting myself. 

The sun peaked out about half way through our walk and it was really nice once it warmed up a little! The serene woods was really enjoyable once the weather let up. We were happily greeted with beer and food at the event site. We paid a couple bucks for beer and even had a round on Antonio's boss. It was a fun relaxing end to the walk!

We met people inside the tent from other military communities. One family rode a bus throughout the night from Stuttgart. 

The Veteran we spoke with was the coolest most humble man. He served in the Army for a few years but did not make a career out of the military. He fought in 4 battles. He flew out to the event from Texas. His daughters said he loves coming to this every year. But she did confess it's exhausting. They go non stop from one event to the other. She said its a week or two of just go go go. People were lining up to take photos with them, shake their hands and thank them for their service and sacrifice. The old vet I took a photo with told our friend Amy "it was my pleasure!" when she thanked him for his service. Truly a honorablr humble man! 

Overall the time spent there was just a humbling experience. Really makes you appreciate those who fought back then when things were entirely different and those who also paid the ultimate sacrifice. 

There were old photos on a slideshow playing and other memorabilia all over the walls inside the hall. Lots of history. The tent outside sold signs and old military clothing. There were vehicles on display and re-enactors around. 

We departed Houmont mid-afternoon to visit Bastogne before heading back home. It was a quick 15 minute bus ride.

We started in the city center where there was a tourist center and a tank. The tank had real holes caused by live fire from the war. It was insane to put your fist through the hole and see that it goes inside the tank!

The tourist center had some cool souvenirs and information. There is museums close by and a ton of restaurants. It was hard to narrow down the options so we just set off on foot!

A Belgian waffle was an easy first decision! We also visited a chocolate shop, Butcher shop (with samples of amazing ham), a pastry shop and a couple restaurants. We ate frites and had beer at Le Nuts. Le Nuts was particularly unique because they serve Airborne beer that comes with a helmet you drink out of. You can purchase one as a souvenir along with the beer if you'd like. For dinner had pizza at an Italian place! Being "full" was an understatement after this food binge!

We came home with a variety of chocolates for our extended enjoyment of Belgium! Amy made sure to stop off for baked goods and macaroons as well! We had such a great day and ate entirely too much! Again the food and beer here left everyone happy!

Another great day trip on the books complete. 😄

London Day 3

Day 3 was back on our grind... seeing as much as we could but still enjoying ourselves and the "vacation".

We started @ Buckingham Palace because I desperately wanted to see the changing of the guards ceremony. It occurs less often in the winter season and our last day just so happened to have one. So off we went early in the morning to grab a spot and await the tradition and parade! When we arrived at our station after a few tube stops we got to walking. We followed the crowd because it seemed everyone had the same ideas as us to 'arrive early'. As we got closer to the palace it was PACKED!

I kind of quickly gave up hope that we would find a good seat to see it all. But we settled in and relaxed, camera ready! 

When they were clearing people out of the street for the parade cops on horses were everywhere. One horse was headed straight toward us and never stopped!! I was scared until he stopped directly in front of our crowd and greeted anyone willing to pet him! The cop seemed less than thrilled atop the horse but he did ride his horse right up to us so obviously he enjoys pleasing the tourists right!?! 

After the frightening then exciting horse encounter we heard a band and saw a ton of soldiers following with their fluffy hats and guns in hand. It was really cool but the crowds made it a bit claustrophobic and unbearable. 

We headed out mid ceremony because there is a lot going on behind the gates. They walk past all the crowds, the gates open, then the gates shut behind them. You really need to be at the front of the gates to have a good view. On our way out we were able to walk by the gates and get a better look at what was going on during the change. Overall it was really cool just crazy. I can't even imagine the summer crowds. Bring your patient pants and go extra early. If you thought an hour was early like me you're thinking like every single other visitor to Buckingham Palace. Go even earlier!

Skipping out a tad early on Buckingham palace was really to get our day going! We didn't want to spend all afternoon in a crowd and not even seeing anything. Antonio was thirsty and hungry so we had to address that before he became Hangry! 

We headed back in our hop on hope off bus right around the corner from Buckingham Palace. We jumped on and road the bus around learning more about the city. When we got near London Bridge again it was a mutual thought to go back to the Ale & Pie Shop! We quenched our thirst and just filled up on some chips & gravy. It was just as amazing as our first visit the day prior. And I still want to go back! 

It was a gorgeous day so I stopped to snap a pick of Tower Bridge from the other side of the river when we were headed in to Tower of London.

Time was ticking and we had what felt like unlimited attractions to see. Tower of London was on my list and I really wanted to go. So we eliminated some other places we wanted to see to go there. We arrived about an hour before closing so time was tight. With Winter hours places usually close an hour or two earlier than Summer. We got the audio guide included in our London Pass and started learning. The guide was very informative and we enjoyed every step as we entered.

 

The Beefeaters are an easy distraction because they are walking around everywhere! 

You just want to take a photo or chat! Antonio wanted to stop off and talk to him and I happily obliged! He was friendly and helpful. We first found out a little about the place but the conversation quickly got personal. He wanted to know where Antonio was stationed and what he does. He could tell he was in the Military based on the questions Antonio was asking him. 

He had a disturbance in the Crown Jewels and said that is rare. But he came back to visit with us more. We snapped photos in front of the guards and were one of the last people let in to view all the jewlels. Another no photo exhibition. But it was beautiful inside and I got some info about the huge vault doors from the guards on my way out. It is much more complex than my fire retardant safes at the bank!

It was just such an awesome experience. We stayed late after the park was being closed & chatted with antonios new friend the entire way out. A young guy tried to sneak in without paying after closing and the Beefeaters were quickly all over him. He had no chance! They searched his back pack and everything. It was very entertaining. I enjoyed myself thoroughly. The beefeater told us he was going straight to the Pub after work for a pint with his colleagues. Seemed like an average day for them! 

The last full day in London was awesome! We grabbed dinner on our way home at a local Asian restaurant called Wagamama. It's a chain in the UK and I'd say overall it was really good.

We had a long day of travel back home the next morning so we tied a bow on end day to the trio very nicely and got some sleep. Breakfast in the AM was the hotel come bfast it was simple but was awesome ...everyday! 

We stopped for a Krispy Kreme on the way to the airport too! They don't have me in Germany! 

London was very good to us and we loved every person we met along the way! It was truly an awesome experience and we desperately want to go back!

Took some pics on my way out cuz I'm part of the team!! Hahaha

 

There is so much more we want to see and do next time!! I hope we can make it back soon!