Germany

We finally made it to Germany. We dropped our rental car off in Metz- and caught our train without any problems- or so we thought. Just as the train was leaving for Luxembourg Blythe looked at us and said “I left my camera in the back seat pocket of the car”  Well the train was moving and there was no way we could get off- Patrick and I debated on going back, but we would miss the last connection to Koblenz our final destination- (it wasn’t our first choice of towns- but it is holiday season here so you take what you can get). We got to our hotel in Koblenz and called Alamo in Metz. Needless to say the conversation was a little hard, and all we knew was that they found a camera but it didn’t sound like hers. So I once again called on Isabelle (one of my French cousins) to save the day. She has solved all our problems and will pick up the camera and send it to us. What would we do without her? Back to Germany—we got to our hotel and it was a new hotel that is very modern and the girls love it- lots of bright colors and cool art work all over the place—so we went from a historical French chateau to IKEA home— Koblenz has turned out to be wonderful. It is a very old city that has some very cool things to see- It is at the point where the Mosel and Rhine Rivers meet. There are castles all over the place. Today we went up a cable car to one of the oldest castles in Germany 1000 A.D. We rode the cable car up to the fortress and ate at the restaurant at the top. They are renovating the fortress so it is closed right now- they are hosting a big Botanical Festival in 2011 and are preparing for it all over town. Patrick was very happy to finally get his bratwurst and beer. It was so much fun to sit up there overlooking the city and watching the boats go up and down the rivers. We even got pictures of the differences in the water from each river (that was pretty cool). Tonight we did laundry (we had to have clean clothes) and picked up a gift for Tucker—HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY TUCKER!! Sorry we couldn’t call you yesterday- we miss you and will call when we get home. We are heading to another castle tomorrow and then some more shopping before heading to Denmark to visit the Hojens. We have had a great time in Germany—great beer, nice people, beautiful castles. That is what we came for so I would call it a complete success.

Europe is Going Green in a Big Way

Of course the Danley’s – well at least Patrick and I couldn’t go through Europe without looking into their green or eco-friendly technologies. Europe is GREEN with a capital G! We have seen They take this seriously. Everywhere we go we see people recycling centers, a very cool eco-art studio, and wind power all over the place. The US has a lot to learn from the Europeans. recycling everything- from glass drop off stations in even the most remote areas of the countries, to wind power stations all over the country side. People riding bikes and driving small diesel cars, and WALKING everywhere. Their transportation systems are so much more advanced than ours. You can get just about anywhere here on a bus, train, boat, or bike. It makes you realize just how far we have to go. We have taken pictures of the strangest things- I’m sure they think we are crazy taking pictures of trash containers and glass recycling stations—you should see some of the looks we get—not to mention how embarrassed the girls have gotten at times when we stop and take picture after picture of a trash can 

Concentration Camp

On our last day in Metz we traveled to Natzweiler-Struthof. It was a concentration camp during WWII. Located in the mountains of France. The drive to get there was amazing. We went through a protected forest and winding roads to the top of the mountain. There in this most beautiful landscape the greatest human tragedy occurred. It was very moving and upsetting. We walked the camp in silence with all the other visitors – all trying to imagine how 50,000 people could have been forced to occupy such a small area. When we told the girls that was like all the people in Vestavia in bunkers on this small 3 acre area- then they realized how horrible it was. All of the barracks except one that houses a museum have been torn down. The SS officer’s quarters, the gas chambers, and the crematorium are still there—it was just awful. I think we all imagine what it is like, from the stories and pictures from the books we have read- but until you actually walk through one of the camps and see the scale of horror that took place can you really understand. It is a day none of us will ever forget- nor should any of us.

Chateau d'Alteville

Have you ever pictured a chateau in the French country side? Well, we stayed in the most amazing place while in Metz visiting family. Set in the country between two villages sits Chateau d’Alteville. Owned by the Barthelemy family for generations. It is a 150 year old chateau with picturesque views and the most amazing family that takes care of you. David and his family roll out the red carpet for their visitors. We loved it so much we stayed an extra day. The house is amazing. Part of the chateau was built in the 1500’s and still has the portal holes that were used to protect it against invaders. The house has a rich history- occupied by David’s family for generations- it was once home to David’s great great grandfather that was a general in Napoleon’s army. He won a battle for Napoleon in Italy and in return Napoleon gave him a huge painting that now hangs in the salon. The house was also taken by the Germans during WWII and David’s grandmother was forced to leave with her 7 children. Thankfully the house was not destroyed, but they left the Germans left their mark for sure. The rooms were perfect- just like you would think. Cozy, warm, and full of history- in our room we had a painting that was painted in the 1800’s. The girl’s room had a canopy bed and was full of beautiful antiques. For breakfast each morning we sat down to the traditional French bread, homemade marabella jam, coffee and great conversation with travelers for England, Holland, and France. It was a real treat. David’s family all help out during the summer months so we were able to meet some of his nieces and nephews. The swans on the lake and the sun rising over the hills were breath taking. David was also an incredible wealth of information and helped us get our train tickets straightened out when we kept getting kicked off the internet by the Eurail people—Thank You David! If we ever come back to France (which we hope to do someday) we will definitely stay here again. It was so close to my family and a great get away after being in the hustle and bustle of Paris. Devyn and Blythe both wanted to move in  Of course they had a dog and cats  Thank you Barthelemy family for all your hospitality- we loved our time together.

Schweyen

Today we went to the village of Schweyen (population 350 and growing :) This is the village where my ancestors are from- and I still have relatives that live there- but we are related to most of the town. The village is a story book town- it is only 500 meters from the German border. During the WWI and WWII the village was occupied by the French, Germans, and American armies at different times. In WWII Schweyen was destroyed by the troops, but later rebuilt. My family gave me 2 volumes of history during our visit --in French of course-- I have vowed to take French lessons and one day read the books- I think I may have set the bar a little high- the books are quite extensive. They even have a picture of my Great great grandfather and grandmother in the book- The day was cool, but the sun came out and warmed everything up. We met everyone at Leon and Jeannine’s home for lunch- Jennifer and Thibaut joined us for the meal. It was lovely. Again, they rolled out the royal treatment for us- we have been treated like kings and queens for sure-- we had another 5 course meal (each part of the meal accompanied by it’s own special wine). Let’s just say by the end of the day not only were Patrick and I stuffed so was the rest of the family. Again, it was just like being at home during a celebration. Food, Fun, and Full of Life-- Colette and Isabelle once again translated for us, but as the day went on we were all starting to understand each other more and the girls were really starting to practice their French. They named all the fruits and vegetables in Leon’s garden :) (a little joke). We then walked to the cemetery where I was able to see all my ancestors graves- very touching and amazing to see so many Buchheit names- This is where I came from-- this very place-- and all these years later here I am to see it and experience where it all began-- it is very hard to describe. We then continued on to the church. Very beautiful and Rene and Leon gave us the history. We then walked over to Jean-Marie and Evelyne’s home for more champagne and a special cake that their mother made every Friday when they were children. The girls were in heaven -Evelyne has 7 cats-- so you all know where Devyn was. Jean-Marie we want to thank you for coming back from your Berlin business trip to see us. Thank you to all the cousins for the most amazing time- we were so honored and felt so welcomed by everyone -- They all send their love and greetings to Mom, Nancy, and MaryLavon and they can’t wait for the 3 crazy sisters to come back to visit again. I hope that some of the French cousins will be able to visit us in the USA one day and we can return the hospitality. We ended the day with a trip to the highest point in Schweyen to visit the Notre-Dame de Fatima, a beautiful monument that Leon and Jeannine care for. While looking over the French country side into Germany we said our good-byes-- it was one of the most incredible experiences of our lives- We will forever hold these two days in a special place in our hearts. To the rest of the US family- you must come to this place one day and see for yourselves how truly special it is. Tomorrow we are staying in Alsace to catch our breath and plan our next few stops on our trip -- watch out Germany here we come...I can’t imagine this trip getting any better. I will post again in a few days. Hugs and Kisses -- The Danley’s

Meeting our French Family

Today we arrived in Metz on time and got our rental car. Isabelle one of my French cousins met us at the train station and led us to Creutzwald. Thank goodness she was there - we had a time just driving the car - we would have never made it without her. The French country side is like pictures from a movie. Each little village we passed was perfectly manicured and covered in the most beautiful flowers. Once we arrived at the home of Roger and Louise we met everyone else-- what can I say but it was HOME. Mom the girls said it was like being at your house- full of love, laughter, and lots going on- and it was. Everyone was so nice, and we were able to communicate just fine- my cousins that are my age all speak some English and several of them speak very well- Eric, Isabelle, Colette, Sylvie, Evelyne, and Mirelle THANK YOU . Our understanding of French is getting much better and their English was super. We spent the afternoon exchanging gifts, photos, and stories about the family. It was a very special day. We ate foie gras (delicious), amazing local cheeses, coq au vin, and drank many wines from the Alsace region. We also learned a very important French custom --you must ALWAYS empty the glass completely before you get more- and NEVER mix wines, always have two glasses on the table-- Hey I think that is a great custom-- The desserts were not only delicious but also beautiful- all homemade and some with special fruits (mirabella) from Alsace. All regional food from the area of France where my family is from- I’m stopping by the store before we leave to pick up this very yummy pasta (spaetzle) that is only made in this very small region. We ate, and ate, and drank and drank-- all the while the children played and talked - everyone was Blythe and Devyn’s age- they were able to sit and talk with the use of a translator on the I-Touch and a big French dictionary (what would the Buchheit grandparents think about that :). By the end of the day they were all talking and friending each other on Facebook- (we all thought that was pretty neat). Now another generation is connected and will be able to continue this family tree. The afternoon is hard to describe, because it was so wonderful. I know our grandparents would be proud that the family is still a part of each others lives. For Patrick he felt very at home and as usual overwhelmed by all the commotion-- just like at the lake. He met a friend in Alain, Sylvie’s husband. They were so much alike- and had fun joking at the table. Jeff-- the girls said he reminds them of you- funny and the life of the party. We took the traditional family picture on the bridge in Roger’s backyard and then we then went over to Rene and Marie-Louise’s home for more wine and an amazing history lesson on the family. Rene has traced our family back to the 1500’s -- and the family has worked and lived in this one area of France for the most part. Let me just say that I have 53 pages of genealogy to bring home with me- Mom, Nancy, and MaryLavon we have lots of reading to do :) You will all be amazed at what he has done. From Adam Buchheit there have been more than 500 children, grandchildren, great grand children, great-great grand children, etc... We are quite a large family-- and so alike in so many ways. Mathilde and Alain came over for a quick visit a few more laughs and family stories-- and then it was time for us to leave so we wouldn’t get lost on our way to our hotel in the dark- Chateau de’Auberville. A castle and fort built in stages from the 1550’s to the 1750’s in the French country side-- again just incredible. We can’t wait to see it in the daylight. Thanks to Eric for working the GPS system we made it without too many U-turns :) You know American’s can’t follow directions. Tomorrow we will be meeting more family in Schweyen. The actual village where we are from- a total of 350 people and we are related in some way to almost everyone there. Today was a day that we will cherish the rest of our lives. It was the perfect day! The Danley’s

Good-bye to Paris

Now that is better :)

Yesterday was our final day in Paris. We spent the morning at Notre Dame which was incredible. The girls thought that the cathedral was magnificent. The stained glass windows and the arches were so overwhelming- Devyn took more than 100 pictures - and we were there just in time to hear a choir practice for an up coming concert- that was very special. After Notre Dame we ate lunch in a lovely little cafe across the street. Blythe ordered hot dogs (she was quite surprised by her order)- it was a entire bagett covered with cheese with two sausages inside- it was very yummy and she said she wants to make those kind when she gets home-I guess we will bring a little part of Paris back with us. We then went shopping for some great Paris souvenirs and then went back for a quick rest before going to the Eiffel Tower at dusk. We met some very interesting people while in line for tickets. Several backpackers one from New York and a nice couple from Belgium. She was completing her PhD in the study of Roman coins (now that is being specialized). We then went up the tower and took another 300 pictures. While we on the observation deck the light show began-- what more can I say - as you can see by the picture it was just beautiful. We made it back to our hotel on the Metro without getting lost (which was a plus) and packed for our train ride to Metz. Our day was a complete success- and Paris has been more than we expected.

** Now of course the Eiffel Tower has not fallen down- import difficulties-- but you get the point.

Waterloo and More

Sorry we didn't post last night- welcome to the wonderful world of European technology. We have had a tough time with anything modern :) Anyway, we are still having a great time. Today was our last day in Brussels we leave in the morning to go to Paris. We have LOVED Brussels. The people are very nice and the city is amazing. Yesterday we spent the day once again on a money search-- we can't wait to get to Paris and cash in all the $ -- Living day to day on a few euro has been tough, but on our search we found some great places- so I guess it was meant to be. We went to a beautiful open air market- thousands of vendors-- I mean thousands. Flowers, food, fabric- you name it they had it. It was so much fun. We finally found money and booked a ticket to Waterloo (which was the whole point of our quest to begin with). We made it to a little town of Wellington and then took a bus ride to Waterloo-- We just happen to arrive on a day when they were have a reinactment of the battle. Everyone loved it-- Patrick especially-- Blythe said the cannons were TOO loud. We also met a nice gentleman from China, that we rode the bus with- it is so fun meeting all these people from all over the world. We then made our way back to Brussles before night fall and found another Turkish deli to grab a bite before bed.

Today we spent our day just touring the places we didn't get to see yet. We went to the City Center-- AMAZING!! The buildings were built in the 1500's and they are still in use today- it was so beautiful. We spent the day just walking the streets and searching for that perfect trinket to bring back home-- of course we had to stop several times for chocolate and a few beers-- We have had a great time here, met some great new friends, and have all vowed to come back again someday-- with only euros in our pockets of course-- Will check back in a few days with you guys-- we have a big day of travel and a BIG suprise for the girls tomorrow when we get to Paris---- Until then we miss you all and wish you were here with us.

The Danley's

Awesome time to be had in Belgium

Today began with a yummy breakfast at our hotel and then on to our B & B. Lovely old home (150 years old)- great family from Madagascar are our hosts. They are wonderful and the rooms are jolie/beautiful. We are having a great time. We went to the museum of fine art today and saw a Rembrandt and a big sphere made out of beetles- not the singers the real insects-- as you can see in the picture-- very cool. We then went all over town trying to convert money- because US dollars are worthless here (of course) and it was a bank holiday (of course) but finally the nice lady at the Best Western felt sorry for us and gave us some Euros Yea!! We will always stay in Best Westerns from now on. We also met some fellow Yanks from Louisiana. It was nice to have someone to speak English with- they were also fun people. The day ended with us eating at a Turkish Pizza place- yes they make amazing pizza. Patrick ordered some type of meat pizza- we couldn't understand them and vice versa--we aren't sure what kind of meat it was-- there were several pictures of cats on the wall -- so watch out Louie and Zac -- daddy ate the whole thing :) We are now back at our B and B and are enjoying our Belgium chocolate and getting ready for bed--We are off tomorrow to Waterloo- our first train ride -wish us luck-- it will be yet another adventure for the Danley's. We will check in soon. Much love - the Danley gang

BRUSSLES IS BEAUTIFUL

We made it! Boy what a long plane ride, but the girls were real troopers. We got here about 8:40 this morning and our bags made it with us- that was a great surprise. We cleared customs and met our limo to the hotel without a hitch. We were exhausted- so we rested a while and then took an afternoon tour (hop on hop off) in a double decker bus. It was fun, but it is cool here and the girls were freezing and needed food-- so we cut our tour short and found a good American burger-- We needed that more than you can imagine after 20 plus hours of travel-- we will wait for tomorrow to test out the local cuisine. Our hotel is in the center of everything. The Cathedral of St. Michael is right across the street. Devyn has already taken over 200 pictures. After only a few hours here, we have fallen in love with the people and sights of Brussels- a great first stop on our trip. We will check in again in the next few days, but for now the adventure is great!-- The Danley's

Last Minute Packing

Of course the Danley's have never been known for being very organized- and it shows! We are finally putting things in suitcases-- Hopefully everything will be sealed by 7pm tonight. If we don't have it yet-- we will just wing it. Thanks to our more organized family (Mom and Roy) and friends (Willard's and Clancy's) we have all the essentials-What would we do without you all? Thank you for all the suitcases, luggage tags, converters, etc... Keeping us on track has been a full time job for many of you - we will update again tomorrow during our travels- wish us luck --We feel like the Griswolds

Ready, Set, GO!

We are all getting excited about our trip and the countdown has begun-- only 7 days. We have our tickets in hand, and are packing for our 20 days in Europe.